Review: Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter – Part Four
Well, here we are. Issue four of four. Does Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter present a satisfying conclusion to the story, or does it lean too heavily on building a sequel hook? How fare David Dastmalchian (writer), Lucas Ketner (artist), and Lauren Affe (colorist) in delivering a final issue? Let’s find out.
The Story
The final issue is perhaps the best of the four. The vital elements are all in place and Jerry has her first self-imposed mission and the plotting fires on all cylinders.
We also get some clarification on some other issues; namely why Jerri’s life seems to be such a mess. It comes down to unresolved trauma. The situation Jerri deals with is very much timeless in the sense that it is something women still deal with today and it adds a lot of weight to her actions throughout the series as a whole. She starts off as a mess, but by the end of this series, she is, well, still a mess, but just better at it. Fright’s inquiry of “what kind?” to Jerri’s question about killing monsters is absolutely on point and perfect gallows humor.
In her big fight with “the Billy,” we see Jerri at her absolute best; confident, improvisational, and focused. The reveal of her having taken gymnastics feels a bit sudden, but it isn’t outside of the realm of possibility. The most important thing is that in this moment she finds clarity that ultimately helps her to move forward. Her going to A. A. is one of those nice dualities of character development; monster hunting and A. A. at first blush don’t seem like they have correlation, but it’s more about her own personal journey and bonding with her brother. It’s all very sweet.
As far as the ending, we get progression. Jerri has something steady in the hosting, she has mostly made up with her brother, and things seem to be on the right track for her. That is until a figure from her past shows up at an A. A. meeting and a mysterious figure in New York opens up a letter with two scrawled words: “Count Crowley.”
The ending works, but in the sense that it is not quite a resolution to a complete story. It’s just a stopping point, a chapter’s end. On the one hand, I could use a break from ongoings, but on the other, who am I to complain about getting more of something that I like?
The Look
Week to week, the art of Count Crowley has been a pleasure to look at. I’ve commented at length on some of the classic horror comics the series sometimes evokes, but one area I’ve not really mentioned is the certain cinematic quality to the pages.
Dastmalchian’s background as an actor definitely has a hand in this. Staging comics is different in many ways to staging shots in the film, but there are some universalities. Knowing film allows a writer to lean in and apply some of those techniques to the visualization process. One, for example, is the copious use of the establishing shots used throughout the four issues to create what feels like very real spaces where action can play out in. I am not sure if it is strictly Ketner who is thumbnailing the pages, or it is a more collaborative process between Ketner and Dastmalchian, but however it is done, it absolutely works.
The comic also has a strong and consistent visual pacing. For the most part, the paneling is fairly standard across the book, but there are some moments where there is a lot of energy simply through breaking margins and straying from geometric boundaries. It gives the series a real sense of energy just when needed. Certain moments require a rigidity that others do not and it is a good sign to see a comic handle those panels so well.
Final Verdict
Basically, Jerri does end up in a different place and some would argue not necessarily better, but there is still some satisfaction in the journey. It doesn’t quite feel like a self-contained story though, merely the first chapter of something larger. I enjoyed the ride, but I expected something a little more self-contained.
(4.5 / 5)
The comic is good, damn good. But it also feels like a pitch for a television series as well. Most comics these days are usually keen on developing an IP for adaptation so I have no issue with that. It’s a smart move, especially if the comic itself is a lot of fun.
Who knows what the future may bring?
Overall, Count Crowley was a treat and I am waiting for the inevitable follow-up. Feel free to check out our other comic coverage as well.
Thanksgiving is coming up this week if you live in America. And many of us are going to be in contact with younger relatives. And some of you might be on a mission to be the cool/bad influence relative that introduces them to the horror genre. If so, I have just the graphic novel for you.
Published in September of 2023, Hide is based on the novel of the same name by Kiersten White. It was adapted into a graphic novel by Scott Peterson, and illustrated by Veronica and Andy Fish. It tells the story of fourteen people who believe they are in a reality show, playing Hide and Seek in an abandoned theme park. It should surprise absolutely no one to find out that the creators of the show have something much darker in mind.
The story
Our main character is Mack. She’s had about the worst rough start to life one could imagine and is currently living in a homeless shelter. There, she’s given the opportunity to participate in a game show, playing hide-and-seek.
I like to think that if the shelter manager had known of Mack’s horrific past, she wouldn’t have ever made that suggestion.
Mack signs up and soon finds herself in an abandoned amusement park with thirteen strangers. The rules are simple. Hide during the day, and be the last person found. Of course, this is nothing but a lie. There will be no winners, only victims.
What works
The first thing we have to talk about is how Hide the graphic novel compares to Hide, the original book. Of course, there wasn’t going to be enough room for every single part of the story. There were some cuts. But it doesn’t feel like anything essential was cut here. The characters remain the same. The storyline is still there, sans any structural issues. Often, this is a difficult thing to do. Some stories don’t translate from one medium to another. But Peterson did a wonderful job.
Of course, we can’t talk about a graphic novel without talking about the art. And the art in this book is fantastic. The colors are rich and vibrant. Everything looks exactly like one might picture it when reading the novel.
Except for the monster, which I have to admit I pictured more like a Rat Creature from Bone.
My favorite part was the journal entries. I loved the cryptic sigils that are scribbled over the page without explanation. I loved the different handwriting. I loved the clippings of newspapers and pictures. The whole thing was just wonderfully, eerily, immersive.
Finally, I want to point out that Hide is a great graphic novel even if you’ve never read the book, and never intend to. This is not a companion for the book. It tells the story all on its own. And yes, reading a graphic novel is just as valid as reading any other novel. This is just a good story, with good artwork. No other reading is necessary.
What didn’t work
There was only one thing I didn’t love about Hide. And that was the ending.
It’s usually the ending.
In the novel, the ending is ambiguous but satisfying. This ending was, without ruining it, a little more ambiguous. There are questions I really wanted answers for that I didn’t get. There is at least one character that I’d like to know about. Are they okay? I don’t know. And this ending doesn’t even really give us a hint. All we can do is hope.
If you are going to be picking this up for a younger person, be aware that there is some rough language. There are also a few graphic scenes of violence, so if that’s the sort of thing that will get you banned from further holiday events, be aware. But if you have a tween or teen who needs to be encouraged to delve into the creepy side, Hide is a great way to do it. Of course, there’s no shame in just reading it yourself.
(4.5 / 5)
Book Reviews
Vermis II: Mist & Mirrors, a Book Review
Vermis II: Mist & Mirrors is a graphic novel by Plastiboo, acting as the “official guide for a game that doesn’t exist.”
Vermis II: Mist & Mirrors is a graphic novel by Plastiboo. The team behind the work includes Plastiboo as the artist, Hollow Press as the publisher, Michele Nitri as the editor, Christian Dolz Bayarri as the graphic designer, Marco Cirillo Pedri as the graphic supervisor, and E.R. as the English editor and proofreader. The Vermis collection seems sold out in its current editions, but I still recommend ordering from the original publisher, Hollow Press.
Who stares back from the dark glass? The Wayfarer travels–cursed and haunted by their past–through the distant lands and places within the Mist & Mirrors. Endure a corrupt world and struggle to fend off the curses that mark you. Venture forth, Wayfarer, and perhaps find peace and salvation.
What I Like about Vermis II: Mist & Mirrors
The premise remains an “official guide” to a game that does not exist. However, one key distinction that stands out is the corrosion of this “official guide” mark, suggesting Mist & Mirrors centers itself as a graphic novel. In this sense, it more accurately hits its vision while providing an engaging story.
Mist & Mirrors places its character selection at the end of the graphic novel, instead, choosing a character and allowing the reader to follow that journey. While this moves away from the “official guide” concept, it better fleshes out the world and creates a more independent product.
Where Vermis I held a heavy retro-game aesthetic, Vermis II takes this to the next level while adding a wider range of color than the original. Not only does this add more aesthetic variety, but it also vastly improves readability. My greatest critique of the first graphic novel was the general lack of readability that impacted the experience, but Mist & Mirrors seems to take this to heart. Beyond the variety and improvement, the design changes the color themes to match the distinct lands the “Wayfarer” embarks on, giving a direct purpose to the changes.
On starting the graphic novel, I half expected a spiritual successor set in a new world. While its setting certainly differs from the original, Mist & Mirrors expands on the lore and history. In fact, the exploration of Mist & Mirrors adds value to the original and encourages a re-read. Honestly, that’s what all sequels strive (or should strive) to succeed.
Despite the colorful innovation, Vermis II: Mist & Mirrors delivers that same bleak horror popularized by Dark Souls. It still wears its inspirations on its sleeves while better communicating its “game mechanics.”
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Again, there aren’t many points worth mentioning regarding tropes or triggers. As the graphic novel takes themes and trends from the Soulslike genre, it’s dark and bleak but not overwhelmingly so.
Payment and delivery (for American audiences) still come with a 15 to 45-day wait period with little room for verification or updates. The process through PayPal remains seamless, and I received the novel within the timeframe, but it’s a consideration.
What I Dislike about Vermis II: Mist & Mirrors
While there are notable points to mention in this section, Mist & Mirror vastly mitigates Vermis I’s core issues. However, that isn’t inherently the same as fixing them in some cases. For example, readability remains a slight issue. I will emphasize it as a slight issue with the vast improvements implemented.
For those fans of the specific niche that Vermis aims to deliver, Mist & Mirrors tones down the “official guide” aspect. Instead, it favors a more straightforward narrative that follows a specific character. This brings life to the “game world” and makes an independent product but limits Vermis I’s game guide concept.
On a more personal note, I did enjoy the concept of Vermis I’s classes over the classes of Mist & Mirrors. Naturally, there are some interesting concepts, but nothing haunts me like the Infant Seeker or Rat Man. However, the new choices seem to provide a stronger narrative and backstory.
Final Thoughts
Vermis II: Mist & Mirrors vastly improves in many aspects of the original, telling a story set in its bleak and fascinating world. While it does veer from the original concept, it does so to make a more independent product. If you are looking to lose yourself in a strange world or dive deeper into Vermis’ underexplored lore, Mist & Mirrors seems tailor-made for you.
(5 / 5)
Published in April of this year, Bad Dreams in The Night is a collection of horror comics by the artist and author Adam Ellis. With the description stating that it is a graphic novel version of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, I had to get my hands on it. And it did not disappoint.
The stories
Bad Dreams in the Night consists of eleven short horror stories. I honestly don’t think there’s a bad one in the whole bunch. So let’s just highlight a few.
Easily my favorite story in the book was Little House in the Sea. It’s a sweet, eerie little tale that seems like a pinprick view into a dark and horrifying world. It left me with so many questions that I fear will never have answers. The story is about a young woman and her mother, who live on a little island all alone. The young woman is never to ask about what is on the other side of the sea. Then, her mother dies. And everything changes, but not by a lot.
Green Ribbon was another great story. It’s a retelling of the classic Girl With a Ribbon story from the original Scary Stories book, in which a man is confused and eventually angry that the love of his life wears a ribbon around her neck and won’t tell him why. I liked this updated version. It’s a stark reminder that just because we marry someone, we aren’t owed all of their secrets.
What worked
Of course, the first thing I have to point out about Bad Dreams in the Night is the fantastic artwork. Ellis was a cartoonist first, and it shows.
The artwork is part of the storytelling as well. The best example of this is the story Better Kate Than Never. The younger sister character, Taffy, has such an animated face during the scenes with a ‘studio audience’. When she is just herself, her face is flat, and far more mature than we’d expect for a girl her age.
Though, I suppose based on the story, she might be any age.
Another really enjoyable thing was the mini-essays at the end of each story. As a creator myself, I love the little peeks into the creative process. I know how I come up with stories. But it’s different for everyone, and the story behind the story is often just as fun.
Finally, I have to praise a feature that applies to Ellis’s work overall, not just this book. Whenever he writes scary stories (and he has posted quite a few on his social media) they are a fascinating blend of cute and horrifying. The artwork always has a lovely, innocent, cartoonish look. The children always look like cartoon children, with exaggerated large heads and wide circular eyes.
At the same time, Ellis doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to the blood and gore. One story in particular, Milk Door, is a perfect example of this. I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, but it is graphic, horrifying, and wonderful.
What (kind of) didn’t work
I only have one issue with this book. If you follow Ellis on social media, you’ve likely seen at least some of these stories before.
Though, even as I say this, I’m not sure what could have been done about it. Only the beginnings were shown on Instagram. This was a marketing tactic and an effective one. You get the setup for free, but you have to read the book for the punchline.
Bad Dreams in the Night was a really enjoyable way to spend a few hours. In the end, my only real complaint is that it could have been longer. But of course, that is one of the chief rules of entertainment. Always leave people wanting more.
(usr 5)
By the way, if you like this you might enjoy my haunted apartment novella, Quiet Apocalypse. The main character is a modern witch, and I share some real magic in this fictional story of an unexpected end of the world.
