Monster Hunters #9
Published and © by Charlton, January 1977
Title: “The Hour of the Werewolf”
Synopsis: Colonel Whiteshroud is invited to investigate the reading of a family will – because someone there is a werewolf!
Writer: Nicola Cuti
Artist: Mike Zeck
Review: When Colonel Whiteshroud turns to the reader mid-story and invites you to solve the mystery, it’s obvious this isn’t a run of the mill Bronze Age horror story. Writer Nicola Cuti’s werewolf tale is otherwise pretty formula, but the breaking of the fourth wall – while not uncommon in other media – feels pretty fresh in a 1977 comic. That freshness extends to Mike Zeck’s art, too. While lacking the professionalism of his later work, this issue shines with a fannish exuberance. A careful read turns up flaws with both story and art, but this comic scores high marks for effort.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: Nicola Cuti’s stories are almost always fun, and Mike Zeck’s early work had cartoonish appeal.
Notable: Cameo appearance by Haunted’s Baron Weirwolf. … Also includes an untitled text story titled “Blood Beast.”
Character quotable: “Would you like to be my aide?” – Colonel Whiteshroud, monster hunter
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Oct. 18, 2010.
