Something Spooky: ‘Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter’ #1

Welcome back to Something Spooky as we take a look at a slightly off-beat horror comic from just a few years ago.

Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter #1 (2019) is an introduction to the newest holder of the title, Jerri Butler. The majority of the story is a flashback to around twenty-fours hours prior to her meeting a werewolf with a guilty conscience. There are also hints of why she is an alcoholic. This hinting mainly occurs while her brother Ben Butler is giving her a final chance at their television station by replacing the former Count Crowley. Her beginnings as a horror host are comedically divisive for her viewers, but apparently successful. Following that is a cliffhanger involving a sinister fourth-wall breaking monk.

There are a few reasons this writer likes this comic. The first is that this is a pretty good mix of a horror comedy. Also the real world problem of alcoholism and addiction troubles is a nightmare this writer knows very personally via family and friends. Although this flaw arguably makes the cynical fictional Jerri a bit interesting in a tragic horror hero manner. This writer also loves the concept of werewolves, and therefore this comic having one is a plus. It is worth noting that the balance of realistic yet cartoonish art is something this writer thinks is befitting of the season, especially the cover’s bone-chilling design.

While not having much to scare or entice those looking for terrifying events there is at least a promising beginning. Also the time period this is occurring in is the early 1980s so fans and fanatics of that period might find that compelling — not to mention that those looking for satiric commentary regarding horror fans can find a little in this issue. Plus those who love horror hosts such as actress Cassandra Peterson alias Elvira should find Jerri’s personality equally likable. Lastly, what is more Halloween year-round than something involving a horror host?