Notes

If you like this review and want to stay updated for what else I have in store, become a follower of this blog, click here to like the official Facebook page, and click here to follow me on Twitter. One subject that almost always turns out creative in animation is monster stories. They allow for different interpretations of monster looks and mythos. Often, they astound with portrayals that are more civil than most would expect. This episode about monsters covers all the usual appealing qualities interestingly. Scrooge comes up with another money-making plan of turning an old boardwalk shack into a convention center. When it’s built, Scrooge gets a call from an organization who wishes to use the convention center. This organization is Monsters Unanimous consisting of monsters from all over the world. Right away, there’s a sense of creativity to the monster angle with the organization as a social group staying in touch. This setup is ahead of its time for being done before the age of social media.
They all send letters and commandeer phone booths to inform the upcoming convention where they’ll meet in person. As for the monsters themselves, on their own, they’re just what you’d expect. Some are duck versions of real world monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein and his bride, a hunchback, and a little man with a scratchy voice transforming into a werewolf. Others are their own creation like a blob, a creature from the Black Lagoon, and a mummy who is made fun of for wearing bandages. Together, it’s a combination of experiences from the monsters and their powers. The meaning behind these being real monsters is also a huge factor. Scrooge is unable to get them under control as they rush to their convention, throw him out, and ruin the center. In addition, they use his mansion as their hotel and are very rowdy and difficult for the staff to handle. Through it all, it’s hard to imagine that Scrooge can possibly get good out of this situation. With https://depdc.org/ wrecked and needing to give the monsters their money back if he kicks them out, much is working against this business deal being successful.

The biggest thing working against Scrooge is the most problematic. The monsters doing their thing makes all of Duckburg think they’re all Scrooge pulling publicity stunts for monster movie marathons at his cinema. Their scorn goes too far and makes them look close-minded for not considering all possibilities. At least the monsters themselves are likable. Despite doing things wildly, they seem like relatable decent people. This is especially true through the friendly bonds they form with the mansion staff. Also, while Scrooge’s sympathy comes from unfair means, Monsters Unanimous’ is more believable. It’s not just about people not seeing them as real monsters, but also being scared by them and bothered by their presence. When they’re later seen protesting monster movies at Scrooge’s cinema, they’re at their most relatable. Rather than horror machines, they’re regular citizens who want to be treated equally. I will say that kids praising them for being scary just as their protest starts does come a little too fast despite being an appropriate conclusion. As for Scrooge, he solves his problem by having the monsters give nightly performances. This is fitting too, but it doesn’t answer why the law finds this ok. It’s technically another publicity stunt which they were getting fed up with. Logic aside, it’s at least a fun scene to end things off with. Aside from a few storytelling issues, this episode is a fun and creative way to show that monsters have feelings too. The next DuckTales review is on the Season 1 finale which places the show in syndication. It features Scrooge falling in love with a woman who's secretly after his fortune. Next time on MC Toon Reviews is "Dinner for Four" and "Phoebe Skips" from Hey Arnold. If you would like to check out other DuckTales reviews on this blog, click here for the guide made especially for them.

Erikson ensure that when Rake appears the reader gets an impression of who he is and who other characters think he is. He is both feared and respected, and there is a twist with Rake at the end of the novel which is excellent. He has a Great Raven called Crone which does his bidding and provides the oddest comic relief in the book. The mortal characters also have their own struggles and each major character leaves a lasting impact due to their wants and desires. Readers will attach to many of them, although ambiguity in their actions is key to Erikson’s themes. This is a book about conquest and does not shy away from the fact that these characters are doing horrible things. They may be likable, but few of them can be called good. There are characters like Quick Ben or Kruppe who work on the outside for their own manipulative ends throughout the book, or like Tattersail who is trying to keep her regiment together after the siege leaves her and her squad broken. There are people like Paran who became a soldier for glory, but has become a pawn in an even greater game, dying and being resurrected by a god for their own ends. They’re all excellent and Erikson is not afraid from using the genre of fantasy to its fullest, even if he intends to deconstruct tropes. Overall, Gardens of the Moon has a lot going for it. The world is one which you can get lost in and it will stay with you after you finish, as you ask questions, but it is a first novel. As a first novel, it does quite a few things that make it excessively difficult to read, even by the standards set by the author, but if this review has intrigued you, I will say give it a shot.
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