Masks
Creative Team
writer: MARGARET RAE & BRIAN NATHANSON
illustrator: BECK KUBRICK
publisher: ANDREWS MCMEEL PUBLISHING
Written by Seth Adrian Romo
Masks is an endearing and layered tale of acceptance and found family wrapped in a kid-friendly monster story. This cozy Halloween read is full of charming humor and reminds readers of the beauty that comes from acceptance of differences in others and ourselves.
Poe, Rice, and Shelley (yes, a fun nod to the writers) eat trash and hide from humans, but have made themselves a nice (and decorated) home with the excess waste from consumerism by humans. When the neighborhood is under attack from gentrification, the monster trio decide to venture out for a rumored Haven that safely harbors other monsters. Despite hiding for years from a monster hunting group known as “The Knights of the Night,” they easily blend in amongst humans celebrating Halloween in hopes of finding a better life.
Written by Margaret Rae and Brian Nathanson, Masks is a relatively small-scale story but keeps readers engaged through its 200+ page tale. The script mixes light-hearted humor and lore as readers follow the monsters on an epic night.
While this story is suitable for all ages, the writing never tones down its commentary and instead presents heavy topics like bigotry and poverty in a way that parents and guardians will appreciate. There’s the story of Poe, Rice, and Shelley interacting with human kids and dealing with social pressure, but also layers that can be discussed with children and considered to help develop good moral compasses.
The art from Beck Kubrick is well paired and cartoon-ish and has an animated feel that brings energy and humor to each page with colors that are inviting—especially as most of the story takes place on Halloween night. The visuals are fun and keep a nice vibe to balance some of the heavier themes.
Although this graphic novel is a tad longer than typical trades, readers will likely never find themselves bored. The characters (core and background characters) have such a good sense of personality that this story easily can be experienced over and over again by readers of all ages—especially those who just want to add a bit of warmth from the typical Halloween stories.
To pick up a copy of Masks for yourself or a young reader in your life, visit here for more: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Masks/Beck-Kubrick/9781524886455