Comics character
Doc Stearn...Mr. Monster is a comic book featuring a superhero created by Michael T. Gilbert, most recently published by Dark Horse Comics.[1]
Publication history
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 Comics Vanguard Illustrated #7, dated July 1984. However, 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]
