Comics Review: "ELVIRA in Horrorland Volume 1 #1" - Elvira Showers with Hitchcock

ELVIRA IN HORRORLAND VOLUME 1 #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

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

Rated Teen+

Chapter One: Bloch Party

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.

Elvira in Horrorland Volume 1 #1 (“Bloch Party”) opens in the aftermath of Elvira's adventures with the ghost of the late, great film legend, Vincent Price (see Elvira Meets Vincent Price).  Part of those adventures included the discover that all movies create their own little “pocket dimensions.”

Now, Elvira finds herself in the pocket dimension belonging to one of the most famous horror films of all time, directed by one of the most influential and greatest filmmakers of all time.  That should be wonderful for Elvira, except that the movie includes an infamous and famous brutal murder in a shower.  To return to her own world, Elvira just has to find a “magical remote control” (Hello, Pleasantville), but can she really let things play out in this pocket dimension the way they are supposed to?  Well, there wouldn't be an entire comic book if she didn't.

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 Elvira in Horrorland Volume #1, one of many Dynamite Elvira comic books that I have read and enjoyed.

By now, anyone who is a regular reader of my comic book reviews know that I adore Elvira comic books written by David Avallone and published by Dynamite Entertainment.  So, it is best just to move on, although I should note that I was surprised to see David make an extended reference to the notorious and pointless remake of the film that Elvira visits this issue.

Artist Silvia Califano superbly captures the spirit of this “pocket dimension” and conveys a sense of humor that I think only the best MAD Magazine satirists and parody masters could pull off.  Califano's art even resembles Howard Chaykin's peak art from the 1980s, especially the 1986 miniseries now known as The Shadow: Blood and Judgment.  Califano's sense of style and mood are superb, with the storytelling really having a sense of movement.

Taylor Esposito's lettering stabilizes the storytelling, bring order to the madcap, and colorist Walter Pereya certainly adds a jarring note at the right time.  Of course, I expected this creative team to pull this off.  Of course, I expected Elvira in Horrorland #1 to be good.  Now, I expect you to go out and buy it and other Avallone Elvira productions.

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” May 2022, which features an interview with writer Jordan Clark.]

A+

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


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Comics Review: RED SONJA Black White Red #7

RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #7
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone; Shannon Watters; Bob Q
ART: Jonathan Lau; Ro Stein; Bob Q
COLORS: Kike J. Diaz; Ted Brandt; Bob Q
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Phil Hester
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Joshua Sway Sway; Bob Q; Phil Hester; Gracie the Cosplay Lass (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard

Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja.  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 Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character.  One of those is Red Sonja Black White and Red, an anthology comic book featuring stories from well known comic book writers and artists, with the art presented in black, white, and red.

Red Sonja Black White and Red #7 is comprised of three stories.  The first story is “Blood on Snow,” which is written by Ron Marz; drawn by Mirko Colak; and colored by Kike J. Diaz.  The second is “Unbowed,” which is written by Phil Hester and drawn and colored by Heidi Blair.  The third story is “Sonja's Gambit,” which is written Amy Chu and drawn and colored by Andres Labrada.  All the stories are lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

I'll comment on each story individually.

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 Black White and Red #7, which is the sixth issue of the title that I have read.

“Blood on Snow” by Ron Marz, Mirko Colak,  Kike J. Diaz, and Jeff Eckleberry:
The story opens in snowy Nordheim.  Wounded, Red Sonja finds herself pursued by the men of the chieftain she just killed.  The She-Devil with a Sword takes shelter in an ancient temple.  Now, the two sides face off, but whose blood will stain the snow?

“Blood on Snow” is a classic Red Sonja tale pitting her against men with murder on their minds.  The story has a cool monster twist, and it is effectively done with nice art by Mirko Colak.  Also, this could be a classic Conan tale.

“Unbowed” by Phil Hester, Heidi Blair, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Red Sonja has a mission – return the body of a former teacher to the convent they both once called home.  The path she takes brings her into conflict with the “Wolf Clan.”  Can Red Sonja make it?  Is the She-Devil with a Sword like her late teacher, unbowed?

“Unbowed” is one of the best stories I have read in this anthology series.  Heidi Blair's art captures the subtly poignant mood that Phil Hester gives this story.  However, don't think for a minute that “Unbowed” lacks hacking and slashing.  It is simply that the drama here is so strong.

“Sonja's Gambit” by Amy Chu, Andres Labrada, and Jeff Eckleberry:
The story opens somewhere near the southern border Hyrkania.  Thamyris, a queen, traps Sonja in a magical game of chess.  Unfamiliar with the game, Sonja must make a gambit...

I like Andres Labrada's art in this story, and although “Sonja's Gambit” isn't a great Red Sonja tale, it is a nice little magical story.

It is hard for me to pick a favorite story from the offerings in Red Sonja Black White and Red #7.  I'll go with “Unbowed,” although “Blood on Snow” is a close second.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Red Sonja will want to try Red Sonja Black White and Red.

A-

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


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Comics Review: "VAMPIRELLA Valentine's Day Special" is Like a Box of Chocolates

VAMPIRELLA VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone; Dearbhla Kelly; George Kambadais; Jacob Edgar
ART: Vincenzo Carratu; George Kambadais & Emiliana Pinna; George Kambadais; Andres Labrada
COLORS: Ellie Wright; George Kambadais
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Sozomaika
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Lesley Leirix; Elias Chatzoudis; Sozomaika; Rachel Hollon (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2022)

Rated Teen+

Vampirella is a vampire and female superhero created by the late author and science fiction and horror expert, Forrest J Ackerman, and designed by comic book artist, Trina Robbins.  Vampirella first appeared in Vampirella #1 (Sept. 1969), the debut issue of a black and white horror comics magazine from Warren Publishing.  Writer-editor Archie Goodwin changed the character from a hostess of horror comics to a leading character in her own stories.

In 2010, Dynamite Entertainment obtained the character and has been publishing new Vampirella material since then.  The latest is Vampirella Valentine's Day Special, an anthology comic book comprised of four stories.

The first is “A Dame with Fangs,” which is written by David Avallone; drawn by Vincenzo Carratu; and colored by Ellie Wright.  The second is “A Match Made in Hell” which is written, drawn and colored by George Kambadais.  The third story is “Outlaws,” which is written by Jacob Edgar; drawn by Andres Labrada; and colored by Ellie Wright.  The fourth story is “O Glorious Saint Valentine,” which is written by Dearbhla Kelly; drawn by George Kambadais & Emiliana Pinna; and colored by Kambadais.  All the stories are lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

THE LOWDOWN:  I will summarize and review each story separately:

“A Dame with Fangs” by David Avallone, Vincenzo Carratu, Ellie Wright, and Jeff Eckleberry:
On February 14, 1972 – Valentine's Day – Nick Napoli, a 20-year-old Vietnam combat veteran turned New York City police officer, has the shock of his life.  He is attacked by one vampire and then, meets another, Vampirella.  It turns out to be an unforgettable experience...

“A Dame with Fangs” is a sweet little tale that is sentimental in all the right ways without being sickly sweet and cloying.  I wonder if writer David Avallone is essentially offering a valentine card to his late father, Michael Avallone, who was a World War II veteran and a prolific author.  Many of his novels starred private investigators who dealt with unusual and unusually sexy women.

“A Match Made in Hell” by George Kambadais and Jeff Eckleberry:
Vampirella takes on a fire monster, but when she thinks she has found a solution, things get complicated.  Well, it is Valentine's Day!

Cute story, cute art, cute coloring, and cute lettering:  “A Match Made in Hell” is a delightful piece of candy in this box of chocolates.

“Outlaws”by Jacob Edgar, Andres Labrada, Ellie Wright, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Rhett Nelson and Besty Louisa Farrell are in love and also outlaws on the run.  Then, things turn so bad that they have to turn to mystery woman, “Miss Normandy,” but will they get the help they want?

Well, I suppose that every Valentine's Day-theme anthology needs a tale of doomed love.  “Outlaws” makes good use of Vampirella, and this could also work as a longer story.

“O Glorious Saint Valentine” by Dearbhla Kelly, George Kambadais & Emiliana Pinna, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Vampirella has some business in Phoenix Park, Dublin.  It seems that the “Dearg-Due,” the ghost of a wronged maiden, is killing the lovelorn.  Vampirella isn't sure how to destroy a ghost, and she may also not be any good in matters of the heart.

What would a Vampirella anthology, even a Valentine's one, be without a ghost story?  “O Glorious Saint Valentine” is also a nice example of how complicated love with a human can be for Vampirella.

Usually when I review an anthology comic book, I pick a favorite story.  Well, I like all four stories in Vampirella Valentine's Day Special, and I highly recommend that you give them all a try.  Also, I think all four stories could work as a longer narrative.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Vampirella comics will want to read Vampirella Valentine's Day Special.

A-

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


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Comics Review: RED SONJA Black White Red #6

RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone; Shannon Watters; Bob Q
ART: Jonathan Lau; Ro Stein; Bob Q
COLORS: Kike J. Diaz; Ted Brandt; Bob Q
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry; Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
EDITOR: Nate Cosby
COVER: Jae Lee
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Lesley Leirix Li; Jonathan Lau; Jae Lee; Saphire Nova (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2022)

Rated Teen+

Based on the characters and stories created by Roy Thomas, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Robert E. Howard

Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated: February 1973) saw the debut of a high fantasy, sword and sorcery heroine, Red Sonja.  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 Robert E. Howard (1906-1936), the creator of the character, Conan the Cimmerian.

In 2005, Dynamite Entertainment began publishing comic books featuring differing versions of the character.  One of those is Red Sonja Black White and Red, an anthology comic book featuring stories from well known comic book writers and artists, with the art presented in black, white, and red.

Red Sonja Black White and Red #6 is comprised of three stories.  The first is “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples),” which is written by David Avallone; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Kike J. Diaz; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  The second is “Morgona the Crimson,” which is written by Shannon Watters; drawn by Ro Stein; colored by Ted Brandt; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.  The third is “The Giant,” which is written, drawn, and colored by Bob Q and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

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 Black White and Red #6, which is the fifth issue of the title that I have read.

“The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples)” by David Avallone, Jonathan Lau, Kike J. Diaz, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Envoys from the Kingdom of Levkoy have approached Red Sonja.  They offer gold if she can rescue their beloved Prince Maximilian from six brigands.  But things are not as they seem, and Red Sonja wonders if she should make a different, if not better deal.

Writer David Avallone offers a nice twist on the sword and sorcery mercenary tale with “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples).”  The treat here, however, is Jonathan Lau's gorgeous art.  Not only does it recall classic Barry Windsor-Smith era and John Buscema era Conan the Barbarian, but Lau also offers inventive and eye-catching page design.

“Morgona the Crimson” by Shannon Watters, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, and Jeff Eckleberry:
Red Sonja has recently discovered that when she rescues someone they thank her as … Morgona the Crimson!  And the people she helps are so grateful that they gift her food and livestock.  Who the hell is Morgona the Crimson?

Once upon a time, I would have ignored “Morgona the Crimson.”  Over the last three decades, however, I have heard so many horrible tales of identity theft (and also “unauthorized use of an access card) that this story resonates with me.  Shannon Watters' tale is timely and visceral, and Ro Stein's art captures both a sense of dark comedy and Sonja's frustration.  Plus, this tale has a gag cartoon quality that is hard to resist.

“The Giant” by Bob Q and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou:
A fortune teller warns Red Sonja of her demise if she takes on “the Guardian,” a giant that guards a crossing.  After her initial confrontation with the Guardian, Sonja wonders.

“The Giant” has nice art and a clever resolution.  I would like this story to be longer because I want to know what happens afterwards...

It is hard for me to pick a favorite story from the offerings in Red Sonja Black White and Red #6.  I'll call it a tie between “The Daring Rescue of Prince Maximilian (Beloved of All the Peoples)” and “Morgona the Crimson.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Red Sonja will want to try Red Sonja Black White and Red.

A

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


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Comics Review: "ELVIRA MEETS VINCENT PRICE #2" is a Delight

ELVIRA MEETS VINCENT PRICE #2
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone
ART: Juan Samu
COLORS: Walter Pereya
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito with Elizabeth Sharland
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Dave Acosta
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Acosta; Juan Samu; Anthony Marques and J. Bone
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2021)

Rated Teen+

Chapter Two: “Ankhs for the Mammaries”

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, which ran for eleven issues and one special issue (1987).  Eclipse Comics and Claypool Comics began the long-running Elvira: Mistress of the Dark from 1993 to 2007.  In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment in the four-issue comic book miniseries, Elvira Mistress of the Dark, that actually ran for 12 issues.

Vincent Price (1911–1993) was an American actor and a legendary movie star.  Price was and still is best known for his performances in horror films, although his career spanned other genres.  Price appeared in more than 100 films, but he also performed on television, the stage, and on radio.  Thus, he has two stars on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame,” one for motion pictures and one for television.

Elvira and Vincent Price team up for the first time in the comic book miniseries, Elvira Meets Vincent Price.  The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Juan Samu; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito with Elizabeth Sharland.  The series finds Elvira and Price searching for a long-lost cult movie in order to save the world from the wrath of an awakened Egyptian god.

As Elvira Meets Vincent Price #2 opens, Vincent uses his ghostly wiles to save Elvira from a violent servant of Amun-Ra.  That's right.  That is just a taste of the Armageddon to come if Elvira and Vincent don't find the only surviving copy of the lost cult film, “Rise of the Ram.”  Price starred in the doomed, never-seen film, and now, it is time to start finding the rest of his collaborators on the film, who may know something about the whereabouts of Rise of the Ram.

So our heroic duo flies to England to find Richard “Rick” Rogue, the director of “Rise of the Ram,” and his wife, Claudia Antonelli, the Italian starlet who was Vincent's costar in the film.  But Rick and Claudia have their own problems, and Elvira is about to be the unwilling solution.

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been a fan of writer David Avallone's Elvira comic books for a few years now.  Elvira Meets Vincent Price reminds me, if I need a reminder (which I don't), why I love these comic books so much.

After a cool first issue, Avallone delivers a script for the second issue that is so witty and sparkling that I wish I had a 100 pages more of it.  It's like “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” blended with the team of Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard in The Ghost Breakers (1940).

Talented Spanish artist, Juan Samu, who has drawn Marvel Action Black Panther and Transformers comics for IDW Publishing, creates storytelling that practically bleeds charm and coolness.  Samu may be creating the first graphical presentation of supernatural comedy and screwball antics every presented in comic book form.

Walter Pereya's colors capture the sparkle and ghostly chemistry in Avallone's script, while the lettering by Taylor Esposito and Elizabeth Sharland conveys the breezy pace of the story.  I'm having a blast reading Elvira Meets Vincent Price.  It is almost too good to be true how well this crossover works.  And yes, I already want a sequel.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Elvira and of Vincent Price and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets Vincent Price.

A

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


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Comics Review: "ELVIRA MEETS VINCENT PRICE #1" is Simply a Delight

ELVIRA MEETS VINCENT PRICE #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Avallone
ART: Juan Samu
COLORS: Walter Pereya
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito with Elizabeth Sharland
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Dave Acosta
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dave Acosta; Juan Samu; John Royle
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2021)

Rated Teen+

Chapter One: “The Price is Right!”

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, which ran for eleven issues and one special issue (1987).  Eclipse Comics and Claypool Comics began the long-running Elvira: Mistress of the Dark from 1993 to 2007.  In 2018, Elvira returned to comic books via Dynamite Entertainment in the four-issue comic book miniseries, Elvira Mistress of the Dark, that actually ran for 12 issues.

Vincent Price (1911–1993) was an American actor and a legendary movie star.  Price was and still is best known for his performances in horror films, although his career spanned other genres.  Price appeared in more than 100 films, but he also performed on television, the stage, and on radio.  Thus, he has two stars on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame,” one for motion pictures and one for television.

Elvira and Vincent Price team up for the first time in the comic book miniseries, Elvira Meets Vincent Price.  The series is written by David Avallone; drawn by Juan Samu; colored by Walter Pereyra; and lettered by Taylor Esposito with Elizabeth Sharland.  The series finds Elvira and Vincent searching for a long-lost movie in order to save the world.

Elvira Meets Vincent Price #1 opens after the events depicted in Elvira: The Omega Ma'am.  [This is a Kickstarter comic book that shipped to campaign supporters the first quarter of this year.]  Elvira and her writing partner, Eddie Mezzogiorno, are in the offices of a powerful streaming service.  The duo is (desperately) pitching ideas for new “Elvira” television series with no luck.  In fact, things have been a bit dark of late for the “Mistress of the Dark,” with the possibility of darker still to come.

After a night of drinking, Elvira experiences an intense dream-vision in which her “favorite all-time movie star” – living or dead – appears.  It's the late, but still great Vincent Price!  He needs Elvira's help to find a lost movie of his, but this match made in cinematic-Hades seems to have the forces of darkness aligned against them.

THE LOWDOWN:  I have been a fan of writer David Avallone's Elvira comic books for a few years now.  When Avallone is teamed with artist Dave Acosta, they deliver hugely-entertaining Elvira comic books; they are the “Misters of the Dark.”

For Elvira Meets Vincent Price, Avallone teams up with talented Spanish artist, Juan Samu, who has drawn Marvel Action Black Panther and Transformers comics for IDW Publishing.  Here, Samu's layouts and page designs deftly capture the wild mood swings of this first issue – from the banality of office spaces to the mirthful macabre of Elvira's dwellings and from the fever dreamscapes of Elvira to the crusty outback of the California film making industry.  Samu is also a man of a thousand facial expressions, as he is always conveying different character tempers and humors, panel per panel.  Walter Pereya's colors add a quality to the storytelling that is both lurid and dreamlike.

David Avallone's script is filled with sparkling and witty dialogue, the kind of which DC Comics' Harley Quinn comic books so desperately need.  Reading Avallone's dialogue for Vincent Price certainly made my imagination believe that Price was actually speaking.  The interplay of bold and plain text in the lettering by Taylor Esposito and Elizabeth Sharland balances the need for the script to be funny, and it also advances a plot.

So I encourage everyone looking for (really) funny macabre comedy to purchase and read Elvira Meets Vincent Price #1.  I want a sequel to this series, already.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Elvira and of Vincent Price and of David Avallone's Elvira comic books will want to read Elvira Meets Vincent Price.

A

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


https://twitter.com/DAvallone
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https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics
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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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