Mr. Monster was derived from a Golden Age character created by Fred Kelly who appeared only twice in 1940s Canadian comic books (Triumph Comics #31, 1946, and Super-Duper Comics #3, 1947). After trademarking Mr. Monster, Gilbert heavily revised the character, creating a horror/humor hybrid which often featured heavy satire of both the horror genre and superhero comics in general.[2] The revised character first appeared in Pacific ComicsVanguard Illustrated #7, dated July 1984, but shortly afterwards Pacific folded, with its assets being taken over by Eclipse Comics. They offered Gilbert the opportunity to give the character a title of his own, initially planned as a January 1985 one-shot reprinting and completing the Vanguard storyline.[3] The series would become an ongoing, with Dave Stevens providing a cover for the second issue.[4] Eclipse also published a series of specials starring Mr. Monster,[5] and later a crossover issue pairing him with Airboy.[6]
From 1988 Gilbert left Eclipse, instead taking the character to Dark Horse Comics.[7]
Reception
Reviewing the first issue of the Eclipse series for Amazing Heroes, R.A. Jones felt the issue was missing a final spark despite its excellent art and otherwise solid writing.[8]
Ed Sample was positive about Airboy and Mr. Monster, though he noted Airboy took a less central role than expected.[9]
Mr. Monster's 3-D Triple Threat one-shot (Atlas), 1993.
Penthouse Max #3 (Penthouse), 1996.
Mr. Monster Presents: Crack-a-Boom! #1-3 (Caliber Comics), 1997.
Mr. Monster Vs. Gorzilla one-shot (Image Comics), 1998.
Mr. Monster's Gal Friday Kelly #1-3 (Image Comics), 2000.
Mr. Monster: His Books of Forbidden Knowledge Vol. 0 (TwoMorrows Publishing), 2001. Reprints all Mr. Monster stories from Dark Horse Presents (v. 1), as well as material from Crack-a-Boom! #s 1 and 2, Hero Illustrated #11, Trencher X-Mas Bites Special #1, and Mr. Monster Attacks! #2, along with new material.
Mr. Monster: Worlds War Two (Atomeka Press), 2004. Reprints Penthouse Max #3.
Mr. Monster: Who Watches the Garbagemen? (Atomeka), 2005. Reprints stories from Mr. Monster (Eclipse) #3 and 6, Mr. Monster Attacks! #1, and Mr. Monster's Gal Friday Kelly #3, along with new material.
