What do you think?
Rate this book
Elvira: The Shape of Elvira #1-4
ELVIRA The Shape of Elvira
The Mistress of the Dark lands the leading role in a touching art film about human/gill monster romance, but there's something decidedly fishy about her costar. Is there an Oscar(tm) in her future, or is director Billy Bullworth interesting in spawning something more than an Academy Award-winning movie?
120 pages, Paperback
Published August 24, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 8, 2022
For the purposes of this book The Shape of Water doesn’t exist in Elvira’s world and a fancy-pants director decides she’d be perfect for the starring role in his version of that movie opposite a really committed actor in a really convincing outfit. Yeah, definitely not an actual Abe Sapien-type! But Elvira soon finds out that the movie is just a pretence for what the director’s really shooting for…
Dynamite gave away a buncha first issues for free on Comixology a while back and I read each one, with The Shape of Elvira being one of the few that stood out to me. Other than through free tasters, there’s no way I’d know to pick up a book like this! I only know about Elvira via cultural osmosis from appearing in and being referenced in shows and movies I do watch, rather than having seen any of the movies about the character. It’s definitely no must-read but The Shape of Elvira’s also not bad.
I’m guessing Elvira’s movies had a light, knowing, witty tone to them that writer David Avallone captures well here. The banter is amusing for the most part and Avallone Mary-Sues himself as the writer of the movie and Elvira’s love interest in a playfully intentional way (if you look up his picture, he’s a dead ringer for the writer character in the book).
The writing definitely goes a long way towards making up for the predictable and forgettable story which unapologetically goes in a full hammy B-movie direction in the final act. Fran Strukan and Pasquale Qualano’s art is serviceable but also quite plain and not particularly standout either.
The Shape of Elvira is a surprisingly engaging and not too shabby comic - worth a look whether or not you’re a fan of the character.
Dynamite gave away a buncha first issues for free on Comixology a while back and I read each one, with The Shape of Elvira being one of the few that stood out to me. Other than through free tasters, there’s no way I’d know to pick up a book like this! I only know about Elvira via cultural osmosis from appearing in and being referenced in shows and movies I do watch, rather than having seen any of the movies about the character. It’s definitely no must-read but The Shape of Elvira’s also not bad.
I’m guessing Elvira’s movies had a light, knowing, witty tone to them that writer David Avallone captures well here. The banter is amusing for the most part and Avallone Mary-Sues himself as the writer of the movie and Elvira’s love interest in a playfully intentional way (if you look up his picture, he’s a dead ringer for the writer character in the book).
The writing definitely goes a long way towards making up for the predictable and forgettable story which unapologetically goes in a full hammy B-movie direction in the final act. Fran Strukan and Pasquale Qualano’s art is serviceable but also quite plain and not particularly standout either.
The Shape of Elvira is a surprisingly engaging and not too shabby comic - worth a look whether or not you’re a fan of the character.
February 25, 2026
I really like "The Shape of Elvira", and I realize that that statement can be taken two ways. Both ways are true, but the way I meant it---in terms of this review anyway---is that I really enjoyed this graphic novel written by David Avallone.
Elvira is hired to be the leading lady in a new Hollywood blockbuster, a lower-budget version of Guillermo Del Toro's "The Shape of Water". When she does some digging on-set, she learns that the actor playing the South American River Monster isn't playing: it's the real thing! Of course, the movie's producers wanted that kept a secret, so now Elvira is a liability. What they don't know is that the creature from the black lagoon actually likes Elvira...
More Elvira-related silliness, with great artwork by Fran Strukan.
Elvira is hired to be the leading lady in a new Hollywood blockbuster, a lower-budget version of Guillermo Del Toro's "The Shape of Water". When she does some digging on-set, she learns that the actor playing the South American River Monster isn't playing: it's the real thing! Of course, the movie's producers wanted that kept a secret, so now Elvira is a liability. What they don't know is that the creature from the black lagoon actually likes Elvira...
More Elvira-related silliness, with great artwork by Fran Strukan.
August 28, 2021
This was so much better than I ever expected an Elvira comic to be. Elvira is hired to act in a homage to The Shape of Water. There's plenty of fun and double entendres from Elvira. The story has got that goofy schlock vibe to it. The art is more than solid too.
July 22, 2024
Elvira's making a movie! With a fish man! It's a romance! Waitaminute...
Simple enough plot, but with some fun little twists and turns along the way and the certified Elvira charm and wink at the reader.
The issue I had personally was the art - the first three issues are by Fran Strukan, whose visuals are a little flat. Their Elvira is especially disappointing, and just kinda looks like any generic lady in a dress, which defeats the object of this being an Elvira comic, surely. Then Pasquale Qualano takes over for the final issue, which is bizarre in itself because who changes artists three quarters of the way through a mini-series, but his art is much punchier. It's a shame he didn't draw the entire thing.
Not bad, but let down by the some passable, but unremarkable artwork.
Simple enough plot, but with some fun little twists and turns along the way and the certified Elvira charm and wink at the reader.
The issue I had personally was the art - the first three issues are by Fran Strukan, whose visuals are a little flat. Their Elvira is especially disappointing, and just kinda looks like any generic lady in a dress, which defeats the object of this being an Elvira comic, surely. Then Pasquale Qualano takes over for the final issue, which is bizarre in itself because who changes artists three quarters of the way through a mini-series, but his art is much punchier. It's a shame he didn't draw the entire thing.
Not bad, but let down by the some passable, but unremarkable artwork.
September 5, 2021
While I've certainly heard of Elvira (what horror nut hasn't?) I'm not actually familiar with her shows, her brand of humor, etc. So, I'm not sure how close this was to Elvira's skits, or if this whole thing was 100% fan interpretation. So, I'm mostly coming at this from the perspective of an outsider.
I enjoyed the book well enough. It was interesting, suspenseful, and a curious premise, although it was pretty much a knock-off of The Shape of Water-- which was clearly intentional, based on the title.
All in all, a decent book that will probably appeal to Elvira fans above all else. For the rest of us, a fun read, but nothing especially special.
I enjoyed the book well enough. It was interesting, suspenseful, and a curious premise, although it was pretty much a knock-off of The Shape of Water-- which was clearly intentional, based on the title.
All in all, a decent book that will probably appeal to Elvira fans above all else. For the rest of us, a fun read, but nothing especially special.
August 21, 2023
After the last volume of the Mistress of the Dark comic had a disappointing end I was ever hopeful that things would pick up with The Shape of Elvira, and they do, a bit.
David Avallone is still writing. He is good at writing the witty, silly, referential humor that you'd expect from Elvira. Perhaps his weakness is the plots? However the plot is a little bit better this time around. Elvira is hired to star in a horror romance with a character that is a sea monster. This sort of plot is right up Elvira's alley.
The downside for me, is perhaps the art. There is a new artist for this one, and honestly I prefer the one from Mistress of the Dark. Perhaps the team itself were unsatisfied with his work because the very last part, issue #4 is done by a different artist, and it's better. Brighter, more fun.
All in all, this is perhaps not the greatest work that has ever had Elvira's named stamped on it, but it's fun enough and I'm hoping the next volume will be even better.
David Avallone is still writing. He is good at writing the witty, silly, referential humor that you'd expect from Elvira. Perhaps his weakness is the plots? However the plot is a little bit better this time around. Elvira is hired to star in a horror romance with a character that is a sea monster. This sort of plot is right up Elvira's alley.
The downside for me, is perhaps the art. There is a new artist for this one, and honestly I prefer the one from Mistress of the Dark. Perhaps the team itself were unsatisfied with his work because the very last part, issue #4 is done by a different artist, and it's better. Brighter, more fun.
All in all, this is perhaps not the greatest work that has ever had Elvira's named stamped on it, but it's fun enough and I'm hoping the next volume will be even better.
April 12, 2024
Can a Gillman find love?
Elvira: The Shape of Elvira Collection by David Avallone is a mini series continuing Dynamite’s revamp of Elvira by having her interact with assorted classic horror characters and writers with her personal brand of comedy…
Elvira has a chance to be a movie star as she’s been cast in a new horror pove story called Heart Is a Black Lagoon directed by one of her favorite horror directors
Sure, things are weird. Her fellow lead “Gill” is super into method acting and never takes off the fish suit, undercover agents for Fish and Wildlife are prowling the set, and the other film workers have e their own issue with the production.
Still…this is her chance to really a make a splash as a leading lady, even someone has far darker intentions for the buxom actress…
Don’t take it too seriously, but it’s a decent b-movie style plot that is worth checking out, especially if you are an Elvira fan. The writing was pretty humorous with the quips and such….
Elvira: The Shape of Elvira Collection by David Avallone is a mini series continuing Dynamite’s revamp of Elvira by having her interact with assorted classic horror characters and writers with her personal brand of comedy…
Elvira has a chance to be a movie star as she’s been cast in a new horror pove story called Heart Is a Black Lagoon directed by one of her favorite horror directors
Sure, things are weird. Her fellow lead “Gill” is super into method acting and never takes off the fish suit, undercover agents for Fish and Wildlife are prowling the set, and the other film workers have e their own issue with the production.
Still…this is her chance to really a make a splash as a leading lady, even someone has far darker intentions for the buxom actress…
Don’t take it too seriously, but it’s a decent b-movie style plot that is worth checking out, especially if you are an Elvira fan. The writing was pretty humorous with the quips and such….
April 10, 2023
Elvira is excited to get a juicy film role in the newest film of a famous horror film director. Think of the fictional film as a riff on Del Toro's "The Shape of Water", with Elvira in the female lead role. Everything seems fine until Elvira meets her reclusive costar. Is he simply a method actor, or is he truly not human after all?
This was a solid mini-series, and it was worth it just for all the humor and snark (most of it coming directly from Elvira herself!). The artwork was pretty good, and there were some fun supporting characters (like the nerdy screenwriter and the two secret agents). The ending was not as strong as the story seemed to be leading up to, but other than that, this is definitely a recommended read for any fans of the Mistress of the Dark.
This was a solid mini-series, and it was worth it just for all the humor and snark (most of it coming directly from Elvira herself!). The artwork was pretty good, and there were some fun supporting characters (like the nerdy screenwriter and the two secret agents). The ending was not as strong as the story seemed to be leading up to, but other than that, this is definitely a recommended read for any fans of the Mistress of the Dark.
November 2, 2022
If you’re an Elvira fan, you’ll probably enjoy it. If not, it’s probably best to stay away. I think this graphic novel/comic series represented the character well. This is filled with the wonderfully horrible puns and bad jokes that only Elvira can get away with. The plot was light and fun, so what similar to an old creature feature B-movie in the 1950s. I enjoyed it so much I’ve been checking out her other comic series since reading this.
January 29, 2020
An Elvira comic riffing on The Shape of Water? Man, I wish I could report that I enjoyed this, but apart from a few good gags (and the weird but amusing decision to have a character based on character actor Jon Polito), most of this just fell flat for me. And if there’s one thing an Elvira book shouldn’t be, it’s flat (Sorry, I’m auditioning to write my own Elvira comic).
March 31, 2025
Series writer Dave Avallone continues nicely capturing Elvira's fun and sarcastic sense of pop culture humor. The story flows nicely.
The art, on the other hand, is a let down. The characters in the first three books are drawn stiff with very flat and drab coloring. The forth chapter is improved, especially with the coloring.
The art, on the other hand, is a let down. The characters in the first three books are drawn stiff with very flat and drab coloring. The forth chapter is improved, especially with the coloring.
December 24, 2019
Since the mini-series is just 4 issues it doesn't overstay its welcome and remains schlocky fun up until the end.
August 27, 2023
I loved this. I'm looking forward to the the Horrorland Graphic Novel. ELVIRA FOREVER!!!
July 5, 2024
Classic elvira meets free willie!
November 22, 2021
A kind of riff on The Shape of Water, Elvira: The Shape of Elvira is an entertaining and lighthearted graphic novel. When Elvira lands the lead in an upcoming film her co-star’s dedication to always being in character starts to raise suspicions that he really is a fish monster. Despite being written by David Avallone, the Elvira character feels different than in his previous books; though she still has a sharp wit and makes numerous pop culture references. Also, the satire has a bit of cleverness to it, and has a little fun lampooning Hollywood. The artwork however, isn’t anything special and doesn’t really add anything. Elvira: The Shape of Elvira is an enjoyable lark, but it’s not as good as the previous entries in the series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews