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Rob Harrell

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Monster On the Hill Kindle & comiXology

by Rob Harrell (Author, Artist) Format: Kindle Edition

4.6 111 ratings

Part of: Monster On the Hill

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"Really fun, goofy, extremely silly fantasy for readers of all ages, crying out for reviewers and critics to make appalling puns of the 'monstrously good' variety." -- Neil Gaiman

"Rob Harrell has jumped the fence from comic strips to graphic novels with ease, and brought with him wit, strong characters, and last minute twists. Funny, original, unexpected. And best of all: excellent monsters!" -- Jeff Smith, creator of Bone

In a fantastical 1860s England, every quiet little township is terrorized by a ferocious monster -- much to the townsfolk's delight! Each town's unique monster is a source of local pride, not to mention tourism.

Each town, that is... except for one. Unfortunately for the people of Stoker-on-Avon, their monster isn't quite as impressive. In fact, he's a little down in the dumps. Can the morose Rayburn get a monstrous makeover and become a proper horror? It's up to the eccentric Dr. Charles Wilkie and plucky street urchin Timothy to get him up to snuff, before a greater threat turns the whole town to kindling.

Monsters of all ages are sure to enjoy this tale about life's challenges, the power of friendship, and creative redemption, packed with epic battles and plenty of wild beasts!

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Stoker-on-Avon’s town monster, Rayburn, is down in the dumps. Rayburn hasn’t given a good scare in years, instead spending his days moping and sighing in his cave on the hill. It’s an embarrassment to the people of Stoker-on-Avon, and they send Dr. Wilkie, a disgraced, slightly mad scientist, to shape Rayburn up. Timmy, the precocious town crier, tags along and together they help Rayburn try to overcome his gloomies so he can start monstering again. First, they take Rayburn to visit his old friend Noodles, who is now the revered and terrifying Tentaculor (and who turns out to be a bit of a group-hugging softy), for some lessons in basic monster behavior. But while they’re gone, the Murk, a lurking creature who feeds on fear, stalks toward Stoker-on-Avon and wreaks havoc in Rayburn’s absence. Rayburn, Noodles, Wilkie, and Timmy have to band together to save the town, and, in the process, they restore Rayburn’s confidence and help him understand the importance of friendship. Younger readers will be delighted by Harrell’s silly story and cartoony characters. --Sarah Hunter

Review

"Really fun, goofy, extremely silly fantasy for readers of all ages, crying out for reviewers and critics to make appalling puns of the 'monstrously good' variety." -- Neil Gaiman

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00D2GJFSC
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Top Shelf Productions (July 24, 2013)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 24, 2013
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 492970 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 193 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #2,398,141 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #3,443 in Children's Comics & Graphic Novels (Kindle Store)
- #4,299 in Historical & Biographical Fiction Graphic Novels
- #7,802 in Fantasy Graphic Novels (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 111 ratings

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Rob Harrell

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Rob Harrell wrote and illustrated the middle grade novel Wink, as well as the Life of Zarf series. He also created the syndicated comic strip Big Top, and currently writes and draws the strip Adam@Home. Monster on the Hill - his first graphic novel - has been turned into the animated feature film Rumble, out now on Paramount+. These days, Harrell is hard at work on a series of Batpig graphic novels - spun off from comics created by the main character of Wink. Batpig: When Pigs Fly is out now, and Batpig: Too Pig to Fail will hit shelves in June of 2022. He lives in Zionsville, Indiana with his wife Amber and their dog, Shepler.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

111 global ratings

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Jennifer Birchett

Blown Away by the Fun!

Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2014

Verified Purchase

Bought this for my kid's 7th BD. I read it to him tonight. Ordinarily, I try NOT to read an entire book to him in one sitting but I could tell that resistance was futile tonight. He was so engrossed by the story, the characters, the artwork and humor it would have been cruel for me to quit. It took less than an hour to read about 200 pages. A word of warning for those parents that don't like curse words or even words like "sucks". This book has "hell" a few times and sucks just once. As in, "Mom, our monster sucks doesn't he." "Yes, son he does." LOL I mean come on, live a little. Don't let a few little words ruin what could be a great bonding time between you and your child. Written with a bit of Cockney accent, it helps to be able to imitate the English while reading.

3 people found this helpful

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Hutch

Great Condition

Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2022

Verified Purchase

Received the book promptly. Well packaged. Book is in excellent shape.

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Matthew

A well written story accompanied by fantastic artwork. The story is somewhat short but that ...

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2015

Verified Purchase

A well written story accompanied by fantastic artwork. The story is somewhat short but that is an innocuous detail that should not dissuade anyone from giving this a read. I just enjoyed it so much it should have lasted longer.

One person found this helpful

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Viewtopia

Delightful in every way

Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021

Verified Purchase

From the detailed illustrations to the whimsical story to the quirky humor, this comic book is enjoyable from start to finish. Turning the menacing-monster narrative on its head, the author creates a lovable cast of characters and an underdog story that is a treat for all ages.

Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2022

Great for reading.

Finding the courage to fight the monster called Depression

Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2021

Verified Purchase

I loved this comic. It has the warmth and heart of a children's book, without it being pandering to someone who has depression. Wonderful story and moments

Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2017

Verified Purchase

Great book for reluctant readers. Loads of fun and amazing illustrations.

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shifty

Hope There's A Sequel

Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2013

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Loved it!

The combination of puns and dry wit kept me chuckling all the way through. In an earlier review, someone mentioned that the humour has a very British feel to it. I would definitely agree with that.

The artwork is excellent, and honestly, the monsters facial expressions in during some situations are just brilliant.

A really nice feel good story.

I look forward to reading more from Rob Harrell in the future.

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Brenda Clarke

monster on the hill

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2014

Verified Purchase

this was a present for my brother, and he loved it, especially the pictures. he is just mad about graphic novels.

One person found this helpful

Timberstitch

Monster wider Willen: Der US-Band "Monster on the hill"

Reviewed in Germany on August 17, 2013

Verified Purchase

Wir befinden uns im England der 1860er Jahre. Jedes Dorf hat sein eigenes Monster. Das ist zwar in einem gerüttelten Maße gefährlich für Leib und Leben (vom eigenen Hausstand ganz zu schweigen) - kurbelt den Tourismus aber ungemein an. Nur in das Städchen Stoker-on-Avon (zugleich eine Huldigung des Dracula-Autoren) will sich kein Besucher verirren. Der Grund: Das drachenähnliche rotschuppige Monster Raymond neigt zum Einsiedeln und Phlegmatismus und kann weder fliegen noch Feuer speien. Um wieder Schwung in den Drachenähnlichen zu bringen wird ein durchgeknallter Professor beauftragt, und ein Zeitungsjunge von der Straße springt ihm dabei ungewollt zur Seite. Doch wie kriegt man den ollen "Ray" wieder flügge? Hilft vielleicht der Besuch bei alten Monsterschulkameraden wie bei dem tentakelarmigen Tentaculor?!

"Monster on the hill" ist in cartoonigem dicken Pinselstrich zu Papier gebracht worden. Rob Harrells Figuren sind dabei dynamisch und ansprechend gestaltet, Farbgebung und Typografie sind ebenfalls augenschmeichlerisch ausgefallen. Skurrile Figuren, fantastische Monster und ein fantasiereicher Showdown machen den Comic-Band zu einer höchst amüsanten und unterhaltsamen Lektüre. Ich bin froh, Rob Harrell für mich entdeckt zu haben. Hierzulande wurde meines Wissens nach noch keines der Bücher dieses Comic-Künstlers aufgelegt. Jetzt wird's aber Zeit! Fünf berechtigte Sterne.