Barry Windsor Smith's MONSTERS, 35 yrs In The Making! A Comic Too Good for Marvel or DC. (Spoilers!)

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[@davejames4764]

When do we get our diplomas for this literally masterclass in comics day after day.

[@CartoonistKayfabe]

Right after your tuition check clears. - Jim

[@edwardbacchetta9092]

This is literally has every example on technical proficiency in all aspects of drawing and comic creation. Car chases, lettering, distortion, textures, dynamics, patterns, anatomy and disfigurement, storytelling, design, paneling, light, the list fucking goes on. I don’t own this but this one of the best things I’ve ever seen. I have to try and get my hands on it, I can’t take my eyes away from the pages as you’re flipping through.

[@mr.sand7899]

If this was made into Hulk book it would probably be looked at in the same way that Dark Knight Returns, Watchmen, and Sandman are looked at as something that helped revolutionize comics.

[@hellodrjeckyl]

This book hit hard man. I had a free weekend and was able to read it in a couple days over a few sittings. It was hard to put down and the pages flew by. But I struggled through the last 20 pages or so, it hit me. A masterpiece, but I don't know when I'm gonna be ready for a re read of this.

[@robertjacques6812]

I wasn't foreseeing Barry Windsor Smith going this melancholy. Much sadder than expected. Grand return to form for Mr. Smith.

[@sonOfWitz]

You mention the Windsor-Smith motifs on display in this book. One I noticed as you went through it is the motif of a character on a bed with the bedding all crumpled up in a sort of drapery exercise. I only noticed it because of these videos. It's in the Hulk vs Thing and at least one more, which stupidly I can't think of right now. They're so beautifully drawn. I noticed the similarities between those two examples, then noticed the page in Monsters where she is on the bed in 4 panels.

[@413722bm]

Just got my copy today that I had on pre-order. I'm already a 100 pages in it, and it didn't feel daunting to read threw any of the pages. I left where I was for a different world and thats the difference between a story and really good story, His talent and story telling is beyond what you get anymore he comes from times where it took days to finish one full page and he has held on to them ways. Barry is a legend, professionals from the classic era of comics are all passing on and the old ways are dying with them. This is a must buy for fans of him, the guy is in his 70's and this may be the last big thing he gives comic fans.

[@cassandralyris4918]

Damn, this is so Frankenstein-esque. I love it.

[@RobFromTheBeach]

Nice! Just watched the recent interview he gave. Very insightful. Loved hearing him talk about the Weapon X stuff that you guys have reviewed in the past.

[@agentkwavy460]

This is one of the comics that does what a novel does this is a masterpiece

[@ES_Glenn]

Wow, that silent car scene. 🤯😍 Feels even like Paul K.'s "The Bus". Oh man, the car chase too! Damn.

[@redbulletcomics9850]

Can't wait for this book to ship. BWS just gets better with time. This feels like his Frankenstein by Wrightson. A masterpiece.

[@whitheringstudios]

LOVE that you guys covered this. Been waiting for this to drop! About Tom’s turn, it seemed like there was an insinuation that he had similar psychic abilities to the Macfarlands. When they entered the German lab, he was overcome by the trauma that had been experienced there. I think his cannibalism was an echo of the nazis eating dinner earlier. It also seems like he sees Bobby as a stand in for Friedrich, and maybe that’s part of why he hates him. But probably could’ve been better with another 10-30 pages of him in courtship mode as a young man. Also, all the time travel/psychic/synchronicity stuff is almost definitely pulled from BWS’ bio. He talks about this stuff extensively in the Opus essays. It’s wild stuff. Or is the whole graphic novel a metaphor for Image comics? Todd McFarlane handing all of comicdom over to speculator experimentation. GREAT VIDEO! Thanks for doing this stuff and keeping it real.

[@normancooper2762]

The other day I was telling someone about BWS's "Monsters". I made the point that he gets better with age, unlike some other artists whose work visibly declines in quality as time progresses. Happy to hear you guys echo similar sentiments. I am truly amazed at the quality of the artwork here and can't wait for y copy to arrive.

[@NeonNans]

Thank you for this video, I just finished this and from the moment they enter the bunker near the end I felt so overwhelmed and a bit lost with everything that went on after that point.

[@jamesgreato]

Damn. Gonna have to save this one til next week when Monsters comes out.

[@neilsanzari9723]

Prior to Monsters, it was always Red Nails for me in terms of BWS. I loved when Ed said, “we’re in the Red Room.” Thanks for another great video.

[@mikehailer9353]

Pre-ordered this what feels like forever ago. CANNOT WAIT!!

[@YoHazzan81]

Bought this Monster (!) of a book three days ago I have to say This is the best shit I’ve read in a looooooooooong time. Weapon X most definitely comes to mind as well as Frankenstein of course as BSW even makes a nod to. The whole “who’s the real monster?” is classic story telling but he keeps it fresh. The artwork is so beautiful and the story telling is over the top. BSW is most definitely one of my childhood heroes.

[@wildmanuchild99]

Probably the best graphic novel I've read in 2021, and maybe one of the best I've ever read.

[@chriscanianoart811]

That Jim Rugg sketchbook - DAMN!!!

[@johnvoytek1558]

Great review guys! I'm definitely sold. Sounds like you're in the Pittsburgh area with the Century 3 reference...I'm about 50 miles south of you.

[@paulhardman2515]

Books like this are exhibit A as to why comic creators should be held in much higher regard as well as be generously compensated for their skill. The amount of time, effort, struggle, stress, pressure and talent that it takes to create comics is truly lost on the layman.

[@nacholuver1]

"His dad suplexed him..." 😳💀😂

[@robsacchetto7709]

HOLY CRAP!!! I've never even HEARD of this book!! As always, you guys bring more awesome stuff to light!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@dmrfunkster]

I love that he sat on this for so long. What a revelation! :)

[@twistedtheorist749]

I finished this this morning. I didn’t rush through it but took about a month to read it. A brilliant book that needs more attention. This should be a best seller.

[@JudsonPicco]

You guys rule and both this book and your coverage are fantastic...but I can't believe you missed the reference to Oxnard, California!

[@athenassigil5820]

The best comic channel on any platform.....period!

[@Tweed242]

I think the BLAM's are a good choice because it's how kids typically make their first gun sounds.

[@ericmolesworth6370]

I had never heard of this 😕 Best BWS ever!! You guys made my day ❤💗💕💛💓💙❤💗💕💛💓💙❤💗💕

[@NFLDude56]

This is my most anticipated comic of the year. I'll be saving this for when I read it.

[@kirkstevenson1297]

Something I hadn't thought about until watching you guys flip through it, but the pen caps look like little fingers. Even the lighting on the tip of the caps looks like the nail of a finger, and when it's the cap sitting in a pool of ink it really conjures that image to me.

[@jamezdd73]

finally got through reading this last night (had a long reading list) so I'm back to get the pro commentary

[@NailsOeltjen]

Starting watching this vid, then changed my mind. I’m still waiting for my copy and didn't want to ruin my first-read experience 😁

[@capearce81]

Glad you guys got this one under the spotlight ASAP!

[@simonpeteradkins]

I'm definitely buying this. BWS is a superb artist.

[@jamesgildersleeve]

Looks like such a stunning effort. Can’t wait to grab a copy.

[@steelbat54]

Have this on order with Amazon. Should have it next week. Ordered it as soon as I saw it. Wouldn’t pass this up... 👍

[@thunderkid1984]

Blessed to have had the opportunity to have read "Monsters" a bit early for the purposes of review. I found it to be one of the finest graphic novels I have ever read on all levels from story to art. Fascinating, moving story peopled with complex characters whose individual stories interweave in very compelling ways. I was moved to tears by this book. Something I cannot say about many, if any, comics or graphic novels. On top of that, the art is gorgeous. There is so much substance in this work. I look forward to looking it over again and again and again. I read a PDF version which I am sure did not do true justice to the art. I cannot wait to get my legit physical copy in hand. I hope many people enjoy this work and send some great reviews and feedback to Barry Windsor-Smith so he can enjoy the fruits of an arduous creative task.

[@raydillon]

Incredible piece of work! I can't wait to get this.

[@garyduggan897]

That looks incredible. Was never on my radar. And now its on my wishlist.

[@brianj.8441]

Picking up my preorder on Wednesday. Thanks for highlighting BWS for the masses!

[@AndrewBuckleBookReviews]

Truly looks amazing, can't wait to get my copy - thanks for this impressive run through

[@RichardPace]

damn - -my copy hasn't arrived yet - I'll pop back after :)

[@bordeaux8791]

What pairs with this? “Alone” by Christophe Chaboutte

[@Iamthegtard]

Oh no... I have to save this until mine ships now... 😥

[@tinman9713]

Clearly BWS was "all in" when he poured his creativeness into this epic work. I just watched his interview on this masterpiece on another KZbin channel...but slow, but well worth watching. I'll be picking this book up soon!

[@bgramer]

Can you share the link to that BWS interview?

[@jimmygownley9573]

How do you become a great cartoonist? Easy. Just dedicate your life to it. Humbling stuff.

[@brianshawkey2910]

I just ordered this and it arrived today. It’s a wonderful book and this video helped me decide to purchase it.

[@jawnsushi]

I just finished reading this. I had to take a couple breaks over a couple weeks because of the emotion.

[@paulgradinaru]

this graphic novels reminded me of Roberto Bonadimani's "Amazon Anyhia". maybe you could take a look into that. i have two of his graphic novels at home :)

[@funkyweapon1981]

Holiday dinners with my family were always pleasant, too.

[@scottscomicsretroreview3726]

I’ll get this when/if it becomes a trade. Can’t wait.

[@carminedawg9506]

This and strange death of Alex Raymond are my two most anticipated comics of the year . Can’t wait to get my hands on this one

[@davechu5367]

Wow, so the Raymond book is coming out after all? Neat!

[@jimmygownley9573]

@@davechu5367 Yes and it is mindblowingly good.

[@michaelpeters364]

You skipped over the bit when Powell is on the phone and his cat is bothering him... I'll bet that came out of BWS remembering some heavy phone call, either personal or business... but his cat just didn't give a crap and wanted attention.

[@snakemont]

This is really freakin epic!

[@castizodonkeykong282]

Was wondering yesterday when this one was comin

[@NWOslave]

id like to keep watching but i cant until i get my copy wednesday

[@BeatsWithKev]

Great review; I was in tears by the end of the book.

[@brandonparris6148]

Me too I had to take a break for about ten minutes to stop crying and finish it Such a emotional masterpiece

[@maryheadley7649]

I'll be back after I purchase it

[@Rob.S-]

Wow.Just Wow.

[@cristiangomez1381]

I know you will take that off.

[@williamducosjr418]

I have to get this.

[@NatsuMatto]

Just finished reading it... gorgeous artwork, but I cannot fathom the actual meaning of the story. Still chewing on it... (no pun intended).

[@frannyg7428]

great stuff!!