HAM HELSING

Ham and the gang return to fight the ultimate vampire.

In his third graphic-novel adventure, gentle Ham Helsing returns with friends Ronin the ninja, vampire-pig Malcolm, werewolf Eugene/Lobos, and Knuckles the bear. Although Helsings have a long-standing history of fighting vampires, Ham wants to stop hunting monsters. Following his father’s untimely death, he and the gang travel to his ancestral home to make peace with his legacy. However, two surprise guests turn their plans upside down once the crew arrives at the snowy Helsing manse: Ham’s father, Clarence—now very much alive—returns alongside a powerful, old shape-shifting vampire. When the vamp stalks the gang, they must work together with Clarence in order to survive. Moyer’s latest installment is a sheer delight, bursting with humor and fast-paced action. Though the silliness alone is enough to create appeal, Moyer adds surprising depth, exploring themes of perceptions and assumptions, familial expectations, and toxic masculinity. Clarence treats Ham poorly, often forgetting his name (though never forgetting that of the son whose behavior he approves of) or openly mocking him because he does not share the Helsing passion for destruction. Despite this, once their bond is tested, Clarence finally comes to accept the wholly likable Ham just as he is. Like its two predecessors, this volume concludes with a short comic about Shaz-ham.

Filled with heart and still as funny as ever.