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Women in Horror Month: Book Review: The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick by Mallory O’Meara

cover art for The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory o"Meara

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The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick by Mallory O’Meara

Hanover Square Press, 2019

ISBN-13: 9781335937803

Available: Hardcover, paperback. Kindle, Audible audiobook

 

When Mallory O’Meara discovered that one of her favorite movies, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, featured a monster designed by a woman, Milicent Patrick, she knew she had to find out more. Sadly, there was little information available about this elusive figure. Through her research, O’Meara learned much about Patrick’s contribution to The Creature from the Black Lagoon and her eventual disappearance from film history. O’Meara, herself working in the horror movie industry, “set out to right the wrong and in the process discovered the full, fascinating story of an ambitious, artistic woman ahead of her time.”

O’Meara’s book is well-researched, using primary archival resources and interviews as a basis for her work. She describes pushback she received from different parties in her introduction. Similar to asking the question, “why is there a Women in Horror Month?”, she was asked why she was searching so much for a woman who was denied her craft for decades. O’Meara spends the bulk of the book answering this question.

The book isn’t strictly a biography of Milicent, but also of those closest to her. O’Meara includes biographical information on Milicent’s parents, William Randolph Hearst, Bud Westmore, and other people who had been influential in Patrick’s life. Interspersed in the chapters are the author’s discussion of her discoveries and “aha moments”, such as finding Hearst Castle as a clue to unveiling more of Milicent’s life, her time at Glendale Junior College, her eventual dropping out to attend Chouinard Art Institute, and Walt Disney hiring her on in the animation department of his humble studio. Milicent worked as an uncredited model, developing her own sense of style, something her father disapproved of. The author does not hide that some of Milicent’s life choices led to heartache and agony, her own as well as others. O’Meara discusses Milicent crossing paths with the infamous Bud Westmore and her time designing the Gillman, Universal’s monster in Creature from the Black Lagoon. The author also provides some great information on the history of special effects, and the ongoing gender inequality in the film industry.

A major criticism I have about the content is O’Meara’s exaggerated lack of understanding of the research process. She discusses her struggles with the process and, thankfully, credits those who helped her by providing her with clues or pointing her in the right direction. She seemed to be unaware of databases, or how to conduct oneself in an archival room. While such things are undoubtedly unknown to some people, including her own ignorance and gasping, and telling the reader she probably annoyed others in the research room of the archives, would probably be best left out. However, O’Meara’s conversational style of writing is appealing, to a point, and makes the pace of the book go quickly. Recommended.

 

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Posted on February 22, 2021 by , Reply

Women in Horror Month: Graphic Novel Review: An Elvira-straganza, Part 2! The Shape of Elvira, vol. 1 by David Avallone, art by Fran Strukan (issues 1-3) and Pasquale Qualano (issue 4)

cover art for The Shape of Elvira by David Avallone

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The Shape of Elvira, vol. 1 by David Avallone, art by Fran Strukan (issues 1-3) and Pasquale Qualano (issue 4)

Dynamite, 2021

ISBN-13: 9781524111977

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, comiXology (for single and TPB digital issues), preorder (release date is May 4, 2021)

 

The Shape of Elvira is a one-volume detour from the main Elvira series, reviewed in part 1 of our Elvira-straganza. This limited series collects issues 1-4.

 

Issue #1: Chapter One: Diving In: Elvira has landed a role in “The Heart is a Black Lagoon”, an art film about the romance of a human and a gill monster. Her co-star, Gill, is introduced as a method actor, preferring to remain in costume and character at all times. Director Billy Bullworth runs a tight ship, so there is no real opportunity for the stars to get to know each other. Will there be an award, or something else in their future with this peculiar film?

 

Issue #2: Chapter Two: Love Means Never Having to Say You’re Soggy: After an intense day of shooting, that glass of champagne goes right to her head. She dreams of a romantic, yet silly, rendezvous with her scaly co-star, only to wake up finding him hovering over Elvira in in her bed. The Queen of Halloween’s co-star makes a swift retreat as Elvira tries to put things together from the evening. The issue ends with a car chase between Elvira and… the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife?

 

Issue #3: Chapter Three: Waterwhirled: Elvira, and everyone else, discovers Gill’s secret. Plus, a murder has taken place on the set.

 

Issue #4: Chapter Four: It’s A Soft G: Gill and Elvira awaken after a blow dart incident to find themselves strapped to metal tables. When they discover the film was a front for something far more nefarious, everyone learns more about Gill and just what he can do. A breakout of epic proportion ensues in the conclusion to this four-part miniseries.

 

I’m glad this was a short departure from the main Elvira series. It was fun and campy, and included a little bit of actual romance. I think it had just enough to warrant a separate storyline, but I don’t think it would have made a good addition to the main series. I would recommend this title to those readers who want to read everything in a series. Highly recommended for Elvira fans and lovers of campy horror.

Contains: a plunging neckline, plenty of innuendo, and puns galore

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Posted on February 10, 2021 by , Reply

Women in Horror Month: An Elvira-stravaganza! Graphic Novel Review: Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, vols. 1 & 2 by David Avallone, art by Dave Acosta and The Shape of Elvira by David Avallone, art by Fran Strukan and Pasquale Qualano

cover art for Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, vol. 1: Timescream

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 Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, vol. 1: Timescream by David Avallone, art by Dave Acosta

Dynamite, 2018-2019

ISBN-13: 9781524108533 (vol.1)

Available: Paperback, Kindle, comiXology (for single and TPB digital issues)

 

I grew up watching Elvira, Mistress of the Dark introducing wonderful and often terrible horror movies, and then starring in a few of her own. I fell in love with her humor and sass, not taking anyone’s crap and going after what she wanted. She holds a special place in my horror-loving heart. When Dynamite announced Elvira would be getting her own comic series starting in 2018, I knew I had to pick it up. I have been collecting the single issues, and what follows is a review of all of them to date. They have now been published as graphic novels, in two volumes. Volume One collects issues 1-4.

 

#1: Timescream, Chapter 1: Frankenstein is the Name of the Doctor: After the leading man in Elvira’s new movie has a wardrobe malfunction (don’t worry, it’s only his dentures falling out), she goes back to her trailer for a long-needed break. After being sucked into a mysterious coffin in her trailer, the Mistress of the Dark meets Mary Wollstonecraft, Percy Shelley, and Lord Byron during the infamous weekend that led to Mary’s penning Frankenstein. They find themselves on the run when Vlad the Impaler crashes the party. Elvira’s journey doesn’t end there, as she finds herself meeting another horror legend after she once again falls into the time traveling coffin.

 

#2: Timescream, Chapter 2: Nevermore!: Elvira is transported to 1838 Philadelphia, coming face to face with one of the greatest poets of horror, Edgar Allan Poe. While are sharing some absinthe at Poe’s favourite pub, Vlad busts in the door and demands that Elvira, who he addresses as Witch, return him to his own time. Will she and Poe come up with the perfect plan to get everyone back to their respective timelines? No, but they’ll sure have fun trying.

 

#3: Timescream, Chapter 3: Stoker? I Hardly Know ‘er!: Elvira time-traveling adventures take her to the author of Dracula himself, Bram Stoker. His wife, Florence, is less than impressed with the Mistress of the Dark upon their meeting. Vlad bursts onto the scene and soon mesmerizes Florence, running away with her. When Bram and Elvira attempt to rescue her, Dr. Faust appears to reveal his part of the story.

 

#4: Timescream, Chapter 4: Fauster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!: Elvira finally gets back to Los Angeles, but unfortunately to the wrong time. She’s dropped right in the middle of the filming of the iconic Frankenstein with the mysterious Dr. Faust and Vlad in pursuit. What ensues is a chase through various Hollywood film lots, much to the frustration of the directors and actors everywhere. One of them is running out of time…

 

 

cover art for Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, vol. 2: Elvira's Inferno

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Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, vol. 2: Elvira’s Inferno by David Avallone, art by Dave Acosta

Dynamite, 2019-2020

ISBN-13: 9781524112677

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, comiXology

 

#5: Elvira’s Inferno: Canto One: Elvira and Faust are both dumped in Hell after running into Mephistopheles. Dr. Faust, living with an angry, drunk, and violent Helen of Troy, is left to his personal hell when Mephistopheles agrees to lead her to talk with the Devil himself to get out of Hell.

 

#6: Elvira’s Inferno: Canto Two: Elvira makes her way down to the manager of Hell. Literally. She talks to a demonic whip wielding task master dressed in business attire looking for the way to her destiny. Her journey to Cerberus is fruitful, and she discovers a way to tame the beast to gain passage. She is finally met by her guide through the remaining circles of Hell, a man dressed in plain robes named Glenn.

 

Spring Special: Elvira in…Drive-In of the Dead: Elvira is the horror hostess at a genre film festival at the local drive-in when she discovers the opportunity to star in a film produced by the famous George Rottmero, who makes extremely most realistic horror movies. She finds out the disturbing secret behind the producer’s success, but it may cost Elvira her life. The second story in the Spring Special is “Elvira in…The Satan 500”.  After an eventful trip to the grocery store, Elvira is greeted by outside by Satan who challenges her to a car race. If she loses, she must marry him. She’s got one hope, and he’s sitting in her vehicle and calls himself Jason Voorhees.

 

#7: Elvira’s Inferno: Canto Three Elvira and Glenn, with Faust on their heels, travel further into Hell. Elvira and Glenn face the Minotaur, the traffic jam of the damned, and other unthinkable horrors before they can deal with the Devil.

 

#8: Elvira’s Inferno: Canto Four: Elvira finally meets Satan himself, with the watchful guidance of Glenn at her side, and her journey reaches its amazing conclusion. Our beloved Queen of Halloween must plead her case to the Devil to get out of Hell. Armed with her sassy wit and with Glenn and his secret identity by her side, it shouldn’t be a problem, right?

 

#9: Vroom Vroom, Witches!: Elvira, back in her own time and back on the movie set, she thinks she can finally get back to normal (well, normal for her) life. Little does she know that an evil coven of warlocks is attempting to enact a ritual that may mean her doom.

 

#10: Witches Get Stitches: A cult has taken Elvira to a hospital and has stolen her Darkness, her source of power. Her iconic dress and roadster even fall to the effects. At her time of need, she meets the mysterious superhero, Soul Survivor, who has also been on the chase for the cult. Together, they head out to face the cult members and regain the Queen of Halloween’s Darkness.

 

#11: Witch Way to the Apocalypse?: In the last issue, Elvira became separated from Soul Survivor and found herself magicked back to her house, Gonk greeting her upon arrival. She hops in her white roadster and tracks the cult to the Dark Ages Dinner Theatre where she faces her most frightening challenge yet: amusement park mascots! Can she get to the Soul Survivor in time?

 

#12: Vlad to See You Again: What, did you think Elvira was safe from the Impaler? Elvira and Soul Survivor are ready to vanquish the cult, but the cult is successful in summoning Vlad from Hell. He’s not having it. He captures our Mistress of the Dark but may not like the results when Elvira discovers the way she can regain her darkness.

 

Avallone and Acosta make a fantastic team on the Elvira: Mistress of the Dark series. Avallone captures the campy sass of Elvira, which of course is full of double entendres and terrible puns, all while weaving a compelling tale that keeps the reader’s interest through each issue. Acosta’s art is a great complement to the stories. He is able to depict the likeness of Elvira perfectly. Both volumes are highly recommended.

 

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker

Posted on February 9, 2021 by , Reply
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