ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND #2, from Dynamite Comics on 6/28/23, switches the movie-hopping adventure from fangs to electrodes when Elvira chases Vlad’s recruitment drive into the realm of Frankenstein films.
The Details
- Written by: David Avallone
- Art by: Kewber Baal
- Colors by: Walter Pereyra
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Dave Acosta
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: June 28, 2023
Is It Good?
ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND #2 ios a hoot. If you’re a fan of classic horror films of the Frankenstein variety, David Avallone’s latest stop on Elevira’s adventure through the movieverse has you covered. Filled with all the Frankenstein puns and behind-the-scenes trivia your little black heart can stand, Avallone does monster lovers proud.
When last we left Elvira, she tried to stop Vald from recruiting every Dracula across moviedom for his evil plan. Now, the chase leads to the classic Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein films, where Vlad has a different type of recruit in mind.
Admittedly, this issue (and the series as a whole) will appeal to a very specific audience – monster movie lovers. That’s not to say this issue isn’t well-written and fun. It is, on both counts, but certain puns and jokes won’t make sense if you’re a casual monster movie connoisseur. It helps a lot if you have the foreknowledge to understand the details of each film, but this issue may leave you slightly confused if you don’t.
For everyone else who IS a monster movie lover, this issue is the bee’s knees. Where else can you get a “James Whale straight” joke in the same comic with characters eating lunch in a Naked Lunch set? The jokes are there for the taking, and Avallone enlists a full mining operation to snatch up each and every one. You read this comic for fun, but you can also respect and honor how deep Avallone digs to make this self-referential comedy work.
How’s the art? Excellent. There was a tiny question mark in issue #1 as to whether or not Kewber Baal could match Dave Acosta’s character designs and expressiveness, but so far, Baal is nailing the art. The human (and not-so-human) characters look great, the panel layout and composition are strong, and Pareyra’s blend of B&W and colors (where needed) looks great.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND #1 review to find out how Elvira was conscripted into becoming a hero.
We begin with Elvira in a tough spot when she finds herself in a stranglehold by Frankenstein’s monster. Elvira takes advantage of Frank’s anatomical correctness to shake loose and earn a breather to figure out why Vlad isn’t nearby. Inspiration strikes and Elvira figures out Vlad is after the monster maker instead of the monster.
Elvira seeks out Dr. Frankenstein and his new bride, but Vlad is already on the scene and uses his hypnotic whammy to force Dr. Frankenestein to come with him through a time-space portal. Elvira summons Agent Grant for a pow-wow back at the HQ where they discuss Vlad’s movements, where he gets his intel, and what to do next.
Elvira figures out the King of the Vampires is not the true mastermind, and she heads to the Bride of Frankenstein set to stop Vald’s next kidnapping. We conclude the issue with a theory tested and proven, coming to blows, and a hairy predicament.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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ELVIRA IN MONSTERLAND #2 cranks up the references, puns, and humor to make a monster movie buff proud. The writing is well-paced, well-constructed and sets a solid foundation for an intriguing mystery, and the art team captures the actor likenesses beautifully.
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