A recurring dream that my mom has involves giants stampeding over a hill toward her and her home in a fit of rage. I have always thought that sounded pretty scary and I am glad that I have never had that dream myself. Top Shelf’s latest graphic novel release, Monster On The Hill, created by Rob Harrell, initially drew me in with its chilling title, with my brain recalling my mother’s tales; however, what the story actually focuses on is something entirely different: friendship and group hugs!
It’s 19th century England and there are monsters on the hills. Every town’s got one and the people wait with both exuberant anticipation and dreadful fear for the day in which their particular monster will come crashing into their buildings, wreaking havoc and terrorizing the locals. The thrill of the menaces looming over towns and villages causes citizens to eagerly await the next momentous encounter and vendors to sell merchandise with their particular monster’s likeness.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press