Review - Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #1 (@DynamiteComics)


"Ready or not, here I come."

Elvira doesn't really need an introduction. It's likely that more people know about her than some of the other characters in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #1 from Dynamite Comics. The issue is written by David Avallone, illustrated by Dave Acosta, colored by Andrew Covalt and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

The Mistress of the Dark has become unstuck in time! Elvira crashes Mary Shelley's monster weekend, beginning an epic journey through horror history, stalked by the most terrifying nightmare to ever walk the Earth. (No spoilers!)

Elvira is a lot of things to a lot of people and Avallone ensures she's also a fourth-wall breaking, double-entendre throwing time-traveler as well in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #1. Avallone doesn't really spend much time digging into how exactly a time-traversing vehicle made its way into Elvira's trailer; instead, he focuses more on her interactions with historical figures. The first encounter with Mary Shelley gives Elvira plenty of time to espouse her appreciation for her literary talents while also allowing Avallone to put her in true horror situations. The dialogue throughout the issue is rapid-fire cheeky--almost to the point where it feels a tad obnoxious because of how quickly it comes. That being said, Avallone still manages to embrace the quick pace of the story and really bring it all together.

Acosta could've easily illustrated the book with an attention to gore and the macabre, but instead his approach is a lot lighter. Elvira maintains all of her trademark features in Acosta's rendering of the famed heroine, paying particular attention to her face and distinctive eyes. The remaining characters are illustrated with similar attention to detail and the bulk of Acosta's artwork seems to focus primarily on the players and less on the setting. The panels fit together like a jigsaw puzzle that fits with the theme of the story itself and the black gutters add a further touch of the dark. Covalt's colors are appropriately dark and ominous.

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #1 is an interesting first issue in that it takes a character who's been around quite a bit and thrusts her into a slightly new world. Elvira is clearly capable enough as a character to get through any situation, regardless of the time or place. Avallone's script is crammed with zingers and sharp rebuttals, all of which make the book read at a slightly dizzying pace. Acosta's artwork is solid and captures all of Elvira's key characteristics. Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #1 is worth a read, as it's a nice tribute to a pop culture icon.

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #1 is available July 4.

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