Eleven-year-old Ripley "Rip" Plimpt is into monsters--really into monsters. He desires nothing more than to meet one and let the misunderstood creature know someone out there cares. His wish comes true after he mends the injured wing of a helpless bat, and supernatural entities begin to seek him out for medical and therapeutic help. Becoming a "monster doctor" practically overnight, Rip finds his world turned topsy-turvy as a zombie--affectionately dubbed "Dead Guy"--a gay werewolf with self-esteem issues, and an amorphous blob named Oozy invade the mundane world of Rip and his very supportive family. But while he attempts to balance the realities of elementary school with the responsibilities of his nocturnal vocation, his efforts are observed by an evil family intent on removing Rip and his folks from their house by any means necessary, including persuading the neighborhood that Rip's monster pals are a genuine threat. Angry Beavers creator Schauer displays a knowledge and fondness for the old-school culture of monster movies, and the art has a nice balance between the macabre and the absurd. Although billed as all ages, some of the story elements are more suitable for older children. All ages. (Oct.)

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