Archie Comics' latest horror 1-shot, Fear The Funhouse: Toybox of Terror, is a mixed bag.
Evelyn Evernever, who some of you might know as an adult from Riverdale, makes a rare comics appearance in the framing sequence of this 1-off. Artist Ryan Caskey drew inspiration from Gray Morrow, who worked for Archie, DC, and other companies in his career. Unfortunately, the need for text space at the end of the book cuts Timmy Heague's script a wee bit short, though the twist ending is right out of the ol' DC mystery playbook (1968-83). On the opposite end of the artistic spectrum is Ryan Jampole, whose SoCal Arts influence is evident. His short is too short as well.
On the whole, Toybox sends up Chucky and the recent movie, "M3GAN". Maybe they should've tried mocking Goosebumps.
Rating: B-.
Gold Key Comics is back. That's the good news. The bad? No clue as to scheduling. Their website says that issue 2 of Boris Karloff: Gold Key Mysteries is "in production", which means who knows when it'll be out. Not only that, but the unlisted cover price ($6) would defray the cost of licensing to Karloff's estate, and likely whatever crowdfunding GK is using, if any.
On to the 1st issue. You know it's a 21st century comic book when coarse language is freely used. Maybe it reflects how it'd translate in movie form, I suppose. If it was a 1-shot, I'd be okay with it. Michael W. Conrad & Steve Orlando are among the writers. The artwork tries to pay homage not only to GK's past glories, but there are influences of some of this generation's creators, including Mike Mignola, so there's that.
Rating: B-.
Marvel revived Crypt of Shadows, but, like last month's Werewolf by Night issue, this appears to be a 1-shot meant to direct readers to other titles, such as the current Scarlet Witch & Incredible Hulk books, and a new Spider-Man 2099, due in January. Victor Strange, the vampiric brother of Doctor Stephen Strange, makes a rare appearance, and will play into whatever is coming up for the good Doctor. Victor is our host, after a sort. Man-Thing, Daredevil, Deadpool, and the Werewolf (Jack Russell) are all here. It's just too bad Marvel can't commit to a regular anthology like this again.
Rating: B.
Dynamite weighs in with a Halloween Special issue of Gargoyles, not connected to current continuity (the current series ends in December, or is supposed to, as it's fallen behind of late). What happens when a young Gargoyle goes trick or treating? As a certain fellow from Melmac once put it, "utter chaos". Artist Diego Bonesso would be a good choice as artist if/when the next series begins.
Rating: A.
Finally, a trio of Trick or Read specials from Marvel.
The best of the lot is a Spidey & His Amazing Friends 1-shot that has both stories and activities for the little ones. Too bad they can't see the show anymore, unless it's on Disney+, since Disney Junior was booted from Spectrum Cable last month.
Rating: A.
The others are samplers from Amazing Spider-Man & Star Wars: The High Republic for the sake of luring new readers to those books. We won't rate.
Next time: The Justice League meet two legendary movie monsters, and Wesley Dodds gets his due. We'll see ya later.
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