The Collected Works of Tony Millionaire’s Sock Monkey

(Dark Horse, 2004)
™ and © 2004 Tony Millionaire

The premise of talking toys and animated stuffed animals has a lot to live up to, following the high-tech exploits of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. However, this series takes an archaic angle and successfully resurrects a long-forgotten trinket in the process. The odd couple of the top-hatted Sock Monkey and the button-eyed Mr. Crow prove there’s life yet in this genre.

In this collection of four comics, Uncle Gabby and his bird-brained pal decide to hunt salamanders and insects and need an education in “living.” Next, Sock Monkey inadvertently manhandles a baby bird and is so wracked by guilt he tries to commit suicide. Then the duo must rectify the mistake of their doll companion who has collected a seahorse and incurred the wrath of a bevy of sea creatures. Finally, Gabby has fallen in love with a Sock Elephant, but Mr. Crow and the doll Ann-Louise replace her, which unfortunately drives their friend to madness.

Tony Millionaire strikes gold with a bizarre, surreal, and completely original cast of characters that continue to yield treasures of joyful wit and explore veins of surprising pathos. Laughs come easy and tears come hard. Tweaking an old-fashioned English sensibility, he creates uneasy juxtapositions with childlike figures who muddle through uncomfortable adult situations and has spun his own merchandising bonanza in the process.

— Oliver Chin

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#1

January, 2004
Cover Price: $12.95
1 copy available for $10.50

Tony Millionaire