Spookhouse 2018 Halloween ComicFest Mini Comic

I am super stoked that Eric Powell has returned to his hillbilly criminal macabre roots with more adventures of the Goon and Frankie. But it will be next year before I read those because I cannot stand a cliffhanger. Plus I'm still behind 2 volumes. (They've not been very easy to find.)

Until then, I have this mini comic Halloween ComicFest promo and trick-or-treat freebie from 2018 to tide me over.

I've read the first story before. It's pure Powell. A group of obnoxious teens who are haunted house aficionados, are invited by a spry little fella wearing a great skull mask and a tuxedo to visit a legendary site. It's the location of a series of gruesome killings and rumor has it that for one night only, it's open to the public as the best scary attraction in the entire tri-state area. This is something those spook snobs have got to see for themselves.

I love this story. It's got a great punchline ending that while I saw coming a mile away, there's a twist that catches you off guard. Meaning I zigged when Powell zagged and he got me good! I also love the art for this story. You can see how legends from EC Comics like Jack Davis and 'Ghastly' Graham Ingels inspired Powell to create this all-ages fright fest. The design of the little fella in the mask and tails was brilliant. If they ever make a tee-shirt of the cover image, I must have it! And the poses of the subjects and the angles selected for the action- such fluidity of movement.

The second story is only written by Eric Powell. So visually, it lacks that magical oomph. It's about a young boy who earns a F on his book report on a book on monsters written long ago by his late discredited grandfather. More funny than scary. But it's got a ghost, a troll and a school marm who's a worst villain than the two previous frights combined. 

I don't know why I haven't just pulled the trigger and consumed all 10 issues from the 2 series. I've read at least 1 other issue and I thought it was great. And the fact that I read these stories previously and I had a big thrill reading it again; I think that speaks volumes to the skills and talents of Eric Powell. And I had so much fun!

I think next Halloween is going to be a Spookhouse Halloween... 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.