Rip, M. D.

Fun-filled full-color all-ages adventure.RIP, M.D. is the debut graphic novel from The Angry Beavers creator Mitch Schauer, a creepy, fun-filled all-ages adventure introducing Ripley Plimpt, an eleven-year-old boy whose ordinary life is turned upside-down when he discovers that monsters are not only real, but are also in desperate need of his help to overcome their very real problems. One foggy night, while searching for monsters in the cemetery behind his house, Ripley finds and rescues the tiniest of bats impaled on a thorn bush. What Ripley doesn’t realize is that he’s just saved the life, or “un-life,” of one of the world’s most dangerous night creatures―a vampire! Word spreads among all monsters of Rip’s heroic gallantry and kindness. Before long, legendary and mythical monsters from around the world are showing up on his doorstep proclaiming Rip as RIP, M.D.―Monster Doctor! Writing and illustrating the graphic novel, Emmy-Award winning and long time producer, writer and designer Schauer has teamed with comic book veteran Mike Vosburg who’s bringing his innovative, illustrative style to the artwork’s inking. Michael Lessa and Justin Yamaguchi are creating a whole new look for RIP M.D. with their beautiful color and special effects expertise.RIP, M.D. is the first collaboration between the independent animation studio Lincoln Butterfield, who’s producing the graphic novel, and Fantagraphics Books, who’s publishing it. 88 pages of color comics

From Publishers Weekly

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.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up—Despite its promising, if familiar, premise, this graphic novel falls short on almost every front. Ripley "Rip" Plimpt is a monster-loving boy who finds himself tangled up in a world of monsters and intrigue. The storytelling is erratic and overly reliant on exposition. Grammar and spelling mistakes occur throughout. The artwork is uneven; with his big head, stubby limbs, and chubby cheeks, Rip doesn't seem to belong in the very story that bears his name. The mix of traditional hand-drawn and computer-aided art yields unpleasant results. Characterization is inconsistent, both visually and within the narrative. The target age also seems to vary: Rip looks like a preschooler, yet the story itself would be just about right for "Goosebumps" fans, while bizarre lapses into off-color language would suggest a teen audience. The author has extensive experience in the field of animation, and this seems to be an attempt to bring the liveliness of that medium into print. One can't help but wonder what the book could have been had it had some clearer direction.—Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada (c) Copyright 2011.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Mitch Schauer (pronounced Shower) has been an animation artist since 1990, when he produced the actor-comedian Howie Mandel’s Bobby’s World for Fox, and created his own highly successful animated series The Angry Beavers for Nickelodeon in 1997. In 2007 he co-created The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!, a live-action web series for the Jim Henson Company.Mike Vosburg is an illustrator, storyboard- animation- and comics artist who has worked for Kitchen Sink, DC, and Marvel. The Emmy-winner has devoted his time more recently to TV and film, working for such directors as John Frankenheimer and Robert Zemeckis, and on theatrical projects such as David Mamet’s The Water Engine. He and his wife Anna live in Tujunga, California.

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