Indie Comics Review: Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death #3
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Publisher: Ahoy Comics
Writers: Tom Peyer, Bryce Abood, and Norm Fields
Art:Â Greg Scott, Rick Geary, and Joel Ojeda & Juan Castro
Colors:Â Lee Loughridge
Letters:Â Rob Steen
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death #3 finally answers the question of the Monster of Frankenstein’s progeny as well as settling the medical debate between leeches and electro-shock therapy.
Positives
Tom Peyer and Greg Scott’s “Edgar Allan Poe’s Gore of Frankenstein” owes a lot to previous works in entertainment media. Firstly, the title mimics the Hammer Horror films of the late ’50s through the early ’70s in its title. “Gore of…” fits right alongside “Curse of..,” “Horror of..,” etc… “Humor of Frankenstein” may have been a better title given the nature of this comic. Like the Universal Monster films of the ’30s and ’40s, we get a crossover between the classic monsters, Dracula, the Monster of Frankenstein, a Werewolf, and The Mummy.
However, it’s the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby homage from the art and story that is really quite enjoyable. It’s not a parody, really- even though it is. It feels more like homage because no one’s going to make fun of Jack Kirby, right? And, probably not Stan Lee either. Peyer and Scott nail the name and look of Dracula’s machinery, the “Hemotronic Engine” which allows him to feed “virally.” Reed Richards probably has a patent on that thing! Hopefully, you’ve read some Lee/Kirby Fantastic Four to understand why this is so good.  Interestingly, it’s clearly an update on Dracula’s need to feed to fit him into the digital age which is sort of thrown away here but has merit for a series on its own.
Gore Positives
“No Country for Old Gargoyles” by Bryce Ingman is the standout of the three text pieces in Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Death #3. Ingman brings a lot of humor as he shares the tribulations of a recently out-of-work gargoyle in the 21st century. Most effective is the twist at the end as our gargoyle Gary describes the modern “evil spirits” he contends with, in his new job. It’s a little tale that adds something serious amidst all the satirical bits.
“Annabel’s Leech” has a tenuous connection to Poe’s poem, Annabel Lee. The story itself provides a surprise ending while the commentary is a traditional lampoon of 19th medical techniques. It’s not that it’s surprising that one of the techniques works, but rather how well it works in the end turning Poe’s original poem around and saving Annabel from the sepulcher (though that can’t be said for everyone in the story).
Negatives
While this issue is solid, “Annabel’s Leech” would’ve benefited from a bit more depth. I know this is a nitpick, but if Gary the Gargoyle can be explored with some real feelings, Annabel could’ve been as well. Or a more overt connection to Poe’s poem might’ve strengthened the satirical intent. “Mista Science” was just plain weird, I guess I don’t watch enough public access television. It may have been more effective to see some of the visual gags that were described in comic form instead of in a text piece
Verdict
Another good issue from the team at Ahoy Comics. You can’t skip the text pieces in these comics! You also can’t put these in the same creative box as your average superhero comic. So, learn how to laugh through the fear with Poe and Co.!
