Dynamite; $3.99

In the first issue of Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, the horror film vixen went from a movie set back through time and met Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly as fun as one might expect because they were attacked by a large, angry brute.

Elvira was able to travel through time once again – in a coffin no less – and met up with America’s master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. But, just as they are about to sit down for a drink she realizes someone has followed her through time. An imposing brutish sort of person.

The team of writer David Avallone, artist Dave Acosta, and colorist Andrew Covalt provided another fun issue. The comic blends the comedy and horror very well, capitalizing on fun horror tropes and gives the issue guests nice attention based on their personalities and talents without turning them into full blown caricatures. Elvira is still breaking the fourth wall and making tongue in cheek comments about being “here for sex appeal and jokes, not exposition,” plus clever nods to Poe and his work, and lots of pop culture jokes about time travel and horror.

The art team brings Elvira to life in silly ways that are her trademark while also capturing the genuine beauty of actress Cassandra Peterson. The colors work well to set the tone of the story while also keeping the setting firmly in the dark spooky streets and taverns of the 19th century.

Anyone who likes Elvira and horror will enjoy this title.

-Amanda Sheriff