Monsters of Rock

(Radio Comix, 2002)
TM and (c) Radio Comix

At first glance, one might assume that Monsters of Rock is a one-joke comic, conceived to visualize the title phrase. In a sense that is probably true, but creator Michael Vega and co-scribe Kai Robertson do more with it than expected.

This comic is presented in a “Behind the Music” fashion, detailing the origins of a monstrous rock band, complete with lyrics to several of their songs.

The art, by Vega and Diana X. Sprinkle, is fun, but frequently contains too much to be contained in simple line art. Some of the panels cry out for shading to break it down for the eyes.

One petty, but nagging flaw is the frequent reference to lead singer Vite as a “Medusa.” Medusa was a Gorgon and Vite is a Gorgon, but that doesn’t make Vite a Medusa any more than being from Denmark would make one a “Hamlet.”

Finally, the book is labeled “Mature Readers.” Aside from R-rated language, there are no situations that inherently require this title to be for adults only. It is a concept that has tremendous potential for young-readers appeal. Perhaps Vega and Radio Comix will rethink the marketing of this title to a broader audience.

— Jack Abramowitz

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Notes

Writer

Artist

#1

April, 2002
Cover Price: $2.99
1 copy available for $4.98

Michael Vega, Kai Robertson

Michael Vega