Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are returning to comics for the first time in more than 50 years, and they’re bringing some monstrous company with them.
Monstrous Books is launching a Kickstarter campaign for Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters, a new series that pairs the legendary comedy duo with horror icons and supernatural threats they never encountered in their classic films.
The campaign will feature three full-length comics written by James Aquilone, along with variant covers by an array of artists and exclusive merchandise. Smash Pages can exclusively reveal the T-shirt designs that will be available through the campaign, featuring artwork by Russ Braun and Zac Atkinson.
The first issue, Abbott and Costello Meet the Night Stalker, sends Bud and Lou into the supernatural world of Kolchak: The Night Stalker, with interior art by Dave Acosta and covers by J.K. Woodward and Zac Atkinson. The second issue, Abbott and Costello Meet the Morlocks, pits the duo against the subterranean creatures from H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine, with art by George Quadros and covers by Russ Braun and Colton Worley. The third, Abbott and Costello Meet Cthulhu, takes the comedians into the realm of cosmic horror, featuring interior art by Zac Atkinson and covers by Robert Hack and E.V. Cantada.
The project draws on the duo’s long history of mixing comedy and horror, most famously in 1948’s Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, which brought them face-to-face with Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Wolf Man. The new comics continue that tradition while introducing the comedians to a new set of monsters.
“Abbott and Costello were my introduction to horror as well as comedy,” Aquilone said. “They’ve been a huge influence on my work and it’s unreal to be bringing my heroes back to comics in a genre that is near and dear to me — horror-comedy, which might not exist without Abbott and Costello.”
The Bud Abbott Estate also welcomed the project as a continuation of the comedian’s willingness to reach audiences through different forms of entertainment.
“Bud loved reaching audiences in every format possible—from radio and film to early television. We are so excited to see Monstrous Media carry that torch forward with this new comic book project. It’s the perfect way to keep their brilliant comedic timing alive for today’s readers.”
The Lou Costello Estate added:
“Great comedy is timeless. Great monsters are legendary. Abbott and Costello made generations laugh as they met Frankenstein, the Mummy, and some of the most iconic monsters in movie history. Their legacy now comes roaring back to life in this brand-new comic book series, and as a family, we’re thrilled that they’ll be introduced to yet a new generation of comic book fans.”
The Kickstarter campaign will also offer trading cards, original artwork and other merchandise. Visit the campaign page for more information.