Emil Ferris’s runaway smash hit My Favorite Thing Is Monsters has been the graphic novel event of the decade and for this year’s Free Comic Book Day, Ferris has delivered something truly an all-new, 16-page Monsters story exclusive to FCBD readers. Additionally, Our Favorite Thing Is My Favorite Thing Is Monsters features two other Ferris short stories never before a six-page autobiographical story about the harrowing circumstances that led to the creation of My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, as well as a five-page “how to” strip appropriately titled, “How To Draw a Monster”!
This comic book tries to offer us as readers a taste of her acclaimed graphic novel. However, this free comic book day edition struggles to capture the depth and intricacy of the original work.
The original graphic novel is celebrated for its unique art style and complex narrative, blending elements of horror, mystery, and coming-of-age themes. Unfortunately, this comic book fails to encapsulate the richness of Ferris’s vision. The excerpt feels more like a fragmented snapshot than a cohesive introduction, which can be confusing for me personally unfamiliar with the full story.
The artwork itself in this comic book remains distinctive. The detailed, cross-hatched illustrations are reminiscent of classic horror comics, with a sketchbook aesthetic that is both raw and captivating. However, the lack of context in this edition makes it difficult for the art to shine as it does in the complete work. Without the broader narrative to support it, the art feels disconnected from any meaningful storyline.
The narrative in this comic book suffers from a lack of clarity. The selected scenes jump abruptly, providing little in the way of exposition or character development. We as readers are introduced to the protagonist, Karen Reyes, but her motivations and the world she inhabits are not sufficiently explored. This lack of depth makes it challenging for new readers to connect with the characters or understand the significance of the events depicted.
The dialogues and storytelling aspect of this comic book are often cryptic, hinting at deeper themes without providing adequate exploration. This comic book’s strength lies in her ability to weave complex narratives, but the brevity of this FCBD edition undermines that strength. The themes of identity, monstrosity, and societal norms are touched upon but not developed, which has left me personally with more questions than answers.
This comic book does succeed in showcasing this comic book’s artistic talent and her unique approach to storytelling. It hints at the potential depth and complexity of the full graphic novel, which has intrigued me personally to continue reading this comic book series. However, as a standalone piece, it lacks the coherence and engagement needed to make it a satisfying read.
I Give This Book 2 / 5
