Melvin Monster HC (2009 John Stanley Library) comic books

Volume 1 - 1st printing. Collects Melvin Monster (1965-1969 Dell) #1-3. Story and art by John Stanley. John Stanley is celebrated as one of the great children's comics writers for his work on the Little Lulu series. In fact, the Lulu work is a small part of his output; he drew and continued to write many other comics-notably his work on the 1960s teen comics from Dell and his monster comedy strip, Melvin Monster. Drawn & Quarterly is launching an extensive reprinting of Stanley's work in handsome volumes designed by Seth. The first in this series is the two-volume Melvin Monster collection featuring all ten issues about the oddball monster boy who just wants to be good, go to school, and do as he's told. Stanley's reputation as a great storyteller and visual comedian is richly deserved; few Golden or Silver Age comics stand the test of time the way these comics do. Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., full color. All Ages Cover price $19.95.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. Collects Melvin Monster (1965-1969 Dell) #4-6. Story and art by John Stanley. Continuing Drawn & Quarterly's John Stanley archival series, Melvin Monster Volume 2 is about the oddball monster boy who just wants to be good, go to school, and do as he is told. A satirical and funny sendup of the monster craze of the 1960s, Melvin Monster is a classic kids comic of the Silver Age. Designed by Seth. Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., full color. All Ages Cover price $24.95.

Volume 3 - 1st printing. Collects Melvin Monster (1965-1969 Dell) #7-9. Story and art by John Stanley. The ghoulish capers of everyone's favorite monster continue with the third volume of the acclaimed series! Melvin lands his first babysitting job, only to discover he has his hands full, literally - the "baby " in this case is a giant monster, almost the size of a room! When Melvin meets his friend for a friendly game of marbles, an older monster-woman passing by is offended by the scene, as everybody in Monsterville knows that monsters should always fight when they 're together. Finally, she is content only after forcing the two monsters into a scrap. Melvin also attempts to be the first kid in Monsterville to attend school in more than six hundred years, but he is thwarted each time by Miss McGargoyle, his would-be teacher. He is threatened with boulders, giant boomerangs, and even long-range missiles, but nothing can stop Melvin from wanting to go to school every day. Melvin Monster illustrates just how timeless the comics of John Stanley are. Hardcover, 8-in. x 11-in., 112 pages, full color. All Ages Cover price $24.95.