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Monsters
Part fiction and part deranged educational film strip, Monsters focuses both on the physical symptoms and the traumatic emotional damage of an STD that rarely affects two people the same way. Following his acclaimed collection of short comics, Welcome to the Dahlhouse, Ken Dahl cements his status as one of the best cartoonists of his generation with this brutally honest account of disease and self-acceptance.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 29, 2025
“Let's face it: No one wants to fuck a monster ...”
Monsters ~~~ Ken Dahl
The funniest book about herpes you’ll read all year!
Let me make this clear ~~ this book is superb ~~ truly a work of genius.
What do you know about herpes? Some readers might know that it’s a disease that almost three-quarters of Americans have, and it’s incurable ~~ except, of course, there’s more to it than just that. If you finish reading Ken Dahl’s Monsters with nothing more than a better understanding of what herpes really is and how it can affect you, that’s a good start. With his semi-autobiographical graphic novel, though, Dahl does more than just simply educate about the herpes simplex virus. Instead, it’s a harrowing ~~ and in places extremely uncomplimentary ~~ journey into his own psyche.
I could not put this book down; it made me laugh out loud, snicker and wince and the air was punctuated with lots of eww’s ... Herpes, obviously, isn’t funny, but Dahl is funny, his drawings are funny, the way his characters morph into dogs, viruses and monsters is funny and his observational humor is funny.
The story ... it is ‘semi-autobiographical’. Ken has a cold sore. He’s blissfully happy with his girlfriend Rory until
I should point out that the book is extremely graphic. Of course it is ~~ it’s a book about herpes after all; so it shouldn’t surprise you, but I’m just warning you. Not only does Ken stand around naked trying to come to grips with his problem but comes to grips with himself as well (his masturbatory workouts turn into weird experiences with giant microbes slithering all over him), but Dahl also gets into the nitty-gritty with regard to what herpes does, and that means showing ugly sores on all parts of a person’s body. There’s a great deal of nudity in the book, and it’s definitely not gratuitous – nor should it be.
There is a lot of information in this book. Dahl does an excellent job of informing the reader about living with Herpes. It also says a lot about life, friends, love and worrying excessively. It should be required reading for any healthcare professional with even a passing interest in Genitourinary Medicine, but forget education, the reason you should buy this book is because it is just such a good story… a true tragicomic drama.
It’s hard to not pass judgment on Dahl when reading Monsters , with its semi-autobiographical nature. I think that’s missing the point, though. Sure, Dahl is putting himself out in the open, cold sores and all. From acting weak-willed when given the opportunity of even the simplest of physical contact to slobbering over women that walk by after being deprived of sex for a long period of time, there’s a lot of behavior that readers can easily turn their noses up. But as Ken learns in the pages of Monsters , it’s a virus that a majority of the population of the country already has. It’s a virus that people are afraid to talk and reveal. At the end of the day, it’s just another fact of life, but Monsters is anything but just another graphic novel. This one’s going to stick with you for quite a long time.
Monsters ~~~ Ken Dahl
The funniest book about herpes you’ll read all year!
Let me make this clear ~~ this book is superb ~~ truly a work of genius.
What do you know about herpes? Some readers might know that it’s a disease that almost three-quarters of Americans have, and it’s incurable ~~ except, of course, there’s more to it than just that. If you finish reading Ken Dahl’s Monsters with nothing more than a better understanding of what herpes really is and how it can affect you, that’s a good start. With his semi-autobiographical graphic novel, though, Dahl does more than just simply educate about the herpes simplex virus. Instead, it’s a harrowing ~~ and in places extremely uncomplimentary ~~ journey into his own psyche.
I could not put this book down; it made me laugh out loud, snicker and wince and the air was punctuated with lots of eww’s ... Herpes, obviously, isn’t funny, but Dahl is funny, his drawings are funny, the way his characters morph into dogs, viruses and monsters is funny and his observational humor is funny.
The story ... it is ‘semi-autobiographical’. Ken has a cold sore. He’s blissfully happy with his girlfriend Rory until
I should point out that the book is extremely graphic. Of course it is ~~ it’s a book about herpes after all; so it shouldn’t surprise you, but I’m just warning you. Not only does Ken stand around naked trying to come to grips with his problem but comes to grips with himself as well (his masturbatory workouts turn into weird experiences with giant microbes slithering all over him), but Dahl also gets into the nitty-gritty with regard to what herpes does, and that means showing ugly sores on all parts of a person’s body. There’s a great deal of nudity in the book, and it’s definitely not gratuitous – nor should it be.
There is a lot of information in this book. Dahl does an excellent job of informing the reader about living with Herpes. It also says a lot about life, friends, love and worrying excessively. It should be required reading for any healthcare professional with even a passing interest in Genitourinary Medicine, but forget education, the reason you should buy this book is because it is just such a good story… a true tragicomic drama.
It’s hard to not pass judgment on Dahl when reading Monsters , with its semi-autobiographical nature. I think that’s missing the point, though. Sure, Dahl is putting himself out in the open, cold sores and all. From acting weak-willed when given the opportunity of even the simplest of physical contact to slobbering over women that walk by after being deprived of sex for a long period of time, there’s a lot of behavior that readers can easily turn their noses up. But as Ken learns in the pages of Monsters , it’s a virus that a majority of the population of the country already has. It’s a virus that people are afraid to talk and reveal. At the end of the day, it’s just another fact of life, but Monsters is anything but just another graphic novel. This one’s going to stick with you for quite a long time.
February 8, 2020
"Monsters" aptly displays the animals that we all are... you know... inside. & also, it becomes Ren and Stimpy-obvious to the discerning admirer, on the outside. We are drinking, drugging, fucking monsters!
We are all in on this, us sexually active (or used to be) adults... as a group, as human beings. And it is mega-shaming. And unexpectedly uproarious! Its a shareable condition, after all. STIs. Within seconds in this quite unskippable graphic novel the atrocious becomes charming & sublime. Even capital M-arrrvelous.
Bombastic graphics; clever entendres that are equally sad & funny. It's 51% cold hard statistic/harsh clinical factoid, 49% hysterical farce.
This, guys, is kinda one-of-a-kind!
We are all in on this, us sexually active (or used to be) adults... as a group, as human beings. And it is mega-shaming. And unexpectedly uproarious! Its a shareable condition, after all. STIs. Within seconds in this quite unskippable graphic novel the atrocious becomes charming & sublime. Even capital M-arrrvelous.
Bombastic graphics; clever entendres that are equally sad & funny. It's 51% cold hard statistic/harsh clinical factoid, 49% hysterical farce.
This, guys, is kinda one-of-a-kind!
August 4, 2022
A truly disturbing but important GN. Kind of creeped me out; a very graphic depiction of how an STD starts to take over a person - physically and mentally. Raw and honest; I think that it could be helpful to (some) in getting the point across that you have to be careful out there!
November 21, 2011
Five stars? Really? Really? For a freakin' comic about the author/artist's experience with herpes? Indeed. There's enough humor and pathos and artistry and anti-everyone sweetness and STD information to make this book wholly individuated, informative, entertaining, emotional, eye-catching reading. Very talented deployment of drawing, characterization, storytelling oomph, thematic/existential heft, balance of dramatization and exposition, distortion of frames to match the author's psychic sense at the time. But mostly it's informative and funny and I couldn't stop reading till it was done. Sort of like Maus for my generation? OCD re STD = five stars for me. (Not because I have herpes. Not that I'm aware of at least.)
June 8, 2010
This is an account of cold sores (oral herpes!) as a kind of vaguely-educational confessional horror story. It is actually a really good use of the medium, with latent viral panic lurking in every frame, and lots of neat visual-free-associations to guide the eye through the pages. And so, much more enjoyable and interesting than most memoir-comics. By the end though, it's rather inconclusive about just what the 70-or-so-percent of the population with some form of the herpes simplex virus should feel or do about it. Actually frustratingly so.
I've had cold sores before, but only minor ones and not for years, but that doesn't mean I can't transmit, but also cold sores don't mean oral herpes necessarily anyway, and also not getting cold sores doesn't mean not having and transmitting it either. Normal STD tests don't even test for it, it's so common. What?! Ack!
I'm going to employee health right this minute. At least I'm real good at not making out with anyone ever practically, so I can be pretty confident I haven't been spreading anything around, I guess.
I've had cold sores before, but only minor ones and not for years, but that doesn't mean I can't transmit, but also cold sores don't mean oral herpes necessarily anyway, and also not getting cold sores doesn't mean not having and transmitting it either. Normal STD tests don't even test for it, it's so common. What?! Ack!
I'm going to employee health right this minute. At least I'm real good at not making out with anyone ever practically, so I can be pretty confident I haven't been spreading anything around, I guess.
May 7, 2016
So glad I finally read this book! It's intense and hilarious and highly entertaining (often in a squirmy way), featuring truly superb cartooning by Ken Dahl, aka Gabby Schulz. It deservedly won a couple of Ignatz Awards several years ago, and is being reprinted by Secret Acres this spring, yeah! I'll be talking some more about MONSTERS in my review of the author's newest book called SICK–coming soon on tcj.com.
April 18, 2017
Finally read this in anticipation of an interview with Gabby Schulz.
February 22, 2010
And here I was thinking the auto-bio comic was dead, especially its self-flagellating male sub-genre (Joe Matt, you're on notice), but Dahl has made it surprising all over again. To come off as both despicable and brave takes talent, but to draw a touching scene between a hipster and his personal cold sore creature, that's some special cartooning.
September 9, 2015
I've wanted to read this book for a long time, having seen copies of it at Quimby's Books in Chicago a bunch of times. But I'm a major tightwad, so I ordered it in from an obscure college library that had a copy of it- the only one in Illinois. Anyway, I'm glad I went to such great lengths, because this is a pretty good book.
The medium chosen was well used. The author wants the reader to feel uncomfortable at times, with the graphic representations of the disease's manifestations- in order to understand his initial discomfort regarding the situation. Which some might say is a gimmick, but whatever, I think it worked. What I liked about this book was the various comic techniques and styles used throughout the book, and the depiction of the struggle faced by a man who lost his sense of human-ness, not to mention a girlfriend. This is something a lot of people fear, and for good reason. The stigmas attached to this kind of thing are no joke, but Dahl manages to make this book really humorous. I imagine it must have been liberating to create something so public about something he was felt was best to keep personal for so long, and for that, I'm glad this book exists.
The medium chosen was well used. The author wants the reader to feel uncomfortable at times, with the graphic representations of the disease's manifestations- in order to understand his initial discomfort regarding the situation. Which some might say is a gimmick, but whatever, I think it worked. What I liked about this book was the various comic techniques and styles used throughout the book, and the depiction of the struggle faced by a man who lost his sense of human-ness, not to mention a girlfriend. This is something a lot of people fear, and for good reason. The stigmas attached to this kind of thing are no joke, but Dahl manages to make this book really humorous. I imagine it must have been liberating to create something so public about something he was felt was best to keep personal for so long, and for that, I'm glad this book exists.
May 1, 2013
Amazing comic. Dahl has a great sense of humor that had me chuckling maniacally. It was tender, graphic, gross, and insightful altogether about living as a person with an STD. The art is great too, I'm liking how every drawn character has its own quirk to it. The metaphorical STD bubble pets are adorable and gross at the same time.
The epilogue-like part was a bit of a jump for me since my brain wanted to stay at the other part, but it's more realistic, many of the other things that occur in between are implied. Life still goes on.
The epilogue-like part was a bit of a jump for me since my brain wanted to stay at the other part, but it's more realistic, many of the other things that occur in between are implied. Life still goes on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
I agree with the synopsis on the back: Required reading for anyone who has sex, is going to have sex, or wants to have sex.
A very blunt, and raw view on the experience with a STD and what that means for themselves, future/past partners, friends and family, and just how life can change at the drop of a hat over something that most sexually active people experience in their lifetimes, even if they never realize it.
A very blunt, and raw view on the experience with a STD and what that means for themselves, future/past partners, friends and family, and just how life can change at the drop of a hat over something that most sexually active people experience in their lifetimes, even if they never realize it.
January 3, 2022
We watched Degrassi Junior High in health class instead of reading this. I'm upset.
February 4, 2021
Un monólogo angustiado del protagonista que se contagia de herpes, lo que condiciona para él toda su vida desde ese momento: relaciones con los demás, trabajo y su percepción del cuerpo y de sí mismo. El dibujo es sumamente expresivo, sin llegar a la caricatura, mostrando gráficamente la sensación de ser un monstruo a medida que la angustia del protagonista crece. El autor intercala además información sobre la enfermedad, sin que sea un cómic didáctico. Lo mejor es que tiene muchas lecturas: desde la evidente (soy portador de una enfermedad contagiosa) hasta un cómic de terror en toda regla (los monstruos del título, imaginarios y reales). Muy buena.
August 11, 2011
Este é um quadrinho sobre herpes. Mais precisamente, um quadrinho educacional. Ou seja, não fossem os bons comentários que li a respeito, possivelmente não teria chamado minha atenção. Quando o livro chegou em casa, em meio a outros, sequer sabia ou lembrava do que se tratava. No entanto, o homem amarelo-esverdeado da capa com tarja vermelha berrante nos olhos tornou-se um clamor imediato sobre a minha pilha de leituras e, em instantes, percebi que havia terminado de lê-lo por inteiro. Creio que isso se deu por dois motivos que culminam em um terceiro - a abordagem poderia ser sobre qualquer tema de horror e o intuito final qualquer um com uma boa narrativa: o que significa que Ken Dahl é um autor um tanto inovador, até subversivo, por ter transformado tiras didáticas sobre uma patologia em uma terrível história de grande apelo visual. Todos que guardam um grande segredo ou já sofreram de angústia por uma doença supostamente escabrosa vão se identificar!
February 6, 2010
Everyone should read this book. As someone whose job requires them to discuss HSV 1 and 2 regularly-- usually with people who are recently diagnosed and panicked-- I think this is amazing! The artwork is fantastic-- make sure to look at every little detail, because they are priceless. (Plus, I'm pretty sure I've been to some of the same parties...When I saw a dreadlocked girl wearing patchwork hippie pants in one panel I laughed out loud with recognition. So, extra stars for the portrayal of the crappy job/creative but frustrated/too old to be a hipster scene.)
And, there's even a cool twist at the end.
Seriously, though, people working in health care take note: An honest, calm discussion of what it means (and doesn't mean) to have HSV can save a patient so much anguish. I will be recommending this to my co-workers!
And, there's even a cool twist at the end.
Seriously, though, people working in health care take note: An honest, calm discussion of what it means (and doesn't mean) to have HSV can save a patient so much anguish. I will be recommending this to my co-workers!
December 17, 2009
Is it weird to totally love a comic about herpes?
Heavens no!
The basic concept of this was guy figures out he has herpes, gets upset about it and breaks up with his girlfriend over it. Then feels really bad and monstrous for ever wanting to have sex or kiss anybody, and imagines himself as all kinds of freakish things because he has this disease. Imaginary monsterized illustrations are sort of my favorite thing in the world if they're done well, and these were(another example: Joann Sfar).
And so appropriate for the topic!
When he finally figures out that 75 percent of the population has some form of herpes, he feels a little better, and the ending made me laugh out loud. I was educated, entertained, and it was a good story to boot.
Very surprised by how great it was.
Heavens no!
The basic concept of this was guy figures out he has herpes, gets upset about it and breaks up with his girlfriend over it. Then feels really bad and monstrous for ever wanting to have sex or kiss anybody, and imagines himself as all kinds of freakish things because he has this disease. Imaginary monsterized illustrations are sort of my favorite thing in the world if they're done well, and these were(another example: Joann Sfar).
And so appropriate for the topic!
When he finally figures out that 75 percent of the population has some form of herpes, he feels a little better, and the ending made me laugh out loud. I was educated, entertained, and it was a good story to boot.
Very surprised by how great it was.
November 8, 2009
One of the best graphic novels I have ever picked up. Ken Dahl is an incredible artist and storyteller. His ability to manipulate comic styles to serve the purpose of the message is inspiring. He also has an amazing talent for using backgrounds as secondary commentary (usually hilariously misanthropic). Everyone should read this book.
Here are some of the things this book did for me:
- made me paranoid about having or contracting herpes
- made me not really care about having or contracting herpes
- made me laugh at the idea that everyone has herpes
Here are some of the things this book did for me:
- made me paranoid about having or contracting herpes
- made me not really care about having or contracting herpes
- made me laugh at the idea that everyone has herpes
May 24, 2010
This is basically a cautionary tale about living life with Herpes. I like the artwork and the narration, but sometimes it started to feel like a weird how-to-live-with-herpes informational pamphlet. Still, it was pretty darn educational, and after all the doom and gloom that Ken feels about his life, he does come to a place that is happier and more informed. (fun fact: most adults have a form of herpes--yikes!)
November 11, 2014
I chose to read this on the idea that it was some kind of science fiction horror graphic novel. It isn't, and I want to establish that now. It's a memoir about herpes. I read other reviews, and everyone is singing the praises of this book for being funny. I'm inclined to disagree with this assessment. I think Monsters is one of the saddest, loneliest things I've ever read, and I love it for that very reason.
5/5
5/5
May 8, 2010
Dahl shares his experiences with the herpes virus in graphic novel format. This is an important, well-done book about a topic that doesn't get much attention in literature--which is strange, considering that roughly one in six people are infected with the virus (but: Monsters is definitely not for squeamish or conservative readers).
May 10, 2015
J'ai pris ce livre par hasard. Quelle surprise de voir qu'il traitait de ma paranoïa #1 : l'herpès.
C'est bien dessiné, et surtout, c'est plein d'arguments pour mettre au tapis les gens pleins de boutons de fièvre qui se vexent quand je ne refuse de partager une bouteille avec eux :)
Et en plus, y'a un happy end. Tout est bien qui finit bien.
C'est bien dessiné, et surtout, c'est plein d'arguments pour mettre au tapis les gens pleins de boutons de fièvre qui se vexent quand je ne refuse de partager une bouteille avec eux :)
Et en plus, y'a un happy end. Tout est bien qui finit bien.
November 16, 2009
I want to read this book every day. It is a graphic novel about dealing with herpes and how to be responsible to partners and yourself. It is brutal and honest and the drawings are amazing. It is now in my bathroom so everyone can share the magic.
July 21, 2014
Graphic memoir on herpes, by Dahl, who has it.Informative and off-putting, in obvious ways, but also really well done, I thought. So I didn't LOVE it, but I did think it was useful as an informative text and as an insight into one very anxious guy...
July 12, 2016
It's really nice to see someone work to destigmatize herpes. We chose just one other thing to be weird about to make people's lives harder and ran with it so it's nice there's a book out there to go "well, who gives a shit." Also well drawn!
December 31, 2013
Gabby's work here is phenomenal. He should be given all the love and respect. Something like Dori Seda, except slightly less dead (though from what I read on his twitter account, not significantly less so), Gabby drags us into the annals of illness and despair. We're all the better for it.
November 4, 2014
The paranoia in this book is contagious. That said, I definitely learned some things, and the content is very well presented. I really liked the way he mixed memoir and informational content. Also visual metaphor. Good stuff.
April 21, 2016
The crowd scenes at parties and little nuances in the art were very cool. Also making fun of food service and hippie food stores/restaurants, always chill. The theme of personal shame was very well delivered, but now I wish that it had more facts about herpes, which is weird to say, but true.
December 12, 2009
this should be required reading for all high school sex ed classes.
August 3, 2014
Loved the illustrations so much. And it was funny in the right ways. Idk.
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