Just Beyond: Monstrosity

R.L. Stine continues to provide scary stories through the medium of graphic novels in the Just Beyond series. This was a quick read and very well-illustrated. The elements of mystery and horror combined in a pleasing way, though I wish there were more information about the amulet or why it worked the way it did. This story had just enough twists that it would keep younger readers guessing and doesn't shy away from a few shock effects.

For fans of Scooby Doo who would like their stories not to end with a neat bow at the end, I would definitely recommend this graphic novel.

Ruthie and Ezra Dillon’s dad has bought an old movie studio where horror films were produced in the twentieth century. Their dad and uncle have a lot of fights about the best way to approach the finances and production of films, and the studio itself needs lots of work. They have asked the director of some of the old films to work on a new one, but many things go wrong. Ruthie and Ezra spend lots of time on the lots, after being shown around by the mysterious caretaker, Poe. There are a lot of creepy buildings, and remnants of the films, so when the children uncover the inert body of the animatronic Wolfenscreem, they aren't too concerned. However, we see historic flashbacks to the original designer of the monster, and see the amulet that controls him show up in the movie offices. Don't push those buttons! Of course, several people do, waking the monster and his minions and causing panic. Not only are the new owners fighting, but deep secrets from the past surface in surprising ways. Will Ruthis and Ezra find themselves in danger? And will the movie studio every get up and running?
Strengths: R. L. Stine writes decent horror, but what he really writes best is history. This is a nice homage to cheesy horror movies, and I love that the kids know them and are excited about being at the studio, rather than thinking the movies are cheesy! There's just enough drama, and the villain emerges from an unlikely background, so I enjoyed that.
Weaknesses: I would have liked this a lot more if it had been a novel rather than a graphic novel, and if we could have seen a lot more of the events that when on in the past.
What I really think: I'll probably purchase this. It will definitely be a popular title. It was a little cheesy, though, with Woolfenscreem. I just feel like a novel could have made this a lot scarier. Seeing the pictures didn't have the same impact.


When I first started reading this, it made me think that there was a similar story line in the 2006 Creepy Creatures series of graphic novels by Graphix, but I flipped through them and didn't see anything exactly like this. There has actually been a resurgence of students reading Fear Street books even though the 30 year old prebinds are little more than yellowed piles of paper loosely held together by the bindings, so I should probably purchase the whole Just Beyond series.

What’s better than reading RL Stine at Halloween? An RL Stine comic.

I am not a big fan of comic books in general but this one was quick fun and enjoyable and really got me into the spooky spirit of Halloween.

This is a perfect book for middle schoolers. And the graphics in this novel is top notch
I always ♥ r l stones book he has such a creative mind when it comes to creepy horror books. I never knew until now that he does graphic novels. Guess i need to pick up the other ones now.

Two brothers purchase an old horror film house. One of the brother's children are excited for the new adventure. Ezra a horror movie fanatic and his sister Ruthie explore the different sets with Poe.

Everything seems fine till they resume acting scenes and Ruthie is injured along with the director.

The brothers are suspicious, Ezra and Ruthie are spooked by the scary things happening in the film house.

This comic book is short and exciting. I really love the art and graphic style used by the illustrator. The dialogue boxes are clear and the words are easy to read

Middle graders will definitely enjoy this thriller comic. While trying to uncover the truth about the accidents and awakening of the monsters. They'll find themselves enjoying the young Characters, Ezra and Ruthie because they'll find they share the same curiosity.

Thank you for this advanced reader's copy.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

If it is R.L. Stine, then it is perfect.
This comic is fun, interesting, well drawn and well writte.

This felt like a trip down memory lane. My preteen heart was so happy reading this book. Perfect for a little thrill and chill.