Monster Fun


Monster Fun was originally a weekly British comic strip magazine for children aged seven to twelve. Published by IPC Media, it ran for 73 issues in 1975–1976, when it merged with Buster. Focused on humorous monster strips and stories, the magazine was known for "The Bad Time Bedtime Books" minicomic inserts, created by Leo Baxendale.
The nominal editor was "Frankie Stein", a character who had previously appeared in the magazines Wham!, Shiver and Shake, and Whoopee!. Recurring artists included Robert Nixon, Thomas Williams, and Trevor Metcalfe.
The magazine was known for handing out free toys in its issues. The first issue, for instance, came with a free plate wobbler. The second issue had a "Freaky Spider Ring", the third a "Super Shaking Skeleton".
The comic was relaunched in April 2022, initially as a bi-monthly publication before moving to monthly publication. Its final issue was in December 2024.

Publication history

Original IPC Run

Monster Fun's debut issue was dated 14 June 1975. Monster Fun Specials were printed in 1975 and 1976.
The magazine merged with Buster to form Buster and Monster Fun after the 30 October 1976 issue. Due to its ongoing popularity, the Monster Fun logo was printed on Busters cover until the summer of 1979.
Despite its short run, Monster Fun Annuals were printed every year, cover-dated from 1977 until 1985, though all contained some reprint material. They were all distributed in the UK from the autumn of the previous cover-dated year. Buster and Monster Fun Specials were printed every year from 1977 until 1996, making them one of the most long-lived of IPC / Fleetway titles. Almost all of the other original strips were reprinted in other titles in the 1980s and 1990s.
After Monster Funs 1976 merger into Buster, the strips Gums, Kid Kong, X-Ray Specs, Mummy's Boy, Draculass, Teddy Scare, Terror TV, and Martha's Monster Make-Up all made the merger.
In February 1982 these merged magazines merged again with Jackpot. Kid Kong was terminated on this occasion.
In June 1984 the magazine merged with School Fun. The comic strip Gums was terminated on this occasion.
In 1988 the magazine merged with Nipper. Mummy's Boy was terminated on this occasion. X-Ray Specs had the most longevity continuing until Buster's end though as with the all but one of the last Buster strips as reprints.

Rebellion revival (2021-2024)

In September 2021 it was announced that Rebellion, publishers of 2000 AD, would be relaunching the comic in April 2022, "revived and reimagined for today's kids".
Unlike the original IPC run, the Rebellion revival will be published every two months, rather than weekly. Characters who will appear within the comics include Frankie Stein, Kid Kong, Draculass, Sweeny Toddler, Gums, Teddy Scare, and The Leopard from Lime Street. The first issue in October 2021 was not part of the main sequence, as the publication's main subscription started from April 2022.
In March 2023, Rebellion announced that from June 2023, due to popular demand, the issues will be published monthly rather than every two months.
In November 2024, Rebellion announced that the December issue of the comic would be the final one.

Issues

  • Monster Fun Halloween Special issue was published in October 2021. Included in this issue were Frankie Stein; Kid Kong; Draculass; Teddy Scare!; Gums; Sweeny Toddler; Harry & Gary; Evil Eye; Tokoloshe; Birdman, Chicken & Sparrow; Martha's Monster Make-Up; Hell's Angel; Gah! The Gobblin' Goblin; Wiz War; The Leopard from Lime Street; Hire a Horror; Jump Junior, Monster Helper; Creature Teacher; Scare Salon and Grimly Feendish.
  1. "Easter Special 2022", released in April 2022. Included in this issue were Kid Kong, Steel Commando, Frankie Stein, Draculass, a stand-alone story The Story of Easter, Hire a Horror, Martha's Monster Make-Up, The Leopard from Lime Street and Hell's Angel, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art. A special, webstore-only edition, included an additional story.
  2. "School's Out Special 2022", released in June 2022. Included in this issue were Kid Kong, Steel Commando, Frankie Stein, Draculass, a stand-alone story The Sun, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Hire a Horror, The Leopard from Lime Street and Hell's Angel, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  3. "Summer Special 2022", released in August 2022. Included in this issue were Kid Kong, Steel Commando, Frankie Stein, Draculass, a stand-alone story Home Invaders, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Hire a Horror, The Leopard from Lime Street and Hell's Angel, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  4. "Halloween Spooktacular 2022", released in October 2022. Included in this issue were Kid Kong, Steel Commando, Frankie Stein, Martha's Monster Make-Up, a stand-alone story The Stain, Hire a Horror, Draculass, The Leopard from Lime Street, and Hell's Angel, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  5. "Christmas Special 2022", released in December 2022. Included in this issue were Kid Kong, The Spider Who Loved Me!, Steel Commando, Frankie Stein, Draculass, a stand-alone story Clear and Present Danger, Hell's Angel, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Hire a Horror and The Leopard from Lime Street, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  6. "Ghoulish Gaming Special", released in February 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Steel Commando, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Draculass, The Leopard from Lime Street and Hire a Horror, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  7. "Twisted Time Travel Special", released in April 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Steel Commando, Draculass, Witch Vs Warlock, The Leopard from Lime Street and Hire a Horror, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  • "Spooky Subscriber Special", released in April 2023. This was an exclusive-to-subscribers, free, issue. The issue included 3 new stories, along with stories from previous issues. These republished stories included in this issue were Kid Kong, Hire a Horror, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Draculass, Frankie Stein and Sweeny Toddler.
  2. "Dino-Scare Special", released in June 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Steel Commando, Witch Vs Warlock, The Leopard from Lime Street, a Global Ghoulies picture and Martha's Monster Make-Up, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  4. "Horror Holiday Special", released in July 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded, Steel Commando, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, The Leopard from Lime Street, Global Ghoulies and Hire a Horror, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  6. "Petrifying Pets Special", released August 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded, Steel Commando, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, The Leopard from Lime Street, Global Ghoulies and Frankencritter, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  8. "Freaky Fairy Tales Special", released September 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Steel Commando, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, The Leopard from Lime Street, Lost in the Woods, Global Ghoulies and Hire a Horror, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  10. "Halloween Spooktacular 2023", released October 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded, Steel Commando, Draculass, Witch Vs Warlock, Crabbe's Crusaders, Global Ghoulies, Franken Critter, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Hire a Horror and All Hallows Scream, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  12. "Spooky Space!", released November 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Draculass, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Crabbe's Crusaders, Global Ghoulies andWelcome to Garzag's Galactic Guzzle-Pit!, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  14. "Christmas Special 2023", released December 2023. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Peaches Creatures, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power ), Global Ghoulies andFrankencritter, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  16. "Monstrous Motors!", released January 2024. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Peaches Creatures, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power, Global Ghoulies andHire a Horror, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  18. "Manic Movies!", released February 2024. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Peaches Creatures, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power, Global Ghoulies and Frankencritter, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  20. "Beastly Books!", released March 2024. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Peaches Creatures, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power, Global Ghoulies and new strip Molly's Mummy, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  22. "Nasty Nature!", released April 2024. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Space Invaded!, Peaches Creatures, Martha's Monster Make-Up/''Draculass, new strip Zorthrax the Unforgivable, Rex Power, Global Ghoulies and Frankencritter, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  24. "Sinister Science!", released May 2024. Included in this issue were Gums, Kid Kong, Hell's Angel, Forest of Fear, Space Invaded!, Peaches Creatures, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power, Global Ghoulies, Martha's Monster Make-Up, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  26. "Magic and Mystery", released June 2024. Included in this issue were Gums Kid Kong, Sally Astro, Forest of Fear, Hire a Horror: The Fright Shift, Sir Render: The cowardly Knight, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power and Franken Critter, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  28. "Superhero Monster", released July 2024. Included in this issue were Gums Kid Kong, Sally Astro, Hire a Horror: The Fright Shift, Captain Zom, Sir Render: The cowardly Knight, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power, UniScorn and Martha's Monster Make-Up, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  30. "Scary Sports", released August 2024. Included in this issue were Gums Kid Kong, Sally Astro, Hire a Horror: The Fright Shift, Captain Zom, Sir Render: The cowardly Knight, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power, Forest of Fear and Franken Critter, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  32. "Ghastly Gaming", released September 2024. Included in this issue were Gums Kid Kong, Sally Astro, Hire a Horror: The Fright Shift, Captain Zom, Sir Render: The cowardly Knight, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Rex Power and Pop Grrrl, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  34. "Halloween Spooktacular 2024", released October 2024. Included in this issue were Gums Kid Kong, Sally Astro, Hire a Horror: The Fright Shift, Captain Zom, Sir Render: The cowardly Knight, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Peaches' Creatures, Witch Vs Warlock, Pop Grrrl, Is It You?, Hell's Angel, Crabbe's Crusaders and Count Carrot as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  36. "Eerie Animals", released November 2024. Included in this issue were Gums Kid Kong, Sally Astro, Hire a Horror: The Fright Shift, Captain Zom, Sir Render: The cowardly Knight, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Witch Vs Warlock, Crabbe's Crusaders and Pop Grrrl, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
  38. "Christmas Special", released December 2024. Included in this issue were Gums Kid Kong, Martha's Monster Make-Up, Sally Astro, Peaches' Creatures, Sir Render: The cowardly Knight, Witch Vs Warlock, Crabbe's Crusaders, Hire a Horror: The Fright Shift and Hells Angel, as well as puzzles and reader-submitted art.
Although issue 26 was the final issue, the contents for the next two issues had been solicited:
  2. "Level Up", was to include Gums, Captain Zom, Witch Vs Warlock, Martha’s Monster Make Up, Sir Render, The Fright Shift, Crabbe’s Crusaders and Peaches’ Creatures.
  4. "What a Knight-Mare!", was to include Gums, Captain Zom, Witch Vs Warlock, Martha’s Monster Make Up, Sir Render, The Fright Shift, Peaches’ Creatures and Crabbes’ Crusaders''.

List of strips

Original strips

Arts Gallery Brainy and his Monster MakerCindersCreature Teacher Dough Nut & Rusty Draculass Grizzly BearhugThe Invisible MonsterKid Kong Major Jump Horror HunterMarch of the Mighty OnesMartha's Monster Make-Up Monster Hits Jokes Mummy's Boy, Tom Thumbscrew

Later strips

Gums Frankie's DiaryFreaky Farm The Little MonstersS.O.S. Save Our Stan as well as many pull-out postersTeddy Scare
  • ''Terror TV''

Revival strips

Note: Strips marked with a double dagger only appeared in the Halloween Spooktacular 2022, or in a single issue of the revival run.
This list does not include stand-alone, single issue, stories.

Revived strips

  • Birdman, Chicken & Sparrow - Sparrow is a new character to the strip
  • Crabbe's Crusaders
  • Creature Teacher
  • Draculass
  • Evil Eye
  • Frankie Stein
  • Grimly Feendish
  • Gums
  • Hire a Horror
  • Kid Kong
  • The Leopard from Lime Street
  • Martha's Monster Make-Up
  • Steel Commando
  • Sweeny Toddler
  • Teddy Scare!

New strips

  • Captain Zom
  • Forest of Fear
  • Frankencritter
  • Gah! The Gobblin' Goblin
  • Global Ghoulies
  • Harry & Gary
  • Hell's Angel
  • Jump Junior, Monster Helper
  • Molly's Mummy
  • Peaches' Creatures
  • Pop Grrrl
  • Rex Power
  • Sally Astro
  • Scare Salon
  • Sir Render
  • Space Invaded!
  • Witch Vs Warlock
  • Wiz War