Graphic MSP is a line of graphic novels based on Monica’s Gang. The books are written by various artists, who are free to reinterpret the original characters and plots according to their own vision. As such, each novel has a unique tone and offers a different experience. Let’s start with the negatives:
Each novel follows a strict 80-pages format. Though most writers were able to adapt to this restriction fairly well, a few books would have really benefitted from some extra pages. This is especially the case for Tom-Tom and Thunder’s novels (Titled "White Night" and "Great Wall", respectively): Both of them are drastically different from Mauricio’s comics, but the narrative feels so rushed it’s hard for the reader to connect with the world or its characters.
The novels are ridiculously overpriced. As of 2022, each of them costs twice as much as they did in 2012, thus making them more expensive than Marvel or DC’s comics. This is unfortunate given that the books can usually be finished in one sitting.
I might be wrong, but I believe this is the only version of Monica’s Gang that has never been translated to other languages. So if you can’t read Portuguese, you are out of luck.
Now here is a major positive: I don’t think there is a single Graphic MSP that can be called "bad". The quality of the novels fluctuates, and some of them are better than the others, but overall I don’t regret reading any of them. Here is my top 5 in no particular order:
Monica’s Gang: Bonds – This one needs no introduction. It was so acclaimed it got turned into a movie. The two sequels are just as good.
Chuck Billy: Arvorada and Horacio: Mother – Grouping these together because they share a similar theme: The loss of a loved one. These two stood out for me because they are arguably the saddest novels in the franchise.
Jeremiah: Skin – Racism is a delicate topic, so the fact this novel managed to build its narrative around it in such a masterful manner is nothing short of impressive. Bonus point for finally giving Jeremiah the spotlight, since he tends to be ignored in the original comics.
Jimmy Five: Recuperação – It’s a shame this one doesn’t get mentioned often, because it’s really good. I may be biased, since Jimmy is my favourite character, but I liked everything about this novel.
Overall, I was really pleased by the consistent quality of the MSP novels. I haven’t read all of them, but I can safely say that they are some of the best things to ever be published by Mauricio de Sousa Produções. Here’s to another 10 years of amazing stories.
Graphic MSP - An overview of a decade
Graphic MSP is a line of graphic novels based on Monica’s Gang. The books are written by various artists, who are free to reinterpret the original characters and plots according to their own vision. As such, each novel has a unique tone and offers a different experience. Let’s start with the negatives:
Now here is a major positive: I don’t think there is a single Graphic MSP that can be called "bad". The quality of the novels fluctuates, and some of them are better than the others, but overall I don’t regret reading any of them. Here is my top 5 in no particular order:
Overall, I was really pleased by the consistent quality of the MSP novels. I haven’t read all of them, but I can safely say that they are some of the best things to ever be published by Mauricio de Sousa Produções. Here’s to another 10 years of amazing stories.