Elvira # 132-134
01/03/2005 . Source: Paul Skevington 

pub: Claypool Comics. 36 page standard comic. Price: $ 2.50 (US), $ 4.00 (CAN) each. Issue 132. Edited by Richard Howell. 'To Squash An Elvira': Writter: Frank Strom. Penciller: Ronn Sutton. Inker: Bill Anderson. Inker: Thom Zahler. 'Dread Carpet Treatment': Writter: Janet Hetherington. Penciller: Gordon Purcell. Inker: Mike Manley. Letterer: Thom Zahler. Issue 133. Editer: Richard Howell. 'Dangers On A Train': Writter: Frank Strom. Penciller: Tod Smith. Inker: Terry Austin. Letterer: Thom Zahler. 'Delectable Collectibles': Writter: Janet Hetherington. Penciller: Ronn Sutton. Inker: Andrew Pepoy. Letterer: Thom Zahler. Issue 134. Editer: Richard Howell. 'An El! True Hollywood Expose: The Uncanny Tail of Tea-Biscuit:' Writter: Janet Hetherington. Penciller: Tod Smith. Inker: Al Vey. Letterer: Thom Zahler. 'Take Back The Delight': Writter: Richard Howell. Penciller: Dan Day. Inker: Kim DeMulder. Letterer: Kevin Cunningham.

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For those who haven't come across her before, Elvira was a horror TV host who moved into movies in 1988 with the film 'Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark'.



I vaguely remember watching the 'Elvira' movie when I was a teenager, but the exact details of the thing escape me completely now. I'm quite tempted to go and find a copy of it though, as I'd love to watch the movie that spawned Claypool's great comedy comic. It took a couple of stories to win me over, but I soon began to love the awful puns and varied, interesting art 'Elvira' is filled with.



Although written by several different authors, with various artists illustrating, there are common themes running throughout the issues. They focus on the character of Elvira, a camp gothic queen with a penchant for dodgy B-movies and wince-worthy jokes. Most of the stories feature a satirical element, affectionately lampooning dozens of films, actors and TV programmes. Issue 132 is a perfect example of this, with a plot based around an effects company who are digitally introducing modern actors into classic Hollywood horror films, a hideous transgression in Elvira's eyes. Gasp in dismay as actors with an uncanny resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito appear respectively as Frankenstein and his Bride. But wait, it gets worse! The second tale of the issue has Elvira presenting the 'Moondance Indie Film Festival Awards', attended by such luminaries as 'Muscles Showe', 'Leonardo DiCrappio' and 'Kanunu Reeves'.

OK, I agree, those jokes are awful. With 'Elvira', though, it's that familiar story of something being so bad that it drops off the meter and becomes good again. You just need to let go of all that baggage you're carrying with you, like good taste and discerning reading habits and plunge into the anarchic world Claypool Comics are creating for you.



Which will be easy for most Crowsnest readers, as Elvira is particularly suited for people with a deep appreciation for horror, fantasy and SF. For example, issue 133's 'Dangers On A Train' features appearances from the god 'Venus', who appears to be best buddies with our heroine and also stars a group of alien squid men, demonstrating the mix-and-match paradigm of 'Elvira' that contributes greatly to the fun of reading it.

The artists maintain the quality of the illustration throughout, but I particularly enjoyed the work of Gordon Purcell in 'Dread Carpet Treatment', who manages to create a very engaging and magical Elvira, capturing all of the traits we would associate with the character. This level of detail stretches to the rest of the story's cast, with perhaps the most convincing takes on celebrities I saw in the three issues I read. Tod Smith should also be commended for a very well drawn strip and for managing to include immensely subtle visual gags. For example, on page nine there is a panel where motion lines indicate that Elvira head is rapidly turning from side to side. There are also motion lines around her breasts. Ahh, breast gags, all I need to get me through the day.

OK, to the crux of the matter then. 'Elvira' is a joy to read for anyone who indulges in the guilty pleasure of watching rubbish horror films or who viewed 'Plan Nine From Outer Space' and actually enjoyed it. I know I did. How about you?

Paul Skevington