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”

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.  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.

A

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

https://twitter.com/kevineastman86

https://twitter.com/DAvallone

https://fan.kevineastmanstudios.com/

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The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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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”

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 #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.

A

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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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”

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.

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.

A

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

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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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.

A

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

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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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”

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) 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.

A

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

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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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”

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) 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.

A

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

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Monsterland Volume 1 #2" and Frankie Goes to Hollywood

ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND VOLUME 1 #2

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. (June 2023)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Two: “Frankie Goes to Hollywood”

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) in order to stop Vlad the Impaler and the creation of a monster army.

Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #2 (“Frankie Goes to Hollywood”) opens in the universe of director Carl Laemmle, Jr.'s 1931 film, Frankenstein.  And Elvira finds the hands of the title character around her neck, but she has bigger problems – believe it or not.

Elvira's arch-enemy, Vlad the Impaler – the original Count Dracula – is raiding the Multiverse of Movies in order to convince a bevy of famous film monsters into joining him in the creation of a monster army.  He is also willing to kidnap and snatch-up.  Can Elvira stop Vlad – this time – before he makes off with actor Boris Karloff as Frankenstein.  Meanwhile, Elvira begins to wonder if Vlad is really the mastermind behind 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 in Monsterland Volume 1 #2, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

I like black and white horror movies, especially of the variety known as “Universal Monsters,” so I find myself delightfully entertained by “Frankie Goes to Hollywood.”  I also like how writer David Avallone makes even Vlad the Impaler a funny guy.  Obviously, he's the villain, but there is a dexterity in the way Avallone depicts him.  He's isn't just bad muscle.

Artist Kewber Baal's art perfectly captures the humor of Elvira, the witty dialogue of Elvira, and the cleavage of Elvira.  Avallone's Elvira's comic books are a high-spirited affair, and Baal's storytelling hits the heights.  Colorist Walter Pereyra and letterer Taylor Esposito also contribute to the liveliness of this funky chapter.

Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #2 offers a passing reference to Return of the Jedi (1983) in addition to the Universal references.  There is even a setup reference via An American Werewolf in London (1981).  So let's return for some more fun, dear readers.

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

A

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

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Monsterland Volume 1 #1" - B*tch Better Have My Vampire

ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND 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 Pereya

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

Rated Teen+

Chapter One: “It's a Vlad, Vlad, Vlad, Vlad World”

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) in order to stop the creation of a monster army.

Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #1 (“It's a Vlad, Vlad, Vlad, Vlad World”) opens at Elvira's home on the outskirts of Hollywood.  Inside, Elvira is enjoying a respite from her recent misadventures in the “Multiverse of Movies,” though it turns out to be a brief break.  While watching director Tod Browning's 1931 horror classic, Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, a strange thing happens.

Vlad the Impaler is back!  He is raiding the Multiverse of Movies in order to build a monster army by plucking up some of cinema and television's greatest, most famous, and most infamous vampires and bloodsuckers.  Of course, it's up to Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark and bane of Vlad's existence, to stop his evil plan.

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 #1, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

I have lost track of how many times I written in a review how much I enjoy writer David Avallone's Elvira comic books.  Hopefully, Avallone will continue to chronicle Elvira adventures long enough into the future that I will also forget this instance of praise.  Elvira in Monsterland #1 is a delightful, tongue-in-cheek romp, filled with sparkling cameos and pleasing references to both cinematic and real-world people, places, and things.  This first issue is such a joy to read, and I needed that.  Avallone's Elvira comic books are not only some of the best humor comic books published over the last decade, but they are also the consistent cure for the anytime and comic book reading blues.

Artist Kewber Baal's art perfectly captures the spirited chase through this “Multiverse of Movies,” and in his figure drawing, Baal makes it look like the characters are having a blast.  Colorist Walter Pereyra and letterer Taylor Esposito make the story hop around like a maniacal musical comedy, which is just the kind of crazy entertainment we probably all need right now.

I had high hopes for Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #1.  I had been waiting for Elvira in Monsterland Volume 1 #1.  It was worth it, and I think you should not deny yourself this fun, dear readers.

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

A

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

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel" is a Great Tribute, Great Read

KOLCHAK THE NIGHT STALKER 50TH ANNIVERSARY SOFTCOVER

MOONSTONE BOOKS

STORY: David Avallone; Jonathan Maberry; Peter David; R.C. Matheson; Kim Newman; Tim Waggoner; Steve Niles; Rodney Barnes; Gabriel Hardman; James Aquilone; Nancy A. Collins; James Chambers

ART: Julius Ohta; Marco Finnegan; J.K. Woodward; Paul McCaffrey; Clara Meath; Szymon Kudranski; Jonathan Marks Barravecchia; Gabriel Hardman; Colton Worley; Warwick Caldwell-Johnson;

COLORS: Zac Atkinson; Szymon Kudranski; Colton Worley; Warwick Caldwell-Johnson;

LETTERS: Tom Napolitano; Tom Napolitano with DC Hopkins

EDITOR: James Aquilone

COVER: Colton Worley

MISC. ART: Jerry Ordway with Zac Atkinson; J.K. Woodward; Dan Brereton

ISBN: 978-1-946346-14-8; paperback (October 21, 2022)

188pp, Color, $24.99 U.S.

Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel is a 188-page comic book anthology that celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the former ABC television series, “Kolchak: The Night Stalker.”  This graphic novel is edited by James Aquilone and published by Moonstone Books.

“Kolchak: The Night Stalker” was a television series that blended horror, fantasy, and science fiction.  It aired on ABC during the 1974–1975 season for a total of 20 episodes.  The series was preceded by two ABC television movies, The Night Stalker (1972) and The Night Strangler (1973).

The TV series and two movies followed wire service reporter named Carl Kolchak, who was played by the late actor Darren McGavin (1922-2006).  Kolchak worked for the Chicago branch of the Independent News Service (INS), a small news wire service.  He often investigated mysterious crimes and events and they were usually caused by forces, creatures, monsters, entities, etc. that were of supernatural, science fiction, and/or fantastic origins.  Carl Kolchak was created by the late writer, Jeff Rice (1944-2015).

2022 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the debut of “The Night Stalker” TV movie (specifically January 18, 1972).  To commemorate that anniversary, editor and publisher, James Aquilone, launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for an anthology graphic novel telling all-new comics stories that would span Carl Kolchak's entire career as a reporter of the supernatural and as TV’s greatest monster-hunting reporter.

The result was a hugely successful campaign and the eventual release of Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel.  This special 188-page graphic novel is comprised of 12 all-new stories that chronicle the adventures of the intrepid Carl Kolchak from the 1930s to the early 2000s.

The stories are written by a stellar line-up of novelists, television writers, and comic book scribes.  The list includes David Avallone, Rodney Barnes, James Chambers, Nancy A. Collins, Peter David, Jonathan Maberry, and Steve Niles, to name a few.  The artists include Jonathan Marks Barravecchia, Szymon Kudranski, Paul McCaffrey, Julius Ohta, J.K. Woodard, and Colton Worley, to name a few.

THE LOWDOWN:  There is more than one edition of Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel, including one that will contain a series of prose stories featuring Carl Kolchak.  My review will be of the 188-page “Cover A” paperback edition that contains the 12 stories and a short illustration gallery of variant cover art.

First, allow me to gush, dear readers.  If Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel is not the best horror comics anthology of the 21st century that I have read, it is definitely in the top three.  I can't think of a better one that I've encountered over the last twenty-plus years.

It is bracketed by a fine opening story and a pitch-perfect closing story.  The opening tale, writer David Avallone and artist Julius Ohta's “The Funny Place,” introduces a young Carl Kolchak who is coming into his own.  Avallone does not make the mistake of doing what the film, Solo: A Star Wars Story,” did and show us the origins of every single habit for which television viewers and fans would come to know Kolchak.  I'd like to see Avallone and Ohta produce a YA graphic novel expansion of their take on young Carl Kolchak.  I know it likely won't happen, but a fanboy can dream...

The closing story, writer James Chambers and artist Paul McCaffrey's “The Last Byline,” is masterstroke as a concluding story in an anthology.  It recalls Kolchak's debut, The Night Stalker; is a summation of his work and motivation; and is a fitting end … with his boots on.

In between, the writers and artists introduce new spins on the adventures of Carl Kolchak, such as Nancy A. Collins' and Warwick Caldwell-Johnson's “The Sin Feeder” and Jonathan Maberry and Marco Finnegan's “The White Lady.”  Writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jonathan Marks Barravecchia summon the spirit of original “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” episode, “The Zombie,” with the superb “Voodoo Child.”  It is a timely rumination on the pervasive poverty of black and brown inner city neighborhoods and also police violence, with a seeding of George A. Romero's “Dead” films.

I actually cannot pick a personal favorite story from Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel because they are all so damn good.  “The Nest” by Tim Waggoner and Clara Meath may be the sweetest.  I unequivocally endorse Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel.  I think the version that I am reviewing costs $32 to purchase from James Aquilone's Monstrous Books website.  I am sure, dear readers, that some of you have spent much more on reading material that is not nearly as good as this book.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Carl Kolchak and of “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” will very much want Kolchak: The Night Stalker – 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel.

[This volume includes introductions by R.C. Matheson and James Rice.]

A+

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

https://twitter.com/jamesaquilone

https://monstrousbooks.com/

https://monstrousbooks.com/shop

https://moonstonebooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MoonstoneBooks/

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Comics Review: "SAVAGE TALES: Winter Special One-Shot" Has Four Hot Stories

SAVAGE TALES: WINTER SPECIAL ONE-SHOT

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Scott Bryan Wilson; David Avallone

ART: Max Fuchs; Eman Casallos; Mariano Benitez Chapo; Hamish Munro-Cook

COLORS: Gab Contreras; Adriano Augusto; Adrian Woolnough; Jorge Sutil

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

COVER: Arthur Suydam

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2022)

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 one-shot comic books.

Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot contains four short comics stories.  There is a Draculina story, “Juicing with the Devil,” which is written by Scott Bryan Wilson; drawn by Max Fuchs; and colored by Gab Contreras.  Next up is a John Carter & Dejah Thoris story, “A Honeymoon on Mars,” which is written by David Avallone; drawn by Emas Casallos; and colored by Adriano Augusto.  Third is Vampirella story, “Crypt Junkies,” which is written by Wilson; drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo; and colored by Adrian Woolnough.  Last is a Captain Gullivar Jones story, “His War Chapter II,” which is written by Avallone; drawn by Hamish Munro-Cook; and colored by Jorge Sutil.

All four stories are lettered by Taylor Esposito.  I am reviewing each story separately.

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 Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot, which is the second time I have read a Dynamite Savage Tales comic book.

Draculina in “Juicing with the Devil” by Scott Bryan Wilson, Max Fuchs, and Gab Contreras:

Story:  A skinny young man is transformed from weakling to muscular strongman – by a demon.  The cost for this is that the transformed human must join his demon benefactor in a wrestling match against Draculina...

My thoughts:  This is a delightful story, very well drawn and colored.  The writer perfectly captures both the desperation and subsequent self-delusion of a guy who finally gets everything he thought he wanted and more.

John Carter & Dejah Thoris in “A Honeymoon on Mars,” by David Avallone, Emas Casallos, and Adriano Augusto:

Story:  An aerial outing sends John and Dejah on a rescue mission, but the result is the revelation of John Carter's savage past – one that is longer than he expected.

My thoughts:  This story is beautifully drawn by Emas Casallos and colored by Adriano Augusto in a way that remind me of stories from issues of old Heavy Metal and Epic Magazine.  Writer David Avallone deftly reconciles or perhaps, redeems John Carter of some of his past military affiliations, with emphasis on one in particular.

Vampirella in “Crypt Junkies” by Wilson, Mariano Benitez Chapo, and Adrian Woolnough:

Story:  Trash TV junkie, Vampirella, has a chance to appear on her favorite reality television series, “Crypt Junkies.”  The show basically breaks into sealed graves, tombs, crypts, etc. in order to “see the wonders inside.”  But maybe no one should be opening the "Grave of Omuo."

My thoughts:  This is another very well drawn story, and it really conveys the power and tragedy of writer Scott Bryan Wilson's clever tale.  I'd call “Crypt Junkies” one of the few original comic book stories that genuinely mixes the styles of Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft.

Captain Gullivar Jones in “His War Chapter II” by Avallone, Hamish Munro-Cook, and Jorge Sutil:

Story:  The story opens in France, September 1918.  The Earth man, Gullivar Jones, who once adventured on Mars, is now returned to Earth and trapped in the muck and mire of World War I.  He can wish himself away from this and return to Mars, but now, how is life on Mars?

My thoughts:  Gullivar Jones is the science fiction military man created by Edwin Lester Arnold.  Jones made one literary appearance in the 1905 novel, Lieut, Gullivar Jones: His Vacation.  Now, writer David Avallone is giving him new life in the medium of comics.  I think what Avallone is doing is creating a sequel to a character that was short-lived, or he is, at least, giving new life to an abandoned character.  In two chapters, he and Munro-Cook have breathed new life into Captain Gullivar Jones in a way that is true to old-timey science fiction and is also an intriguing reboot.  What makes me anticipate more of this is that the possibilities are endless … or at least Avallone and Munro-Cook think so.

Wow.  This issue is full of excellent stories, all well lettered by award-winning letterer, Taylor Esposito.  If I have to reluctantly pick a favorite comics story from Savage Tales Winter Special One-Shot, I will have to make a difficult choice.  I think I will go with “Crypt Junkies,” if only for the fact that it feels like it has potential to be a media franchise, but my eye is also on Gullivar Jones.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of anthology comic books will want to read Savage Tales: Winter Special One-Shot.

A+

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

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

The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Horrorland Volume 1 #5" - Elvira Finds the Exit

ELVIRA IN HORRORLAND VOLUME 1 #5

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone

ART: Silvia Califano

COLORS: Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Dave Acosta and Jason Moore

32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2022)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Five: “Fly Me to the Moon”

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 Horrorland Volume 1.  The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Silvia Califano; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  The series finds Elvira trapped in the Multiverse of Movies (a bunch of “pocket dimensions” created by the existence of movies) with only the illusive “Remote Control of Federico Fellini” capable of returning her home.

Elvira in Horrorland Volume 1 #5 (“Fly Me to the Moon”) opens in a new world.  Elvira lands in the cinematic world of filmmaker, Daniel Chernabog.  First up for the Mistress of the Dark is the horror flick starring two unreasonably tall people, “The Mumblefly.”  Now she faces off against telepods, Brundleflies, scanners, videodromes, talking cockroaches, bug powder … and a static-y hand that emerges from a television screen.  Is this the final leg of Elvira's journey?  Will the remote finally work correctly for her?  Or will she merely be left with a naked lunch?

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 Horrorland Volume 1 #5, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

“Fly Me to the Moon” skewers the films of the renowned Canadian filmmaker and writer-director, David Cronenberg, who is one of my favorite film directors.  Writer David Avallone spoofs Cronenberg as “Daniel Chernabog” and references a number of Cronenberg's films, including Scanners (1981), Dead Ringers (1988), and Naked Lunch (1992).  The ones that get the most pounding are two of Cronenberg's most memorable and notorious films, Videodrome (1983) and The Fly (1986), which is a remake of classic 20th Century Fox sci-fi/horror film, The Fly (1958).

Avallone gleefully lampoons Videodrome's acclaimed actor turned pariah, James Woods.  Avallone also has fun with his spoof versions of the stars of The Fly, Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, and he captures the strangeness of them as leads in the same film.  I believe that if Cronenberg's The Fly were made today, the studio would not allow two offbeat types like Goldblum and Davis to be cast – maybe one, but not both.  [They'd likely cast British or Australian waifs with generic American accents.]

Elvira in Horrorland artist Silvia Califano certainly captures the general wackiness of the actors who star in Cronenberg's films.  Califano produces a perfectly creepy cartoon version of James Woods, and that alone is worthy of an award from some comics organization.

Elvira in Horrorland is fun and full of puns and proves that even the best filmmakers are ripe for some deflating of filmography … if not also of reputation.  Avallone and Califano also prove once again that if you can't get Elvira live, you can get her as a perfect comic book character.

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

A

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

The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Horrorland Volume 1 #4" on Elm Street

ELVIRA IN HORRORLAND VOLUME 1 #4
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone
ART: Silvia Califano
COLORS: Walter Pereya
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Dave Acosta and Jason Moore
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2022)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Four: “The Man of Your Dreams”

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 Horrorland Volume 1.  The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Silvia Califano; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  The series finds Elvira trapped in the Multiverse of Movies (a bunch of “pocket dimensions” created by the existence of movies) with only the illusive “Remote Control of Federico Fellini” capable of returning her home.

Elvira in Horrorland Volume 1 #4 (“The Man of Your Dreams”) opens in a new world.  Elvira is still looking for the same old remote control.  Now, the Mistress of the Dark is taking on dream master, Teddy Luger, “the Man of Your Nightmares.”  As Elvira attempts to escape this nightmare – even the “New Nightmare – she will, however, find herself facing blame and more trouble.

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 Horrorland Volume 1 #4, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

When I first saw Wes Craven's beloved horror film, A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), I was scared outta my mind.  Over the decades, I have seen it many times, and while it scares me less, it is not by much less.  Thanks to several sequels and a reboot, Wes Craven's film and its signature monster, Freddy Krueger, are ripe for funnin' and poking.

Writer David Avallone is merciless, and artist Silvia Califano slaps the creepy atmosphere and spooky cinematography right out of the cinema of Elm Street.  Suddenly, a horror fave is merely an exercise of characters running around, waiting for something to happen to them.  It is somewhat painful to watch Avallone and Califano kick the stuffings out of the original and its follow-ups (some of which I really like).  If they were really mean, they could have gone into the … closet after one of the sequels.

So I say, keep having fun with Elvira in Horrorland.  Oh, and I like the wet dream joke.

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

A-

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


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Horrorland Volume 1 #3" Spoofs Ridley Scott's "Alien"

ELVIRA IN HORRORLAND VOLUME 1 #3
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone
ART: Silvia Califano
COLORS: Walter Pereya
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Dave Acosta and Jason Moore
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2022)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Three: “Giger Encounter”

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 Horrorland Volume 1.  The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Silvia Califano; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  The series finds Elvira trapped in the Multiverse of Movies (a bunch of “pocket dimensions” created by the existence of movies) with only the illusive “Remote Control of Federico Fellini” capable of returning her home.

Elvira in Horrorland Volume 1 #3 (“Giger Encounter”) opens in the aftermath of Elvira's (mis)adventures at “Bloch's Motel” and “The Overcooked Hotel.”  She leaves the confines of travel lodging for the cold comforts of outer space.

The Mistress of the Dark lands in a doomed star ship, one with a deadly stowaway, and right away, she manages to “alienate” the crew.  Has the Multiverse of Movies finally placed Elvira in situation in which she cannot escape and cannot even find that remote control?  In space, no one can hear Elvira's sarcasm or puns.

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 Horrorland Volume 1 #3, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

In this third issue, writer David Avallone tackles his third legendary director, skewering one of his truly legendary films.  This time the director is multi-Academy Award nominee, Ridley Scott, and his 1979 Oscar-winning science fiction horror-thriller, Alien.  Avallone attacks the film with Xenomorph-like tenacity, but it is all in good fun.  There are lots of references to the other films in which the cast of Alien starred, including Ghostbusters and The Hobbit.  But the wittiest dialogue here may be a surprising reference to a particular sex act.

Artist Silvia Califano continues to summon the madcap spirit of the best parody comic books.  Califano also offers a wonderful homage to Walter Simonson, the great artist of the first comic book adaptation of Alien.  [That would be the 1979 paperback graphic novel, Alien: The Illustrated Story, published by Heavy Metal.]

Avallone and Califano are doing excellent work here.  They have made Elvira in Horrorland a great purveyor of parody in the best tradition of humor comic books like Mad Magazine.

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

A

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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Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Horrorland Volume 1 #2" Visits Kubrick's Overlook Hotel

ELVIRA IN HORRORLAND VOLUME 1 #2
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone
ART: Silvia Califano
COLORS: Walter Pereya
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Dave Acosta and Jason Moore
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Acosta and Jason Moore; John Royle; Silvia Califano; photo cover
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2022)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Two: “She's a Kubrick... House”

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 Horrorland Volume 1.  The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Silvia Califano; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  The series finds Elvira trapped in the Multiverse of Movies (a bunch of “pocket dimensions” created by the existence of movies) with only the illusive “Remote Control of Federico Fellini” capable of returning her home.

Elvira in Horrorland Volume 1 #2 (“She's a Kubrick... House”) opens in the aftermath of Elvira's (mis)adventures at “Bloch's Motel” and its crazy proprietor and his mother.  Now, it's on to “The Overcooked Hotel” and its temporary manager, Nick Torrents.  Elvira's journey is about to get quite a shining, and she still has to find that remote.

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 Horrorland Volume 1 #2, one of many Dynamite/David Avallone Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

This second issue is a spoof of director Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film, The Shining.  Writer David Avallone has quite a bit of fun with Kubrick much discussed film.  In fact, this may be the most fun Avallone has had with a revered director since he held Guillermo del Toro's head under water in Elvira: The Shape of Elvira.  In “She's a Kubrick... House,” Avallone finds endless delight in Kubrick's masterpiece, which I consider one of the darkest films I have ever seen.  But Avallone mines so much humor out of this movie that he has the momentum to potentially turn this issue into a graphic novel.

I think artist Silvia Califano is perfect as Avallone's collaborator here.  Califano's turns Avallone's script and comedy into comic book gold.  I've previously compared Califano art for Elvira in Horrorland to the 1980s work of Howard Chaykin.  Now, I'm approaching the point of bringing up the name of the humor comics maestro, Wallace Wood.

Once again I … redrum, redrum … recommend Elvira in Horrorland, dear readers.  My God!  It's full of humor, indeed.

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

[This comic book includes “Dynamite Dispatch” June 2022, which features an interview with writer Christopher Priest.]

A+

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


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The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comics Review: "SAVAGE TALES #1 ONE-SHOT" is Full of the Good Stuff

SAVAGE TALES #1 ONE-SHOT
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Scott Bryan Wilson; David Avallone
ART: Mariano Benitez Chapo; Will Rios; Al Barrionuevo; Hamish Munro-Cook
COLORS: Adrian Woolnough; Dinei Ribero; Jordi Escuin Llorach
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
COVER: Arthur Suydam
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Liam Sharp; Rafael Kayanan; Arthur Suydam
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2022)

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 one-shot comic book.

Savage Tales #1 One-Shot contains four short stories.  The first is a Vampirella tale entitled, “Horrible People Doing Horrible Things To Horrible People,” and is written by Scott Brian Wilson; drawn by Mariano Benitez Chapo; and colored by Adrian Woolnough.  Next, is an Allan Quatermain tale, “Missionaries of Madness,” written by David Avallone; drawn by Will Rio; and colored by Dinei Ribero.  The third is a Red Sonja story, “The Executioner's Sword,” written by Scott Brian Wilson; drawn by Al Barrionuevo; and colored by Jordi Escuin Llorach.

The final entry is a Captain Gullivar Jones story, “His War,” written by David Avallone; drawn by Hamish Munro-Cook; and colored by Dinei Ribero.  All four stories are lettered by Taylor Esposito.  I'll review each story separately.

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 Savage Tales #1 One-Shot, which is the first time I have read a Dynamite Savage Tales comic book.

“Horrible People Doing Horrible Things To Horrible People” by Scott Brian Wilson, Mariano Benitez Chapo, Adrian Woolnough, and Taylor Esposito:

Enjoying a drink in a bar, Vampirella meets an interesting fellow drinker who has interesting things to say about horrible people doing horrible thinks to other horrible people.  At least, he thinks its interesting.  Now, Vampirella is about to hand out a lesson in morality.

I Reads You says:  I don't really remember any Vampirella tales from back in the Warren Publications days.  Maybe, I need to buy some back issues.  Anyway, this excellent tale by Scott Brian Wilson apparently recalls the good old days of Vampirella.  The comeuppance Vampirella delivers does remind me of the fate of characters in the few original Warren comics short stories that I have read.  Wilson offers enough brutality to make a reader feel pity for a man who likely does not deserve any, which I think makes this tale a winner. Mariano Benitez Chapo's smooth art gives the story a sense of impact; he makes the punishment mean something.

“Allan Quatermain and the Missionaries of Madness” by David Avallone, Will Rio, Dinei Ribero, and Taylor Esposito:

It is Durban, Africa, year 1883.  The legendary big game hunter, Allan Quatermain, has come across a massacred village, and he knows who the culprits are.  They call themselves “Servants of the Great Old Ones,” but they don't know that they are Quatermain's latest big game.  Will his search for these “murderous missionaries, however, lead Quatermain to his own doom?

I Reads You says:  Of course, Allan Quatermain is author H. Rider Haggard's (1856-1925) fictional big game hunter.  Writer David Avallone's idea of bringing Quatermain into the realm of H.P. Lovecraft's domain is actually a good one, and I hope to see more.  Will Rio's art and storytelling make “Missionaries of Madness” seem more like a Western than an African-set tale.  This is also a welcomed bit of newness.

“The Executioner's Sword” by Scott Brian Wilson, Al Barrionuevo, Jordi Escuin Llorach, and Taylor Esposito:

Upon passing through a village, Red Sonja discovers that the local executioner has a very special sword which he uses to kill the condemned.  But which, the executioner or his weapon, is cursed with an insatiable hunger?

I Reads You says:  It is easy to create a good Red Sonja comics short story because the character is so special and has existed for so long that these stories practically write themselves.  It is not easy to create a great Red Sonja comics short story; I know this because I have read enough to know.  On writer Scott Brian Wilson's part, “The Executioner's Sword” is great story and an excellent piece of story craftsmanship in forging a morality tale in which the “She-Devil with a Sword” seems merciful and just rather than vengeful – which she often is.

Al Barrioneuvo's moody art conveys the sense of malaise and doom that hangs over the village in which the story is set.  Barrioneuvo pulls off a rarity.  He creates a Red Sonja who is different in spirit from every other Sonja, and that is something, indeed.

“His War” by David Avallone, Hamish Munro-Cook, Dinei Ribero, and Taylor Esposito:

Once upon a time, Captain Gullivar Jones was swashbuckling his way across Mars.  Now, he is back on Earth and in the pit of the Great War (World War I).  Is this return to Earth Gullivar's new beginning, and is it something he really wants?

I Reads You says:  Captain Gullivar Jones is the science fiction military man created by Edwin Lester Arnold (1857-1935).  By bringing Jones back to Earth to fight humanity's war, writer David Avallone creates the idea that his lead character needs healing and redemption.  Beyond that, I can't say much.  “His War” is more like a taste of a larger work, and this taste makes me think that the story could work as a graphic novel, prose novel, or even as an intriguing screenplay.  Hamish Munro-Cook's art and graphical storytelling thoroughly sells the idea of man now grounded from his former fantastic realities.

If I have to reluctantly pick a favorite comics story in Savage Tales #1 One-Shot, it is a difficult choice.  I think I will go with “The Executioner's Sword,” which is the most genuinely emotional and, dare I say it, human story of this publication.

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

[This comic book includes “Dynamite Dispatch” July 2022, which features an interview with writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson about his new James Bond comic book series.]

A

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


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


The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).