Ham Helsing

A hapless hog hunts creepy creatures. In this graphic series opener, readers meet Ham Helsing, a lovably bumbling, bubble-gum--pink pig descended from a long line of failed vampire hunters who have each blundered their way into an untimely demise. The citizens of Mud Canyon ask Ham for help dealing with a rogue vampire who has fed upon wealthy Laurence the Land Baron. Soon Ham assembles a motley crew that includes a pair of treasure-obsessed rats, ninja pig Ronin, and a young werewolf. Together, they find that the enemy they sought may not truly be the culprit. Now, with the help of a lederhosen-clad, socially anxious boar and a gassy ursine mercenary named Knuckles, they must face a sinister spider-woman and her shadowy accomplice to save Mud Canyon from total annihilation. Told through full-color panels with a high-energy animated sensibility, Moyer's silly romp will delight fans with its abundant silliness and visual gags (complete with a pooping squirrel, a barfing fairy, and copious spider-squishing). While humor reigns supreme, fast pacing, clever character development, and a surprise ending (that both ties up one arc and leaves a tantalizing cliffhanger for subsequent adventures) add unexpected depth. Disappointingly, Ronin, the one prominent female character, is dressed in a skimpy costume that sexualizes her, in stark contrast to modestly clad Ham. Hammed-up horror makes for more giggles than gasps. (bonus short story) (Graphic fantasy. 7-11) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.