Read Paul Dini’s Story From Elvira, Mistress of the Dark #1

For decades, Cassandra Peterson has inhabited the role of her iconic character: Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Although Elvira has primarily been known for her film and TV appearances, she has also crossed over into other mediums. Back in 1993, Claypool Comics gave Elvira her own comic book series that ran for 166 issues. Claypool also recruited several of the the top names in the comic book industry to chronicle Elvira’s adventures. That creator lineup also includes Kurt Busiek, Richard Howell, Dave Cockrum, Mary Jo Duffy, Neil Vokes, Fred Hembeck, and more.

Dynamite Entertainment is currently running an Indiegogo campaign to bring these classic Elvira comics back to print. That’s also why Dynamite has provided Superhero Hype with a complete story from Elvira, Mistress of the Dark #1 by Paul Dini, artist James Fry, and inker Terry Austin. In this tale, Elvira’s station manager does whatever she can to get rid of her. However, Elvira has a tendency to always come out on top.

Dini is of course, best known for co-creating Batman: The Animated Series. However, his comic book runs are equally impressive. In addition to his stints on Detective Comics and Gotham City Sirens, Dini has also written Dark Night: A True Batman Story, Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell, and a series of painted DC graphic novels illustrated by Alex Ross. Dini is also the co-creator of Harley Quinn.

Fry also has an extensive background in comics. He’s illustrated issues of Marvel Comics Presents, Star Trek, Sonic the Hedgehog, Blood Syndicate, and Birds of Prey. As for Austin, he is widely considered one of the best inkers in comics thanks in large part to his collaborations with John Byrne on Uncanny X-Men and Superman. Austin’s extensive comic book history also includes runs on Doctor Strange and Green Lantern.

RELATED: Elvira is Co-Writing Her Own Comic, Elvira: The Omega Ma’am

Dynamite publisher Nick Barrucci also shared a statement about the new collection:

“The classic Elvira series had stories from some of the most popular and well-respected creators in the industry including Kurt Busiek, Paul Dini, Richard Howell, and others. It’s also great to bring this classic material back into print for readers to enjoy and to preserve for the industry. The caliber of talent in these stories is also incredible. Additionally, these tales serve as a fun window into the 1990s and are still a blast to read today.”

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark: The Classic Years Omnibus Vol. 1 will include over 26 issues of the original series. There’s also a hardcover edition for fans who pledge a higher amount. Everyone who has backed the campaign will also get a bookmark to mark their entry into the “Bloodcurdling Book Club.” However, the hardcover backers will get even more. In addition to a limited edition dust jacket, the hardcover also comes with a trading card, a sticker, and a mini print.

The Elvira Indiegogo campaign has also amassed more than $65,000. Regardless, there’s still time to meet the $66,666 stretch goal. The campaign will run through Thursday, May 13.

What do you think about the classic Elvira comic? Also, what’s your favorite Elvira memory? Let us know in the comment section below!

Recommended Reading: Elvira: Mistress of the Dark Vol. 1

We also recommend Peterson’s upcoming biography: Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark

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