About This Book:
*Review Contributed by Olivia Farr, Staff Reviewer*
MONSTER BLOOD is a creepy new graphic novel adaptation of a classic GOOSEBUMPS book. Evan has to stay with his great-aunt Kathryn while he parents attend to a family emergency. Kathryn is a recluse, and her house seems a little spooky. When Evan finds a jar of Monster Blood, he and his new friend Andy begin to play with it. However, it seems to be growing out of control and consuming things in its path. Things with his aunt are not as they seem, and Evan will find himself in a situation stranger- and stickier- than he ever could have imagined.
What I loved: This is a fantastic adaptation with lush and detailed illustrations that really capture the horror and mood throughout. Evan’s great-aunt Kathryn’s house is suitably creepy, the nightmares give the heebie-jeebies, and the atmosphere is spot-on. The use of dialogue is just right to keep the story told by the images with assists from the text. The text is never overwhelming, and speech bubbles are easy to attribute and follow.
The story itself is a classic with a hefty amount of imagination lending itself to the horror. The use of color and expressive characters helps to maintain this mood and increase the creepiness factor of the story. I would add some caution for sensitive readers – while it may look cartoonish, the story is seriously spooky and scary (monsters created, a bird eaten by it down to skeleton on page, etc.). Sensitive readers might find it too scary, so I would recommend for children who are a little older and already appreciative of scary stories. The happy ending does leave the reader satisfied- but it is pretty spooky along the way!
Final verdict: MONSTER BLOOD is an exciting new graphic novel for middle grade horror fans, staying true to the original story and bringing it to life with plenty of horror and atmosphere.
*Find More Info & Buy This Book HERE!*
