TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: David Avallone

Showing posts with label David Avallone. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Comics Review: "RED SONJA NOIR: THE PRINCESS & THE PLUNDER" is a Winner

RED SONJA NOIR: THE PRINCESS AND THE PLUNDER

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ARTIST: Edson Enn

COLORS: Adriano Augusto

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Lesley “Leirix” Li

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Robert Hack; Lesley “Leirix” Li; Molly Stewart cosplay

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (July 2026)

Rated: Teen+

Red Sonja created by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith, from the character created by Robert E. Howard

Red Sonja Noir: “The Princess & the Plunder”

Red Sonja is female high fantasy and sword and sorcery heroine. She first appeared in Marvel Comics' Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated February 1973) and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith. Red Sonja is loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Conan the Cimmerian's creator, Robert E. Howard.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring the character. One of the recent titles is the one-shot title, Red Sonja Noir: The Princess & the Plunder. It is written by David Avallone; drawn by Edson ENN; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. The one-shot finds Red Sonja plying her mercenary trade at an enclave for the rich and wealthy merchant class where a wedding turns nefarious thanks to thieves, dark magic, and monsters.

Red Sonja Noir: The Princess & the Plunder opens on the island of Zaralina. Red Sonja has been hired by Elder Zaralin, the island's patriarch, as extra security for the wedding of his daughter. Sonja is mainly at the Elder's estate to protect the extravagant wedding gifts.

Events soon take a turn for the dark and nefarious as Sonja finds herself in the middle of ill-natured wedding guests, a bevy of thieves, dark magic, and a monstrous plot that could leave the local town and most of the island in ashes.

THE LOWDOWN: In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Red Sonja Noir: The Princess & the Plunder, which is not the first David Avallone Red Sonja comic book that I have read.

Red Sonja Noir: The Princess & the Plunder is the second long-form Red Sonja story written by David Avallone that I have read. The first was 2025's Red Sonja Noir One-Shot (“The Crimson Calypso”). Thus far, this new story is Avallone's crowning Red Sonja achievement. Pure sword-and-sorcery adventure, slick action set pieces, sparkling dialogue, skanky villains deserving of their fates, and magic that falls on the story like a shower of golden sugar on my favorite deserve. This story made me say “Uhh! Na nah na nah!”

The art and storytelling by Edson ENN (Edson Novaes Neves) makes the story move in ways that keep the readers guessing. ENN brings this story to life with passion; this isn't another swing of the sword. It's a thriller offering energetic sword thrusts with a sense of mystery worth engaging.

In order to praise colorist Adriano Augusto's work, I have to reveal that there is a dragon in this story, beautifully and amazingly drawn by ENN. Augusto lights the story on fire in several pages. However, there is a page with the dragon that Augusto makes so bright and vivid that I could almost feel the heat n my face. Jeff Eckeberry's lettering has a classic style that recalls the best old school Red Sonja comic books.

Red Sonja Noir: The Princess & the Plunder is worthy because the creative team brought the gifts to this wedding.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Red Sonja comic books will want to read Red Sonja Noir: The Princess & the Plunder.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux aka "I Reads You"

A Kindle edition of "Red Sonja Noir: The Princess & the Plunder" is available at Amazon.

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Saturday, July 4, 2026

Comics Review: 2026 "SAVAGE TALES #1" is the Sh*t if I Do Say So Myself

SAVAGE TALES #1 (2026)

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Mariano Benitez Chapo; Pasqual Qualano; Sebastian Piriz

COLORS: Ome Remalante, Jr.

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

COVER: Bjorn Barends

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Bjorn Barends

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (April 2026)

Rated Teen+

Savage Tales is the title of an anthology comic book series that has been used by both Dynamite Entertainment and Marvel Comics (twice). Dynamite recently brought its version back as a series of occasionally-published one-shots.

The 2026 edition of Savage Tales #1 has four short stories, all written by David Avallone, a master of the comics short story. These stories feature Gullivar of Mars (“His War Chapter Four” drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo); Red Sonja (“The Code” drawn by Pasqual Qualano); Allan Quatermain (“Allan Quatermain and the Invaders” drawn by Sebastian Piriz); and Vampirella (“The Old Country Trigger” drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo). All four stories are colored by Ome Remalante, Jr., and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

I will summarize and review each story individually.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, the marketing department at Dynamite Entertainment has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is the 2026 edition of Savage Tales #1, which is one of several Savage Tales titles that I have reviewed.

Captain Gullivar of Mars: “His War: Chapter Four” by Avallone and Benitez-Chapo:

Captain Gullivar Jones is based on the character, Lt. Gulllivar Jones, that first appeared in the novel, Lieut. Gullivar Jones: His Vacation, which was written by Edwin Lester Arnold and was published in 1905. Writer David Avallone has been reworking the character over the past few years.

“His War” finds Jones returned to Mars – 20 years after he left it to its fate – via his magic carpet, “Ditan Yunshu. What he finds is a disaster, and his once “luminous princess” is now the embittered one-eyed Princess Heru. Determined to fix all that went wrong because he left, Capt. Gullivar Jones must make a most amazing journey – one that may well become his final journey.

Avallone has a deft touch with vintage and classic characters, and because of author Edwin Lester Arnold's influence on the science fiction sub-genre, “planetary romance,” Gullivar Jones is both vintage and classic. I thought “His War: Chapter Three” was Avallone's best work at that point in the serial, but for Chapter Four, I must use the phrase “blown away.” I am honestly blown away by Chapter Four, which finds Avallone unleashing 16 pages of thrill, chills, and savage surprises.

Artist Benitez Chapo's storytelling is a two-fisted celebration of old-timey science fiction. Chapo offers aggression, passion, and determination, and it all explodes off the pages thanks to Omi Remalante, Jr's raw coloring. The experience of reading this reminds me of why I like comics because Avallone and Chapo left me feeling dazed. I felt cross-eyes after reading this true adventure gem.

Red Sonja: “The Code” by Avallone and Qualano:

“The Code” opens in the city of “Bukhrosha” on the evening of the second day of the “Bukhroshan Revolution.” A man referring to himself as a merchant hires Red Sonja to get him out of the city, which is in the throes of a murderous rampages against the nobility. But there is more to this merchant's story, and it will test the She-Devil with a Sword's fidelity to “the code.”

David Avallone is good at Red Sonja – really damn good. When I read his Sonja stories, I feel the experience of reading about a genuine female character with as much depth of character and emotion as she has skill with a blade. Pasqual Qualano's beautiful art and storytelling is clever, brutal, and lethal without slathering on violence. I enjoyed the hell out of reading “The Code.”

"Allan Quatermain and the Invaders” by Avallone and Piriz:

The story opens in June 1932 aboard the cargo vessel, the “SS Cyclops.” There, Marlowe, a passenger, tells the ship's captain a tale of the legendary English big game hunter whose adventures occur in southern Africa. Marlowe's tale is one told to him by a World War I German soldier whose military unit finds itself in conflict with that great hunter, Allan Quatermain, after they seek refuge in his South African estate.

“Allan Quatermain and the Invaders” is one of the best stories featuring the character that I have ever read. Once again, Avallone proves that he is as deft with Victorian characters as he is with vintage American pulp characters. Sebastian Piriz's art creates a ghost story so potent that I thought I was being dragged into the Germans' tragic fate. What a powerful tale, y'all. I'm horny for it.

Vampirella: “The Old Country Trigger” by Avallone and Benitez-Chapo:

“The Old Country Trigger” opens in New York City where NYPD Officer Ana Reyes seeks help from Vampirella. The target is John Trigger a.k.a. “The Old Country Trigger,” and he's a vampire. Officer Reyes wants Vampirella's help in destroying Trigger, but, of course, it is going to be just a tad bit more complicated than even Vampirella expects.

Avallone and Mariano Benitez-Chapo do the buddy-cop thing with “The Old Country Trigger,” and honestly, I'd like to see Vampirella and Ana Reyes team-up again. Here, writer and artist are macabre dance partners in producing this delightful performance of dark fantasy storytelling. In fact, I could see it in a longer form as a graphic novel. They give this narrative, the characters, and the settings room to breath and to move and groove. This is a gem of a short story.

If I had to reluctantly pick my favorite story in Savage Tales #1 (2026), it would indeed be a reluctant process. As I don't have to, let's have fun with it, dear readers. I'm going with “Allan Quatermain and the Invaders” as my favorite in this box of dazzling tales. Still, I think you, dear readers, should buy a copy of this comic book and decide for yourself.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of anthology comic books who are looking for a collection full of great stories will want to read Savage Tales #1 (2026).

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Comics Reviews: "HARLEY QUINN x ELVIRA #1" Plans a Party

HARLEY QUINN X ELVIRA VOLUME 1 #1 (OF 6)

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti

ART: Amanda Conner; Juan Samu

COLORS: Amanda Conner; Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Dave Lanphear

EDITORS: Joseph Rybandt and Chris Conroy

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT: David Avallone

COVER: Amanda Conner

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Chad Hardin; Joseph Michael Linsner; Ben Caldwell; Mark Spears;

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2025)

Rated Teen+

Harley Quinn created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm

Chapter One: “Stage Spite”

In 1981, actress and model Cassandra Peterson created the “horror hostess character” known as “Elvira.” Elvira gradually grew in popularity and eventually became a brand name. As Elvira, Peterson endorsed many products and became a pitch-woman, appearing in numerous television commercials throughout the 1980s. Elvira first starred in her own comic book back in the mid-1980s. Beginning with 2018's Elvira Mistress of the Dark #1, Elvira has been the star of numerous comic book series that were written by David Avallone and published by Dynamite Entertainment.

DC Comics villain, Harley Quinn, originated as a character on the animated television series, “Batman: The Animated Series” (FOX Network, 1992). Created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, Harley debuted in the episode “Joker’s Favor” (September 11, 1992), as a female sidekick of The Joker and his eventual accomplice. Harley made her first comic book appearance in The Batman Adventures #12 (cover dated: September 1993), DC Comics’ comic book spin-off of the animated series. Harley Quinn became the star of her own DC Comics' ongoing series, beginning in 2000.

Now, Elvira and Harley Quinn unite in the new six-issue miniseries, Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1. It is written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti; drawn by Conner and Juan Samu; colored by Conner and Walter Pereya; and lettered by Dave Lanphear. Official Elvira comic book writer David Avallone is acting as an editorial consultant. In this new series, Harley Quinn convinces Elvira to unite in throwing the greatest Halloween party Brooklyn has ever seen.

Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1 #1 (“Stage Spite”) opens in another one of Harley Quinn's funky dreams. These dreams are apparently a sign that the “Clown Princess of Crime” is frustrated and needs to do something to get her groove back, according to her partner, “Big Tony.” But what to do? When Harley spots a billboard promoting the television program of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark on Station 51Z, Harley has an idea. All she needs to do is find Elvira.

Meanwhile, Elvira's boss at 51Z, Sidney Spellman, is cleaning house and Elvira loses everything. Well, Elvira's new friend Harley Quinn has an idea that's just crazy enough to make things better for both of them. Together, they are going to throw the greatest Halloween party the borough of Brooklyn has ever seen – whether the borough likes it or not.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1: Issue 1.

I knew what to expect from Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti as writers of Harley Quinn comic books. They are among the best Harley Quinn storytellers and have been doing their damn thing with more consistency and longevity than any others. However, I was not sure how they would be at writing Elvira as a comic book character, especially because David Avallone, the writer of modern Elvira comic books, is so damn good at it. I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised at Conner and Palmiotti's turn on the character, with their Elvira being a bit more subdued and also droll instead of sporting her usual sterling acerbic and screwball comic book interpretation.

This series' main artist is Elvira comics regular, Juan Samu, although Amanda Conner does draw and color several pages here. Samu brings life to Conner and Palmiotti's script, creating a candy-coated confection of madness with a slight touch of the macabre. Colorist Walter Pereya drops a castle's worth of Neapolitan ice cream over Samu's art that turns this story into a dessert bar for the eyes. Dave Lanphear's lettering is the final flourish that makes this story feel like static electricity dancing across the pages.

Honestly, I didn't expect much from Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1, mainly because I have been underwhelmed by previous Harley Quinn team-ups. But it was time for me to get to this debut issue as the second issue approaches. So should you, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of Harley Quinn comic books will want to read Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

A Kindle edition of HARLEY QUINN X ELVIRA #1 is available at Amazon.

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Friday, August 15, 2025

Comics Review: "RED SONJA NOIR ONE-SHOT" - The Crone, the Thief, Her Partner and His Killer

RED SONJA NOIR ONE-SHOT (2025)

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ARTIST: Edu Menna

COLORS: Adriano Augusto

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Lesley “Leirix” Li

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Joseph Michael Linsner; Lesley “Leirix” Li; Molly Stewart cosplay

40pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (July 2025)

Rated: Teen+

Red Sonja created by Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith

Red Sonja Noir: “The Crimson Calypso

Red Sonja is female high fantasy and sword and sorcery hero. She first appeared in Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated February 1973) and was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith. Red Sonja was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Conan the Cimmerian's creator, Robert E. Howard.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring the character. One of the recent titles is Red Sonja Noir One-Shot. It is written by David Avallone; drawn by Edu Menna; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. The one-shot finds Red Sonja dealing with a murdered partner and the hunt for a priceless artifact.

Red Sonja Noir One-Shot (“The Crimson Calypso”) is one of many stories of Red Sonja, but this one is not like many others. Red Sonja, usually a lone wolf, has a partner, Tamsin, an archer. Together, Sonja and Tamsin form the mercenary duo, “Blade and Archer.”

Now, they have a new client, Shauna. She wants Sonja and Tamsin to help save her sister from the slaver, Zander Thor. However, when Tamsin is found murdered, Sonja finds herself drawn into the feverish hunt for a priceless and mystical artifact known as “the Crimson Calypso.”

THE LOWDOWN: In July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Red Sonja Noir One-Shot, which is one of several Dynamite Red Sonja comic books that I have read.

Red Sonja Noir One-Shot is the first long-form Red Sonja story written by David Avallone that I have read, though it is not my first Avallone Sonja. I have previously praised Avallone for being an imaginative writer, and he shows that with this story. However, “The Crimson Calypso” (a funny title and name) is more than just sword-and-sorcery hack-and-slash designed for our prurient interests. Avallone gives the story an emotional angle; every character here, including Sonja, has skin in the game. There is more to lose than to gain, and the stakes and desires seem very personal.

Artist Edu Menna is an underrated storyteller. His art is certainly stylish, but emotional content and context run throughout, which makes him perfect for translating Avallone's comic mayhem and subtle flourishes into sometimes gripping and sometimes emotional comic book storytelling. I would like to see Avallone and Menna run through a good twelve-issue stretch of Red Sonja.

Adriano Augusto's colors give the story a powerful punch; in fact, Augusto's coloring on the pages that depict death come at me like a punch. As always, Jeff Eckleberry's classic-style lettering and effects bring the clashing of swords and sounds of battles and duels to life.

I expected Red Sonja Noir One-Shot to be good, but I must say I got more than I expected. Encore! Encore!

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Red Sonja comic books will want to read Red Sonja Noir One-Shot.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

A "Kindle" edition of RED SONJA NOIR ONE-SHOT is available at Amazon.

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Monday, February 10, 2025

Comics Review: "SAVAGE TALES #1" Offers a Fab Four of Tales

SAVAGE TALES #1 (2025)

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone; Kurt Busiek

ART: Hamish Cook; Eman Casallos; Mariano Benitez Chapo; Benjamin Dewey

COLORS: Jorge Sutil

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry; Simon Bowland

COVER: Arthur Suydam

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Liam Sharp; Rafael Kayanan; Arthur Suydam

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2025)

Rated Teen+

The 2025 edition of Savage Tales #1 has four short stories. Three of them are new stories written by David Avallone. These stories feature Gullivar of Mars (drawn by Hamish Cook); John Carter and Dejah Thoris of Mars (drawn by Eman Casallos); and Vampirella (drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo). All of Avallone's stories are colored by Jorge Sutil and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

The fourth entry is a Red Sonja story written by Kurt Busiek; drawn by Benjamin Dewey; and lettered by Simon Bowland. This story was originally published in Red Sonja: Black, White, Red #1 (July 2021).

I will summarize and review each story individually.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, the marketing department at Dynamite Entertainment has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is the 2025 edition of Savage Tales #1, but this is not the first time I have read a Dynamite Savage Tales comic book.

Gullivar of Mars: “His War Chapter Three” by Avallone and Cook:

Captain Gullivar Jones is based on the character, Lt. Gulllivar Jones, who first appeared in the novel, Lieut. Gullivar Jones: His Vacation, written by Edwin Lester Arnold and published in 1905. Writer David Avallone has been reworking the character over the past few years.

“His War” chronicles Jones' life since he first left Mars and eventually fought in “the Great War” (World War I). Now, Jones has returned to Mars twenty years after his original time on the planet. What he discovers is that he might be the reason for the once lush planet's sorry state, and his reunion with his beloved “Heru” (a princess of Mars) is also off to a sorry state.

Avallone has a deft touch with vintage and classic characters, and because of author Edwin Lester Arnold's influence on the science fiction sub-genre, “planetary romance,” Gullivar Jones is both vintage and classic. This may be the best chapter of Avallone's revival yet, primarily because he immediately puts Jones in a life or death situation. Hamish Cook's art and storytelling captures the edgy mood and tense action of the story's first person narration. Cook makes me wish that this story could be published as a graphic novel.

John Carter and Dejah Thoris of Mars: “A Mutiny on Mars” by Avallone and Casallos:

“A Mutiny on Mars” opens in the distant past on the planet of “Barsoom” (Mars”) and finds royal couple, John Carter and Dejah Thoris, on a scientific expedition. Instead of science, they find betrayal and a plot to kidnap John.

Avallone weaves a nice tale that will entertain those familiar with the world of Edgar Rice Burroughs' “Barsoom” series. Eman Casallos and Jorge Sutil's art and colors give this story the kind of exotic and esoteric aesthetic that at least I expect of comic book stories set in the world of Barsoom.

Vampirella: “The Real Thing” by Avallone and Chapo:

Avallone weaves a rather surprising and delightful tale featuring Vampirella, a truly classic character that often suffers from overexposure. Vampirella is working as a lowly assistant on the television series, “Draculette.” Among the production crew, there are some real doubters who are about to discover the truth about vampires. The question is whether or not Vampirella will step in to save the day or let the blood flow.

Mariano Benitez Chapo proves to be perfectly capable of turning Avallone's humorous scripts into a fun comics story that pops on the page. Avallone is really good at blending supernatural horror comics with humor comics, and Chapo's art captures the snappiness of Avallone's banter here. They'd make a good pairing on an Elvira series. As he does in the other two original stories, Jeff Eckleberry adds a stylish flair with his lettering for this story.

Red Sonja: “Seeing Red” by Busiek and Dewey:

“Seeing Red” opens in a place called the “Mountains of Night” where Red Sonja will enter a crypt as part of a deal she made with an ambitious wannabe ruler. What she's finds is certain death at the hands or claws of a creature that moves too fast for her to see. And that's got the “She-Devil with a Sword” seeing red.

I did read the 2021 Red Sonja: Black, White, Red series – every issue except the first, so “Seeing Red” is new to me. Kurt Busiek delivers a tale that reads as if it is a Conan the Barbarian tale from Marvel Comics' classic black and white magazine, The Savage Sword of Conan. Benjamin Dewey's art certainly sells this story's classic Marvel vibe with rock-solid compositions that are perfect for Red Sonja's comic book brand of sword and sorcery. As always I love the pounding vibe Simon Bowland's lettering gives this story.

If I had to reluctantly pick a favorite comics story in Savage Tales #1 (2025), it would be a difficult choice. So, I will instead suggest you get this comic book, dear readers, and decide for yourself.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of anthology comic books will want to read Savage Tales #1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Friday, September 20, 2024

Comics Review: "ELVIRA Meets H.P. Lovecraft #5" Throws the Book at Them

ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT VOLUME 1 #5

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereyra

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereyra

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2024)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Five: “Do You R'leyh Want to Hurt Me?”

In 1981, actress and model Cassandra Peterson created the “horror hostess character,” known as “Elvira.” Elvira gradually grew in popularity and eventually became a brand name. As Elvira, Peterson endorsed many products and became a pitch-woman, appearing in numerous television commercials throughout the 1980s.

Elvira also appeared in comic books, beginning in 1986 with the short-lived series from DC Comics, Elvira's House of Mystery. In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment. Elvira's latest comic book series is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1. The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In this new series, Elvira joins the ghost of infamous horror and fantasy author, H.P. Lovecraft, who has returned to the mortal plane on a mission from the Elder Gods to locate the last true company of the infamous “Necronomicon.”

Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #5 (“Do You R'leyh Want to Hurt Me?”) does not open in the domain of Nodens, Lord of the Abyss, as Lovecraft had wished it. Instead, the late great “Master of Cosmic Horror” and racist finds himself in R'leyh, the dominion of Cthulhu, along with the “Great Old One” known as Nyarlathotep... and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, of course.

Lovecraft hopes that presenting the last real copy of the Necronomicon to Cthulhu will earn him favors. When Shoggoth joins Cthulhu, the truth will be revealed, but will these “Great Old Ones” give a f**k anymore than the other old ones? And how will Elvira come out of this?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #5, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

In the fifth and final issue of Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, writer David Avallone proves that he doesn't have to save his best for last. He always has some his best for the entire narrative enterprise. He takes the piss outta Lovecraft and the starch outta his cosmic imaginings. Don't take everything so seriously, and you can enjoy a romp (of a sorts) with Elvira. Otherwise, you might suffer a fate worse than death and destruction... or that is my interpretation of Avallone's humor.

Artist Kewber Baal remains pitch perfect for Avallone, and I hope they work together more in the future. Baal's art gets prettier in style and stronger in storytelling with each chapter. He creates the comic timing, visually and graphically, in a way that makes this entire series sparkle with humor and wit. Walter Pereyra's colors keep everything looking nice and pretty, and Taylor Esposito's lettering brings out the hella comedy in the story.

I expected really good things from Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, and I got it. Now, I expect you to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, dear readers, in the eventual trade paperback collection.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Saturday, July 20, 2024

Comics Review: "ELVIRA Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #4" in the Dreamlands

ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT VOLUME 1 #4

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereyra

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereyra

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2024)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Four: “Behind the Wall of Creep”

Elvira also appeared in comic books, beginning in 1986 with the short-lived series from DC Comics, Elvira's House of Mystery. In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment. Elvira's latest comic book series is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1. The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In this new series, Elvira joins the ghost of infamous horror and fantasy author, H.P. Lovecraft, who has returned to the mortal plane on a mission from the Elder Gods to locate the last true company of the infamous “Necronomicon.”

Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #4 (“Behind the Wall of Creep”) opens in the otherworldly dimension known as Earth's “Dreamlands.” Elvira escaped to this place in order to avoid the machinations both of her supposed partner, H.P. Lovecraft – the would-be God-King of the Universe, and of the “Great Old One” known as Nyarlathotep, who wants to restore said Great Old Ones to their dominion over time and space.

After a brief rodent problem and a cat-rescue, Elvira meets the ghost of the author Robert “Bob” Bloch, whose 1959 novel, Psycho, is the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic film, Psycho. Now in possession of a true copy of the “Necronomicon,” Elvira seeks the help of one who can stop Lovecraft and Nyarlathotep's plans. But do these gods even give a f**k?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #4, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

One of the good things about writer David Avallone's Elvira comic books is that I can repeat myself in each review of his work. Avallone's mixture of sardonic and deadpan humor sparkles and brings Elvira to life, not quite as lively as in her television and film appearances, but lively.

Kewber Baal is pitch perfect for Avallone, and I hope the work together more in the future. Baal art's gets prettier in style and stronger in storytelling with each chapter. Baal spins Avallone's humorous tales into sparkling tales of comic horror and horror comedy. Walter Pereyra's colors keep everything looking nice and pretty, and Taylor Esposito's lettering brings out the hell in the story.

I expected really good things from Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, and I'm getting it. I expect you to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, dear readers, now or later in trade paperback form

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

---------------------------

Friday, June 21, 2024

Comics Review: "DRAWING BLOOD #2" in the Land of the Dead

DRAWING BLOOD #2

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Kevin Eastman and David Avallone

SCRIPT: David Avallone

ART: Ben Bishop

“FLASHBACKS”: Ben Bishop (layouts) and Kevin Eastman

“HALLUCINATIONS”: Ben Bishop (layouts) and Troy Little

COLORS: Brittany Peer

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

COVER: Kevin Eastman

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ben Bishop; Troy Little

28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (May 2024)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

Drawing Blood created by Kevin Eastman and David Avallone

Chapter Two: “Metropolis & All That Jazz”

Kevin Eastman is a comic book writer and writer-artist best known for co-creating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) with writer-artist Peter Laird. Born in 1962, Eastman found himself with a burgeoning worldwide pop culture sensation by the time he was 25 in 1987, as TMNT entered the world of animated television, toys, and other merchandising. That made Eastman and Laird very rich.

In 2019, via his comic book publishing company, KES Comics, Eastman published the four-issue miniseries, Drawing Blood, which referenced his own career in comic books and media. The original Drawing Blood returns with new issues as a 12-issue series from Image Comics. It is written by Kevin Eastman and David Avallone; drawn by Ben Bishop, Troy Little, and Eastman, colored by Brittany Peer; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. The series depicts the life of Shane “Books” Bookman, the (co-)creator of “Radically Rearranged Ronin Ragdolls,” an invention that helped to make Shane' life more absurd than the contents of any comic book.

Drawing Blood #2 (“Metropolis & All That Jazz”) opens with Shane facing off against Lithuanian gangsters who want him to pay off the debt of his former partner, Frank Forrest. The Lithuanians have put the debt on Shane because Frank, from whom Shane was estranged, recently took his own life.

If that's not enough for a busy day, twins Gretchen and Pierre Legere are following Shane around in order to film a documentary about him. Then, there is the Broadway musical into which Shane in sinking what remains of his fortune, and so far, the thing seems cursed. Plus, there are more hallucinations and flashbacks, plus, an appearance by a certain feline trio.

THE LOWDOWN: I was able to procure a PDF review copy of Drawing Blood #2. Thus, I decided to review it for you, dear readers.

Whatever extent Drawing Blood is based on Kevin Eastman's life is not as important as the fact that Kevin Eastman is a comic book creator. It is always a really good thing that we have him involved in comics.

As usual, writer David Avallone infuses the script with humor and sarcasm, but I noticed something in this issue that I didn't in the first. Shane “Books” Bookman is deep in grief, as I see it. Avallone cleverly depicts a man living with and around things that are dead or dying. His overnight success made it easy for him to ruin everything around him, but it has made him delusional enough to believe he can pull off another miraculous hit. This time, however, it seems as if he's trying to raise the dead... or this could be my (mis)interpretation because of something in the moment.

Artist Ben Bishop's storytelling remains strong, especially in the way he depicts Shane as a man in crisis, a crisis that seems to define his life as series of impending dooms. Bishop takes all that is vulnerable and emotional in Avallone's script and brings it to life, without losing the humor.

Drawing Blood is more like a Fantagraphics Books title than an Image Comics title merely because it trades in modern fiction more than it does fantasy (or fantasy-infused). It has a lot to say, and I think you will want to hear every word of it, dear readers, so definitely give it a try.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of both Kevin Eastman and David Avallone will want to try Drawing Blood.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/kevineastman86

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://fan.kevineastmanstudios.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

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Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Comics Review: "ELVIRA Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #3" in a Haunted House

ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT VOLUME 1 #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereyra

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereyra

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2024)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Three: “The Ms. in the Strange High House”

Elvira also appeared in comic books, beginning in 1986 with the short-lived series from DC Comics, Elvira's House of Mystery. In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment. Elvira's latest comic book series is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1. The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In this new series, Elvira joins the ghost of infamous horror and fantasy author, H.P. Lovecraft, who has returned to the mortal plane on a mission from the Elder Gods to locate the last true company of the infamous “Necronomicon.”

Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #3 (“The Ms. in the Strange High House”) opens as Elvira and Lovecraft's quest takes them to the crumbling mansion home of October Grendel. Lovecraft now despises Grendel, who had been a colleague. After Lovecraft's death, Grendel, a pulp writer, made creative use of the unpublished writings Lovecraft had left behind. Lovecraft is sure that it is Grendel who has the last true copy of the Necronomicon.

Meanwhile, the “Great Old One” known as Nyarlathotep has decided to take matters into his own hands because his trio of lackeys keeps failing to secure the Necronomicon. He is right on Elvira and Lovecraft's trail, and nothing can stop him... except an enterprising Mistress of the Dark who sure knows how deal with nards.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #3, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

Writer David Avallone and artist Kewber Baal have turned out to be quite a team. Baal art's gets prettier in style and stronger in storytelling with each chapter. Baal spins Avallone's humorous tales into sparkling tales of comic horror and horror comedy. Meanwhile, Avallone takes advantage of Baal's solid storytelling chops to run through the comic possibilities of the dour H.P. Lovecraft.

Walter Pereyra's colors keep everything looking nice and pretty, and Taylor Esposito's lettering brings out the hell in the story. I expected really good things from Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, and I'm getting it. I expect you to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Comics Review: "DRAWING BLOOD #1" - Fame Attracts Lunatics

DRAWING BLOOD #1

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Kevin Eastman and David Avallone

SCRIPT: David Avallone

ART: Ben Bishop

“FLASHBACKS”: Ben Bishop (layouts) and Kevin Eastman

“HALLUCINATIONS”: Ben Bishop (layouts) and Troy Little

COLORS: Brittany Peer

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

COVER: Kevin Eastman

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ben Bishop; Ben Bishop, Kevin Eastman, and Robert Rodriguez

28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (April 2024)

Rated “T+/Teen Plus”

Drawing Blood created by Kevin Eastman and David Avallone

Chapter One: “Drawn Blood”

In 2019, via his comic book publishing company, KES Comics, Eastman published the four-issue miniseries, Drawing Blood. Referencing his own career in comic books and media, Drawing Blood depicted the roller coaster life of a successful comics creator whose real life has become more absurd than any comic book.

The original Drawing Blood returns with new issues as a 12-issue series from Image Comics. It is written by Kevin Eastman and David Avallone; drawn by Ben Bishop, Troy Little, and Eastman, colored by Brittany Peer; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

Drawing Blood #1 (“Blood Drawn”) opens in the present day. Shane “Books” Bookman and his friend, Nigel “Beastly” Boswell, are about to have a meeting with Lithuanian hoods at the local docks. It is also all about to go bad.

Once upon a time, Shane was in the middle of success. He was a star thanks to the comic book characters he co-created with Frank Forrest, a comic book creator he idolized as a child. However, the glory days are over, and Frank was not who Shane thought he was, although he was apparently everything everyone else knew he was. Now, desperate, Shane's life is about to become more absurd than his comics creations ever were.

THE LOWDOWN: I was able to procure a PDF review copy of Drawing Blood #1. Thus, I decided to review it for you, dear readers.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is one of the most unique comic books ever created and the Turtles themselves are a genius creation of popular culture. The Turtles co-creator, Kevin Eastman, revealed some of his trials and tribulations as a businessman, comic book publisher, and media figure in an extensive interview published in The Comics Journal #202 (cover dated: March 1998) and conducted by magazine's co-founder, Gary Groth.

To what extent Drawing Blood is based on a true story is a mystery to me. Eastman has an excellent co-conspirator and collaborator in writer David Avallone. Through his many Elvira comic book series and his 2016 surreal throw down, The Twilight Zone: The Shadow, Avallone has displayed a penchant for executing the most engaging comic book tales of the absurd, the surreal, and the real-adjacent. On its own, this opening chapter, “Blood Drawn,” is engaging and intriguing just focusing on Shane Bookman. Wondering what is exaggerated and what is fictional is only half the fun in this series.

Artist Ben Bishop's storytelling here recalls the early art of Kevin Eastman in the TMNT comic books. There was an independent spirit in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1, but Eastman and Laird's art had a handmade quality that mainstream comic books of the mid-1980s were gradually abandoning. Bishop's visual and graphical storytelling style resembles that and is perfect for this story of an Eastman-like comics creator. Bishop captures the emotional underpinnings of the Avallone's script and emphasizes just how vulnerable Bookman is. Also, having Eastman draw a segment of this first issue is a delightful bonus of which I want more.

Like Howard Chaykin's Hey Kids! Comics! (Image Comics, 2018), Drawing Blood is a much-needed allegory (of sorts) about comic book creators inside and outside their work. Drawing Blood has a lot to say, and it will have fun saying it. I think you will want to hear every word of it, dear readers, so definitely give it a try.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of both Kevin Eastman and David Avallone will want to try Drawing Blood.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/kevineastman86

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://fan.kevineastmanstudios.com/

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

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Friday, March 29, 2024

Comics Review: "ELVIRA Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #2" Goes Back to School

ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT VOLUME 1 #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereyra

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereyra

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kewber Baal; Robert Hack; Dave Acosta

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2024)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Two: “The Fun Witch Horror”

Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #2 (“The Fun Witch Horror”) opens as Elvira and Lovecraft arrive at Miskatonic University. Deep in its bowels is supposed to be the last true copy of that archetypal book of forbidden knowledge, the Necronomicon.

What the duo finds instead is a pair of chatty librarians. Also, Elvira and Lovecraft don't realize that one of the librarians has a direct connection to Lovecraft's bibliography and past. Meanwhile, the “Sons of Nyarlathotep” are close on Elvira and Lovecraft's heels for the Necronomicon.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #2, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

“Miskatonic is where the wealthy landed gentry send their clownish progeny to be inaugurated into the cult of power... regardless of their ability to wield it in a manner which is useful, or even sane.”

The above line is why I enjoy writer David Avallone's Elvira comic books so much. Avallone uses “snide asides” and Elvira's self-effacing humor as a magic carpet that carries readers to a magical kingdom of comedy gold. And I never want an issue of Avallone's Elvira to end, and this issue in particular left me panting and giggling on the floor.

Artist Kewber Baal continues to be an excellent match for Avallone's humor in this series as he was in the other recent Elvira comic book miniseries, Elvira in Monsterland. Here, Baal turns Avallone script into swell comedy, while he creates a supernatural, dark fantasy world that feels genuine. Walter Pereyra's colors convey this interplay of comedy and scary that keeps the story moving.

I expect really good things from Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, and I'm getting it. I expect you to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The trade paperback collection, "ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT," is now available at Amazon.

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

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---------------------------------

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Comics Review: "ELVIRA Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #1" Calls You to Cthulhu

ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT VOLUME 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereyra

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Robert Hack

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2024)

Rated Teen+

Chapter One: “The Collect Call of Cthulhu”

Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #1 (“The Collect Call of Cthulhu”) opens with Elvira about to enjoy some dreamy boot-knocking when she is mystically cock-blocked. Infamous horror and fantasy author, H.P. Lovecraft, has returned from his sweet hereafter, the Abyss. It seems that one of the “Elder Gods,” the Lord of the Abyss has a mission for Howard Phillips Lovecraft.

He must find the last true copy of the ancient tome of dark magic, “the Necronomicon.” Completing this task will free Lovecraft from his miserable eternity. Lovecraft's first problem is that he needs Elvira to join him because she has a reputation in many mystical realms of being the one who turns back all manner of supernatural threats. His second problem is that Elvira is not interested, even if it means the return of Cthulhu.

However, the threat may be bigger and more familiar than she realizes...

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1 #1, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

I really enjoyed writer David Avallone and artist Juan Samu's sexy, ghostly romp, Elvira Meets Vincent Price, a five-issue miniseries published in 2021. Avallone offers another tasty... coupling, this time pairing the Mistress of the Dark with a ghost of American arts and culture who is not nearly as delightful as Vincent Price, the renowned fantasy and horror author, H.P. Lovecraft. Avallone sprinkles the script for this first issue with references to Lovecraft's reputation, including a sly, near slip of the tongue regarding Lovecraft's racism and bigotry. Whereas Elvira Meets Vincent Price reads like a comic book version of a Bob Hope romp, however, Elvira Meets Vincent Price seems to be dark and maybe scarier. At least, that is my take on it this early in the series.

Artist Kewber Baal proved to an excellent match for Avallone's humor in the most recent Elvira comic book miniseries, Elvira in Monsterland. Here, Baal turns Avallone script into a swell comedy, but his graphical storytelling surrounds the repartee with a swirling mass of darkness and horror comic book energy. Walter Pereyra's colors convey this interplay of comedy and scary that keep the story moving.

I'm being conservative with my grade for this first issue of Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft, but I am very excited about it. I expect great things, and dear readers, I expect you to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft #1.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets H.P. Lovecraft Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The "ELVIRA MEETS H.P. LOVECRAFT" trade paperback collection is available for preorder and eventually order at Amazon.

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----------------------

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Monsterland Volume 1 #5" Assembles an Raucous Endgame

ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND VOLUME 1 #5

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereya

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: John Royle; Kewber Baal

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2023)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Five: “The Monster Mash”

In 1981, actress and model Cassandra Peterson created the “horror hostess character,” known as “Elvira.” Elvira gradually grew in popularity and eventually became a brand name. As Elvira, Peterson endorsed many products and became a pitch-woman, appearing in numerous television commercials throughout the 1980s.

Elvira also appeared in comic books, beginning in 1986 with the short-lived series from DC Comics, Elvira's House of Mystery. In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment. Elvira's latest comic book series is Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1. The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. The series finds Elvira returning to the Multiverse of Movies (a bunch of “pocket dimensions” created by the existence of movies), where she joins the “Space-Time Cops” in order to stop Vlad the Impaler from creating a monster army.

Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #5 (“The Monster Mash”) opens with the Mistress of the Dark putting a writer pal in check. Then, it's on to the big confrontation with Vlad and his benefactor, the disgraced film director, Stanley Salivia. And they're both out for sweet revenge against Elvira, so what will she do when she loses Agent Grant? Call in reinforcements?

Here, comes the “Revengers” and the “Justice Guild,” two superhero teams straight out of the multiverse of movies and ready to brawl. So is this the endgame or is there more madness of the Multiverse of Movies to come?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #5, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

As much as I've enjoyed Elvira in Monsterland (and I have), I never knew what to expect of it. Even when I suspected that writer David Avallone was going to spoof werewolf movies, including of the classic early 1980s horror flick, An American Werewolf in London (1981), I did not know what was coming. That was a good thing.

I totally didn't see his epic finale for this series going down the way “The Monster Mash” does. Avallone's riff on Disney/Marvel's saga-ending Avengers: Endgame is the vehicle by which he is drives Elvira through her current dilemma. If some of “The Monster Mash” resembles the 1987 cult film, The Monster Squad, that's because Elvira has a squad of monsters that needs to be dealt with by another another, friendlier Monster Squad.

Artist Kewber Baal is an excellent match for Avallone's humor. Baal's storytelling has a breezy pace and is quite good at capturing the essences of American cinema and its obvious soft spots, which are ripe for spoofing. Colorist Walter Pereya replicates the garish colors of traditional superhero comic books, and letterer Taylor Esposito provides a kind of end-of-the-saga soundtrack.

Elvira in Monsterland is a delightful romp, and I'm going to miss Felini's magic remote. But H.P. Lovecraft is coming soon.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

------------------------

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Sunday, September 10, 2023

Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Monsterland Volume 1 #4"

ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND VOLUME 1 #4

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereya

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2023)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Four: “You Don't Look Kaiju-ish”

Elvira also appeared in comic books, beginning in 1986 with the short-lived series from DC Comics, Elvira's House of Mystery. In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment. Elvira's latest comic book series is Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1. The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. The series finds Elvira returning to the Multiverse of Movies (a bunch of “pocket dimensions” created by the existence of movies) in order to stop Vlad the Impaler and the creation of a monster army.

Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #4 (“You Don't Look Kaiju-ish”) opens at that pivotal moment when the Mistress of the Dark discovers that she has arrived in “Monsterland.” Of course, it's filled with the giant monsters that have come to define the Japanese genre known as “kaiju.”

Elvira stands no chance against such big baddies as “Kingzilla” (a surrogate for Godzilla), “Crowdan” (Rodan), and “Maripothra” (Mothra), to name a few. But what about “Mecha-Elvira?” Can she rise up and k-o the kaiju?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #4, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

I am a huge fan of werewolf movies, so I looked forward to Elvira in Monsterland #3. I'm not that big of a fan of Japanese kaiju movies (although I am a big fan of kaiju comic books like the ones produced by writer-artist, Carter Allen, including the Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1). However, I am a big fan of writer David Avallone's sparkling dialogue, so I knew he would make big monsters big fun. My favorite wit in this issue is the following bit, “Going down! And not in the fun way...” Avallone's witty repartee has made his various Elvira comic books series some of the best humor comic books of the past decade, and Monsterland is not the exception.

Artist Kewber Baal is an excellent match for Avallone's humor. Baal's storytelling has a breezy pace, as if the story were dancing across the pop culture and entertainment space-time continuum and finding all the humorous soft spots. Walter Pereya's colors ground the story so that it doesn't become fanciful. Avallone's Elvira stories punch and kick, so Elvira in Monsterland should not look like a colorful kids' humor comic. Thus, Pereya's colors set the proper surreal tone.

Elvira in Monsterland is a romp through monster movie history, and because we aren't getting an Elvira television or streaming series, this comic book is perfect. Don't call it a substitute, however; it's the real deal in comic book comedy.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

----------------------------

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Friday, August 11, 2023

Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Monsterland Volume 1 #3" Howls at the Moon

ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND VOLUME 1 #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Kewber Baal

COLORS: Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta with Walter Pereya

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2023)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Three: “Howl”

Elvira also appeared in comic books, beginning in 1986 with the short-lived series from DC Comics, Elvira's House of Mystery. In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment. Elvira's latest comic book series is Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1. The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Kewber Baal; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. The series finds Elvira returning to the Multiverse of Movies (a bunch of “pocket dimensions” created by the existence of movies) in order to stop Vlad the Impaler and the creation of a monster army.

Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #3 (“Howl”) opens in that pivotal moment in the 1981 film, An American Werewolf in London, when two young American backpackers experience a life-changing event with a werewolf. However, Elvira has been inserted into the scenario, and the werewolf is just the latest recruit of Vlad the Impaler.

Having cleaned up on vampires and Frankenstein monsters, it's time to gather the lycanthropy unit of Vlad's monster army. Now, it's a race through kooky werewolf and wolf man movie history, but Elvira is still wondering if Vlad is the true mastermind behind this hairy recruitment drive.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #3, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

I am a huge fan of werewolf movies. Add that genre to David Avallone's Elvira comic books, and you have a horror porn – at least for me. I have seen many werewolf movies, and I have even reviewed some of them. Classics of the genre that Avallone references in this issue are The Wolf Man (1941), An American Werewolf in London (1981), The Howling (1981), and Teen Wolf (1985). Avallone even throws in some indirect, for-fun references to other movies, for instance, the based-on-a-true-story, The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), and the faux-documentary, 2000 Mules (2022).

Artist Kewber Baal's art perfectly captures the were-fun in Avallone's script. Just as Avallone does in his script writing, Baal has a knack for finding the spoof-a-panel gold in some well known films. With Walter Pereya's colors, Baal makes his parody of An American Werewolf in London look like that pivotal moment in the actual film.

Elvira in Monsterland is perfectly designed to be a romp through monster movie history. Fans of monster fiction will like this, and werewolf movie fans need this third issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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