With nostalgia for comic book characters from the past at an all-time high, and children’s graphic novels, Manga and US comics selling in record numbers in the UK and beyond, it is fitting that Monster Fun – Britain’s kookiest, legendary comic anthology – returns after more than 30 years since its last issue, with brand new characters and stories to thrill a new generation of readers!
Combining original monsters and creatures that have been brought to life for the very first time, alongside classic characters from the past that have been modernised for young readers, this hilarious comic reflects what children of today absolutely love; from spooky social media antics, to pop culture references, and even an internet-inspired love for cats.
The result? This new, modern Monster Fun – available in WHSmith and other newsagents, on subscription, and as a 2000AD web shop exclusive edition, with cover and added “Sweeny Toddler” strip by the legendary Tom Paterson, is now ready to excite, delight, and fright readers of all ages in fang-tastic fashion, whilst pulling at the nostalgic heartstrings of parents who grew up reading the same titled comic decades before.
“Our talented team have created a comic that’s just right for children aged 8-13; filled with the characters they’ll love!” says Rebellion CEO and Publisher Jason Kingsley OBE. “This includes new characters, as well as classic ones from the past reinvented for today’s young readers. Some parents will have been fans of these characters many years ago, so it’s exciting that families can share their nostalgia and these reinvented characters alongside the new ones, in completely new stories that they can read and love together. Reading should be fun for all, and comics help build and improve reading skills.”
Across 32 pages in each issue, children will read comic strip adventures featuring Frankie Stein, Kid Kong, Draculass, Steel Commando, the Hire A Horror crew and more – including The Leopard from Lime Street, one of Britain’s best loved Super Heroes!
Reinventing these characters for a modern audience has been no easy task, say Rebellion, with Monster Fun assembling an incredible list of contributors in each issue; from stalwarts of the UK comic industry Simon Furman (Transformers) and Ned Hartley (Bananaman, Spider-Man), to incredible talent and rising stars, such as Chris Garbutt (Netflix’s Pinky Malinky) and Juni Ba (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
“We’re thrilled to be launching Monster Fun this April – and now is absolutely the right time to do it!” says Monster Fun Editor Keith Richardson.
“The last few years have been really tough for everyone, but especially children who have had to leave the classroom, not mix with friends, and for the younger ones not really understanding why.
“Monster Fun is here to hopefully mark the end to that. Perfect to pack in a school bag and share with a friend in the playground, we’re hoping Monster Fun spreads some joy, some laughter, and puts a smile on every reader’s face!”
Starting with an Easter-themed issue, and running bi-monthly after that, Monster Fun will celebrate all the exciting moments in children’s lives throughout the year, including Summer Holidays, Back to School, and, of course, Halloween!
Providing spooky thrills all year round, Monster Fun will help to foster a love for reading in children, even those more reluctant to read, whether they are at home, at school, or on the go.
• The first issue of Monster Fun lands on newsstand shelves on Wednesday 6th April 2022, with annual subscriptions available online which also include exclusive free gifts | Subscribe and find out more at monsterfun.co.uk – PLEASE NOTE, subscribers are sent the news stand edition of the first issue, NOT the web shop exclusive
• In addition to the newsstand edition of Monster Fun, there’s a webshop exclusive edition of the first issue, too, with a cover and two-page “Sweeny Toddler” strip by Tom Paterson, available here from the 2000AD online store here
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics, Comic Previews, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News
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