What you see above is the printer's colour proof for the front cover of the very first issue of Monster Fun, and on the right is the final version, both illustrated by Robert Nixon. It seems that after they saw the one on the left in its final form they decided against it and changed it to the more familiar version on the right. I can see one possible reason for the change and that is with the logo. On the original the word 'Monster' appears on the top line, and the words 'Fun Comic' appear on the bottom. This could lead to the comic being called just Monster when it's actual name in Monster Fun.
The original design is good but the final one is better and I'm glad they chose it. It's interesting to see this unique piece of British comic history, but unfortunately this is the best image of it I have.
So, which one do you prefer?
8 comments:
What a find!!!!!!!!
...where did you find this ebay?
I prefer the new cover...more picture to see...and Monster Fun sounds better then just Monster..
Also like the red background of letters...
The published cover is the best one.
Nice find, George. The first version must be the cover to the dummy issue. Over the decades there would have been numerous early versions of comics like this. Some would never be published at all of course. In the 1990s there was talk of a comedy horror comic called Spooky, but it never got past the cover mock up. There was also a plan to do a younger version of Oink! called Potty, but again, I don't think it progressed past the discussion phase.
It would be great if all of these what-might-have-been comic covers could be collected in a book but chances are the material was destroyed years ago.
It was in the collection of Alan Clark, who sold it recently on ebay.
Interesting to hear about these other comics, as you say it would be nice if all these covers could be collected. I've heard that IPC never kept any of their material unlike D.C Thomson and unless it was given to somebody it's unlikely to be out there.
Did you notice how much it sold for, George?
It was a buy-it-now and cost £45.
I might have bought it...
Theres a nice toughs and Toffs by Reg on sale at the moment on ebay
They definitely went with the better cover. That new logo was very distinctive and unusual for the time.
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