I was in my early teens moving through those years oblivious to some of the world-changing events, focussed on my own sphere of influences problems; my parent got divorced, I moved schools. The fear that beats at the heart of this new Kickstater from Monty Nero was very real, at least for me and probably countless others.
Hollow Monsters is set firmly within those thought of halcyon days, with the experiences of loss, the first awareness of sex and the fears that somehow get hold of you and never seem to let go. Jay, the lead character, lives a life-like most others which will make this book more relatable. There are friends, possible girlfriends and the woods that harbour the fledging fears. The book jumps through Jay’s life with snapshots of the news of the time to give the reader some knowledge of the settings. As Jay grows, he experiences new things in his life, all with the woods at the back of his estate a constant presence, an ever-living guardian of secrets.
Monty Nero, who has had work published by Marvel, Titan and 2000 A.D. has crafted a tale that carries the feelings of its setting well; the writing has a personal edge with an art style that seems quintessentially British. The panel structure is laid out in way that gives the impression of a book rather than a comic, which is fine. Nero’s aim is “to move the graphic novel into new territory, by creating something ethereal, disturbing, challenging and profound”. I am not sure what this means exactly both for the vision of this book and Nero’s thoughts on the graphic novels of the past. What is apparent is how much of a labour of love this book is for Nero, taking on topics that are a tad autobiographical. In addition, Nero uses the last pages to show the creative process which I always enjoy.
The book is a great slice of the UK from a bygone age; remember, its set nearly 40 years ago! From my point of view, I am somewhat reassured that others shared my concerns at the time, that the things that scared me also existed to impact others.
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Created by; Monty Nero
KIckestarter Link; Please click here to jump to the Hollow Monsters Kickstarter
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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