Emil Ferris’s My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is a captivating graphic novel that explores themes of identity, monstrousness, and historical trauma through the eyes of a young protagonist. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Chicago, the story weaves together elements of horror, mystery, and self-discovery, offering a unique perspective on what it means to be “other.” The book’s graphic diary format and rich imagery have made it a standout in contemporary literature, blending pulp culture with deeply personal narratives. This section introduces the core elements of the novel, setting the stage for its exploration of identity, history, and the enduring appeal of monsters in storytelling.
Overview of “My Favorite Thing Is Monsters”
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is a critically acclaimed graphic novel by Emil Ferris, first published in 2017. The story is presented as the fictional diary of Karen Reyes, a 10-year-old girl living in 1960s Chicago. Karen, who identifies as a “monster,” navigates a world of B-movie horror imagery, pulp magazines, and her own dark imagination. When her mysterious neighbor Anka is murdered, Karen embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, delving into themes of identity, monstrousness, and historical trauma. The novel blends elements of horror, mystery, and coming-of-age narratives, set against the backdrop of a politically turbulent era. Ferris’s unique art style and non-linear storytelling create a haunting yet deeply personal exploration of what it means to be “other.” The book has been praised for its bold creativity and emotional depth, resonating with readers of all ages.
Why “My Favorite Thing Is Monsters” Is a Beloved Topic
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters has captivated readers with its unique blend of horror, mystery, and personal identity. The novel’s exploration of monstrousness resonates universally, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of feeling “other.” Karen Reyes’s journey, filled with dark humor and vulnerability, creates a deeply relatable protagonist. The book’s ability to balance lighthearted pulp culture with heavy themes like trauma and self-discovery makes it a standout in both graphic novels and children’s literature. Its appeal lies in its original storytelling, emotional depth, and the way it challenges readers to embrace their complexities. This has made it a cherished topic in discussions about identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling.
Themes and Motifs in the Book
The novel explores themes of monstrousness, identity, and historical trauma, blending horror with personal growth. It delves into self-discovery, cultural heritage, and the duality of human nature through its unique narrative.
The Concept of Monstrousness
Emil Ferris’s My Favorite Thing Is Monsters delves deeply into the concept of monstrousness, exploring what it means to be a monster. The novel portrays monstrousness not just as physical beings but as a reflection of human actions and societal fears. Karen Reyes, the protagonist, is obsessed with monsters, seeing them as symbols of both terror and fascination. Through her journey, the book examines how monstrousness can be both literal, in the form of creatures, and metaphorical, in the actions of humans. The Holocaust backstory of Anka, Karen’s neighbor, further underscores the idea that true monstrosity lies in human cruelty and prejudice. This duality of monstrousness—both imagined and real—serves as a central theme, challenging readers to question their perceptions of good and evil. The novel thus becomes a powerful exploration of identity, fear, and the complexities of human nature.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Karen Reyes’s journey in My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is deeply intertwined with her struggle to understand herself. As a queer, Latinx girl growing up in 1960s Chicago, Karen finds solace in monster imagery, using it as a metaphor for her own feelings of being an outsider. Her obsession with monsters serves as a bridge to explore her identity, allowing her to express emotions and desires she cannot articulate otherwise. The novel portrays self-discovery as a complex, nonlinear process, where Karen grapples with societal expectations and her inner truth. Through her fictionalized diary, Ferris illustrates how monsters become a mirror for Karen’s inner world, helping her navigate questions of belonging, sexuality, and cultural heritage. This interplay between identity and monstrousness highlights the universal human experience of seeking acceptance and understanding in a world that often feels alienating. The graphic diary format amplifies this intimate exploration, making Karen’s journey both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Historical and Cultural Context
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is set in 1968 Chicago, a city simmering with racial tension and political upheaval. Karen’s story intersects with the Holocaust’s aftermath, as her investigation into Anka’s murder uncovers a trail leading back to Nazi Germany. This historical backdrop allows Ferris to explore themes of trauma, displacement, and resilience. The novel also reflects the cultural shifts of the 1960s, including the civil rights movement and the rise of counterculture. Karen’s obsession with monsters mirrors the era’s fascination with pulp horror and B-movie aesthetics, blending personal narrative with cultural nostalgia. By weaving historical events into a deeply personal story, Ferris creates a rich tapestry that connects individual identity with broader societal contexts, offering a nuanced exploration of how history shapes our understanding of self and otherness.
Narrative Structure and Style
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters employs a graphic diary format, blending text and visuals to create an immersive narrative. The non-linear storytelling weaves personal and historical elements, reflecting Karen’s inner world through vibrant, pulp-inspired artwork. This unique style captures the protagonist’s emotional journey, merging fantasy with reality seamlessly. The graphic novel’s structure mirrors Karen’s fragmented thoughts, offering a layered exploration of identity, trauma, and imagination.
The Graphic Diary Format
Emil Ferris’s My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is presented as a fictional graphic diary of 10-year-old Karen Reyes, blending text and visuals to create an intimate narrative. The diary format allows for a deeply personal and immersive storytelling experience, with Karen’s inner world reflected through her vibrant, often fantastical drawings. The graphic novel’s visuals are heavily influenced by B-movie horror and pulp monster magazines, creating a unique aesthetic that mirrors Karen’s obsession with monstrous figures. The interplay between text and imagery adds layers of meaning, with the visual elements often revealing as much as the written words. This format not only captures Karen’s emotional journey but also reflects her fragmented thoughts and imaginative escape into a world of monsters. The diary’s structure enhances the novel’s non-linear storytelling, making it a compelling blend of art and narrative.
Non-Linear Storytelling
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters employs a non-linear narrative structure, blending past and present through Karen Reyes’s fragmented diary entries. The story jumps between Karen’s childhood in 1960s Chicago, her obsession with monsters, and the mystery surrounding her neighbor Anka’s murder. This non-linear approach mirrors Karen’s chaotic thoughts and emotions, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The narrative often shifts to historical events, such as Anka’s experiences during the Holocaust, which are intertwined with Karen’s present-day struggles. This structure allows Ferris to gradually reveal the truth about Anka’s past while exploring Karen’s own journey of self-discovery. The non-linear storytelling enhances the novel’s emotional depth, making it a compelling and layered reading experience that reflects the complexity of memory and identity.
Key Characters and Their Roles
Karen Reyes, a 10-year-old protagonist, navigates identity and mystery, while Anka, her enigmatic neighbor, and other monstrous figures reflect her inner world and external conflicts.
Karen Reyes: The Protagonist
Karen Reyes is the heart of My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, a precocious 10-year-old who navigates a world of monstrous obsessions and personal struggles. Her graphic diary reveals a deep fascination with horror and pulp culture, often seeing herself as a monster. Karen’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with her queer identity and the mysteries surrounding her neighbor Anka’s murder. Through her diary entries, Karen’s voice is raw and authentic, blending humor with vulnerability. Her character serves as a powerful exploration of adolescence, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Karen’s resilience and unique perspective make her one of the most compelling protagonists in contemporary graphic literature.
Anka: The Mysterious Neighbor
Anka, the enigmatic neighbor of Karen Reyes, plays a pivotal role in My Favorite Thing Is Monsters. Her murder sets off a chain of events that intertwines personal and historical mysteries. Anka’s backstory, rooted in Nazi Germany, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Karen’s fascination with Anka grows as she uncovers secrets about her life, revealing a connection to the Holocaust. Anka’s presence challenges Karen’s perceptions of identity and morality, while her absence becomes a driving force for Karen’s investigation. Through Anka’s character, Ferris explores themes of trauma, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Anka’s influence lingers throughout the story, shaping Karen’s understanding of herself and the world around her.
Other Monsters and Characters
In My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, a wide array of monsters and characters enrich the narrative, each serving as a metaphor for human complexities. From werewolves to vampires, these creatures reflect Karen’s inner struggles and fascinations. Historical figures tied to the Holocaust, such as Nazi officers, add depth to the story, while fictional monsters from pulp magazines inspire Karen’s imagination. These characters blur the line between reality and fantasy, allowing Karen to navigate her own identity and the world around her. The interplay of these diverse figures creates a layered exploration of fear, resilience, and self-discovery, making the novel a compelling blend of horror, history, and personal growth. Each monster, whether real or imagined, plays a crucial role in shaping Karen’s journey and understanding of humanity’s darker sides.
Cultural and Historical Significance
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters delves into the Holocaust’s horrors and the politically charged 1960s Chicago, weaving historical atrocities with personal identity. The novel bridges past and present, offering a powerful commentary on societal fears and resilience, making it a vital work in contemporary literature.
The Holocaust and Its Impact
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters delves into the horrors of the Holocaust through the character of Anka, a Holocaust survivor whose tragic past deeply influences the story. Karen’s investigation into Anka’s murder leads her to uncover the atrocities of Nazi Germany, blending historical trauma with the novel’s contemporary setting. The Holocaust is portrayed not just as a historical event but as a living, haunting presence that shapes the lives of the characters. Ferris’s vivid depiction of Anka’s experiences serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of such atrocities, while also exploring themes of resilience and survival. The novel’s connection to this dark period adds emotional depth and historical weight to its narrative, making it a powerful exploration of trauma and memory.
The Political Climate of 1960s Chicago
The novel is set against the turbulent political backdrop of 1960s Chicago, a city grappling with civil rights movements, social inequality, and anti-war protests. This era of upheaval shapes the narrative, as Karen navigates her identity amidst the broader societal tensions. The city’s racial and political unrest serves as a backdrop, influencing Karen’s perceptions of belonging and otherness. The graphic novel subtly weaves in the era’s anxieties, such as fear of communism and the rise of counterculture movements, reflecting how these broader forces impacted individual lives. Ferris uses this historical context to explore themes of marginalization and resilience, creating a vivid tapestry of personal and political struggles. The setting enriches the story, making it a powerful exploration of identity, community, and social change during a pivotal moment in American history.
The Significance of Monsters in Literature
Monsters in literature serve as metaphors for societal fears, complexities, and transformations, allowing exploration of human nature through fantastical creatures. They embody both terror and fascination, universal in storytelling.
Monsters as Metaphors
In “My Favorite Thing Is Monsters,” monsters embody societal fears, identity struggles, and historical trauma. Karen Reyes’s identification with monsters mirrors her outsider status, symbolizing self-discovery and acceptance challenges. The novel uses monstrous imagery to represent the Holocaust’s horrors and 1960s Chicago’s political tensions, translating real anxieties into fantastical creatures. This metaphorical approach allows exploration of complex human experiences through a familiar yet fantastical lens. By personifying societal issues and personal struggles as monsters, the novel comments on being different and the enduring presence of fear and resilience in human history. This unique perspective enriches the narrative, offering depth and relatability to universal themes.
Monsters in Children’s Literature
Monsters in children’s literature often serve as allegories for real-world fears and challenges, allowing young readers to engage with complex emotions and societal issues through a fantastical lens. In My Favorite Thing Is Monsters, Emil Ferris taps into this tradition, presenting monsters as both terrifying creatures and symbols of identity. Karen Reyes’s fascination with monsters reflects her own struggles with self-acceptance and her outsider status. The novel’s use of B-movie horror and pulp imagery creates a unique visual language that appeals to both children and adults. By blending the monstrous with the personal, Ferris encourages readers to confront their fears and embrace their differences. This approach makes the book a compelling addition to the tradition of monster narratives in children’s literature, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be “other.”
Emil Ferris and Her Work
Emil Ferris is a Chicago-based artist and writer known for her unique visual style and storytelling. Her work blends horror, history, and personal narrative, creating a distinctive artistic identity.
Biography of Emil Ferris
Emil Ferris is an American artist, writer, and illustrator, born in 1962 in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a creative family, fostering her early interest in art. Ferris studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she developed her unique visual style. Her career began in advertising and greeting card design, but she gained acclaim for her graphic novels. In 2002, Ferris contracted West Nile virus, which left her partially paralyzed and forced her to relearn drawing with her left hand. This experience deeply influenced her work. Her debut graphic novel, My Favorite Thing Is Monsters (2017), earned widespread critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling and intricate artwork. The book blends elements of horror, history, and personal identity, showcasing Ferris’s ability to weave compelling narratives with rich visual detail.
The Creation of “My Favorite Thing Is Monsters”
The creation of My Favorite Thing Is Monsters was a labor of love for Emil Ferris, spanning several years of meticulous planning and execution. Drawing from personal experiences, including her childhood fascination with monster movies and her later struggles with illness, Ferris crafted a deeply personal narrative. The graphic novel is presented as a fictional diary, with hand-drawn pages that blend pulp magazine aesthetics with intimate storytelling. Ferris’s unique art style, characterized by intricate pen-and-ink illustrations, brings the world of 1960s Chicago to life. The book’s non-linear structure and layered imagery reflect Ferris’s exploration of identity, history, and the concept of monstrousness. The result is a work that is both a tribute to classic horror and a groundbreaking contribution to the graphic novel medium, resonating with readers for its emotional depth and visual brilliance.
Reception and Impact
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters received widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous awards and resonating deeply with readers for its emotional depth, unique storytelling, and visual brilliance.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Emil Ferris’s My Favorite Thing Is Monsters garnered significant critical acclaim upon its release. The graphic novel won the 2018 Eisner Award for Best Writer/Artist, recognizing Ferris’s innovative storytelling and visual artistry. It also received the 2017 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Graphic Novel, further solidifying its place in contemporary comics. Critics praised the book for its emotional depth, intricate artwork, and unique blend of horror, mystery, and coming-of-age themes. The novel was additionally a finalist for the 2018 Bram Stoker Award and the 2018 Lambda Literary Award, highlighting its cross-genre appeal. Ferris’s work has been lauded for its bold narrative style and ability to weave personal identity with historical and cultural narratives, making it a standout in both literary and graphic storytelling circles. Its impact continues to resonate, earning it a dedicated readership and widespread admiration.
Reader Responses and Reviews
Readers and reviewers have overwhelmingly praised My Favorite Thing Is Monsters for its unique storytelling and emotional resonance. Many have highlighted the novel’s ability to blend horror, mystery, and coming-of-age themes, creating a deeply personal and immersive experience. The graphic diary format has been particularly celebrated for its authenticity and visual storytelling. Readers have also appreciated the way Ferris uses monstrous imagery to explore themes of identity, belonging, and trauma. The novel has resonated with a wide audience, including fans of horror, graphic novels, and literary fiction. Reviewers often note the book’s emotional depth and its ability to provoke both fear and empathy. The novel’s exploration of historical and cultural contexts has also been praised for its thoughtfulness and nuance, making it a standout in contemporary literature.
My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is a groundbreaking graphic novel that has left a lasting impact on readers and critics alike. Emil Ferris’s unique storytelling, combined with her vivid artwork, creates a deeply personal and immersive experience. The novel’s exploration of identity, monstrousness, and historical trauma resonates powerfully, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be “other.” By blending elements of horror, mystery, and coming-of-age narratives, Ferris crafts a story that is both haunting and heartfelt. The book’s non-linear structure and graphic diary format add to its authenticity, making it a standout in contemporary literature. Ultimately, My Favorite Thing Is Monsters is a testament to the power of storytelling, proving that monsters can be both terrifying and transformative. Its legacy continues to inspire readers, solidifying its place as a modern classic.
