Prose (Story): Ham Helsing, a painter and writer of poetry whose refined ways belie the centuries of vampire and monster hunting heritage behind him, is forced to take over the family business when his roguish hunter brother Chad is killed, leaving him the last of his line. Determined to do his family proud, Ham sets off to a small village on his first mission, little realizing both the dangers and dorks awaiting him.
Don's (Review): After a brief introduction, in which we are introduced to the short and happy lives of some of Ham and Chad's monster-hunting ancestors, it becomes clear right away that the Helsings mean well, but that these pigs are not exactly the brightest crayons in the box. Ham, soft-spoken and kind (though he steps up to any challenge when riled), arrives for his first kill seeking the castle of the vampire on the hill, and right away builds hiimself a team via a female ninja tree-pig, a pair of greedy (and snarky) rats, and a small boy who happens to turn into a big snarling ... well, wolf technically, but he's more like a big, sloppy, doofy dog, whenever the moon comes out. But with a diabolical hench-hen, an army of spiderlings, and townspeople who don't believe Ham could fight his way out of an argument going against him, it will take all this courageous pig's will to complete his mission - and the laughs along the way make this book a joy. Author Moyer sets up a Looney Tunes-style premise and look to this brilliant graphic novel from the start, but then tempers that humor to a more sarcastic, mature (and funnier) feel, in between the physical comedy, that really makes you care about Ham, Ronin (the aforementioned piglet ninja), Lobos (the wolf-dog); all the characters really. Better still, amidst a book that's funny to read and an animated series on paper to look at (seriously love the art), Ham Helsing also has some nice messages about how both life and people can fool you - in the best way - and that when you have friends you have it all (none of it ever coming across on the page as obvious or preachy). If you hate spiders, a couple scenes toward the end in particular may cause some glee, but this reader devoured Ham Helsing wearing a huge grin throughout - even more so thanks to a surprise twist, in the end, that leads to setting up what appears will be an even larger-scale sequel. Absolutely loved this one, which can be enjoyed by kids of any age - even mine! 4.5/5 stars
NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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