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Courtney Crumrin #4
Courtney Crumrin's Monstrous Holiday
Uncle Aloysius takes Courtney to Romania, where she encounters a tribe of nomadic gypsies with a dark secret, and a young woman in danger of losing her heart, or worse, her humanity, to a handsome gypsy violinist. Can Courtney save her? Should she even bother? After all, this is Courtney Crumrin we're talking about. It's old world monsters in new world style in this fourth volume of the critically acclaimed graphic novel series featuring everybody's favorite pre-teen curmudgeon—Courtney Crumrin This volume collects the two one-shot specials: COURTNEY CRUMRIN AND THE FIRE THIEF'S TALE and COURTNEY CRUMRIN AND THE PRINCE OF NOWHERE.
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2008
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546 people want to read
About the author
Ted Naifeh
204 books256 followersTed Naifeh is an American comic book writer and artist who gained notoriety for his illustrations in the goth romance comic Gloomcookie. Naifeh has since become most known as the creator of the Eisner-Award-nominated series Courtney Crumrin, published by Oni Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 26, 2015
Courtney goes with her great-uncle Aloysius on a trip to Eastern Europe. Of course, she manages to get herself in trouble, fighting for the underdog, including a patch of Gypsy werewolves, one of which is in love with a landowner's daughter. Oh, did I mention that Courtney has a boyfriend! But it's not as good as it sounds. Because her boyfriend is a vampire, and he's draining Courtney of her lifeforce and humanity. Courtney feels so disconnected and apathetic, this isn't sounding so bad to her. But her uncle loves her deeply, and he's not about to lose her to a creature of eternal darkness.
I think this might be my favorite in the series. I hope I am able to continue reading. I think my library is all out of these. Darn!
I think this might be my favorite in the series. I hope I am able to continue reading. I think my library is all out of these. Darn!
January 25, 2020
Courtney Crumrin - precocious cynic and young would-be witch - returns in this, the fourth volume of her adventures, which follows the story of her European travels with her Great-Uncle Aloysius. Unlike the previous three volumes, which each contained four "chapters" (originally single issues of the comic), Courtney Crumrin's Monstrous Holiday includes just two, which appear to have been published previously, as
Courtney Crumrin and the Fire Thief's Tale
and
Courtney Crumrin and the Prince of Nowhere
. In the first tale, Courtney and Uncle Alysius find themselves in Romania, where Courtney becomes mixed up in a love triangle involving a Romany werewolf, the daughter of Uncle Aloysius' friend, Father Alexi Markovic, and a powerful local authority. In the second, uncle and niece - now barely speaking - visit Castle Krumrhein in Germany, and find themselves entangled with a vampire mother and son.
I continue to find this series immensely engaging, and am impressed by the fact that its creator, Ted Naifeh, never takes the "easy" way, with his stories. Things rarely seem to end well, in Courtney's world, and these two tales are no exception! Love doesn't conquer all - although Courtney refuses to just give in, as "Uncle A" has - and romance can't compensate for being drained of blood by the undead. I particularly liked the discussion of magic, in the first tale, with its comparison of religious (Christian) magic and the magic used by Courtney and Uncle Alysius; and was fascinated by the glimpse into the Crumrin family's history, offered in the second. If there were subsequent adventures, I would definitely read them!
Sadly, the only other Crumrin story is Courtney Crumrin Tales: A Portrait of the Warlock as a Young Man , which gives Uncle Aloysius' history, and looks to be difficult to obtain. I'll have to hope they reprint it, at some point!
I continue to find this series immensely engaging, and am impressed by the fact that its creator, Ted Naifeh, never takes the "easy" way, with his stories. Things rarely seem to end well, in Courtney's world, and these two tales are no exception! Love doesn't conquer all - although Courtney refuses to just give in, as "Uncle A" has - and romance can't compensate for being drained of blood by the undead. I particularly liked the discussion of magic, in the first tale, with its comparison of religious (Christian) magic and the magic used by Courtney and Uncle Alysius; and was fascinated by the glimpse into the Crumrin family's history, offered in the second. If there were subsequent adventures, I would definitely read them!
Sadly, the only other Crumrin story is Courtney Crumrin Tales: A Portrait of the Warlock as a Young Man , which gives Uncle Aloysius' history, and looks to be difficult to obtain. I'll have to hope they reprint it, at some point!
September 4, 2015
E prica najzad uzima nekako svoj pravi zamah. Puno razmisljanja i teskih pitanja na koji ne postoje odgovori.
December 30, 2017
3.5
I may have mentioned once or twice (or thrice) how much I love these new editions of the Crumrin books with color. The color really adds depth to Neifah's illustrations - even when the story itself is in the dark, so we're mostly dealing with various shades of greys and blues and purples.
Anyway -
This story was definitely on the sad side. It combines two short stories which are, as the title suggests, episodes which happen during the course of holidays that Courtney takes with Uncle A. But more than the specifics of the story, they really deal a lot with Courtney's loneliness and her relationship with Aloysius - the way these two strange individuals rub along together, sometimes together but often at odds.
Poor Courtney wants so much from Uncle A - a family and friend and mentor - and he, being so closed off for so long, just doesn't really know how to be what she needs.
My favorite part, by far, is when another character sort of takes A to task for expecting too much of Courtney. ^_^
***
My only real complaint with the stories is that the second seems rushed, especially the end. A lot seems to happen very quickly, and I think some of the emotional punch is lost in its brevity.
That said, it left me wanting more - and I'm happy to know that more's coming. For the longest time I thought this was mostly the end of the series, aside from some stand alones about A when he was younger, but there's another coming out in trade soon, and I'm very excited. :>
I may have mentioned once or twice (or thrice) how much I love these new editions of the Crumrin books with color. The color really adds depth to Neifah's illustrations - even when the story itself is in the dark, so we're mostly dealing with various shades of greys and blues and purples.
Anyway -
This story was definitely on the sad side. It combines two short stories which are, as the title suggests, episodes which happen during the course of holidays that Courtney takes with Uncle A. But more than the specifics of the story, they really deal a lot with Courtney's loneliness and her relationship with Aloysius - the way these two strange individuals rub along together, sometimes together but often at odds.
Poor Courtney wants so much from Uncle A - a family and friend and mentor - and he, being so closed off for so long, just doesn't really know how to be what she needs.
My favorite part, by far, is when another character sort of takes A to task for expecting too much of Courtney. ^_^
***
My only real complaint with the stories is that the second seems rushed, especially the end. A lot seems to happen very quickly, and I think some of the emotional punch is lost in its brevity.
That said, it left me wanting more - and I'm happy to know that more's coming. For the longest time I thought this was mostly the end of the series, aside from some stand alones about A when he was younger, but there's another coming out in trade soon, and I'm very excited. :>
February 18, 2023
What an amazing comic book series. Love it.
April 26, 2017
So there's 7 books in this series, but my local libraries only have this 4th book. Hmmm. As annoying as that is, this was good.
At first I wasn't sure if I liked the illustrations, but they grew on me; they're different but cool.
I was hoping this wasn't going to be 'cute', and thankfully it wasn't. It was gothy. I liked it! (Now I just need to bug my library to get the other 6 books.)
At first I wasn't sure if I liked the illustrations, but they grew on me; they're different but cool.
I was hoping this wasn't going to be 'cute', and thankfully it wasn't. It was gothy. I liked it! (Now I just need to bug my library to get the other 6 books.)
February 12, 2018
This book was a great continuation of the first three. I think this one has been my favorite so far because she gets into some trouble, but that causes some cool additions to the plot...
Read more here!
https://pointextaken.com/2018/02/14/r...
Aubrey Joy
Read more here!
https://pointextaken.com/2018/02/14/r...
Aubrey Joy
April 2, 2020
i knew this would happen. just when i start liking something and get to like specific characters the author decides to kill them off slowly. dammit! that's exactly the reason why i leave my most favorite books unfinished!
September 26, 2021
Courtney Crumrin continues being a delightful comic book in this new entry. I feel like "story" is coming, but the ride has been good...
October 14, 2020
This was my favorite of the series so far! Courtney has a lot of big feelings to work through, and there is a focus on what makes a monster, and how humans can be monsters. The art is maybe growing on me, because I didn't catch myself thinking about it as much with this one
June 2, 2018
Werewolves and vampires aren't the only problems that Courtney cares about anymore when loneliness hits her hard. A woman gives up on her love and Courtney starts to loose faith in humanity and love in general. Getting comforted by a vampire doesn't exactly end well.
Once again a wonderful continuation to the Courtney Crumrin series with a captivating plot and unique art.
Once again a wonderful continuation to the Courtney Crumrin series with a captivating plot and unique art.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2009
As I've established before, I am completely in love with Ted Naifeh's Courtney Crumrin books. This fourth volume finds Courtney and her Uncle Aloysius traveling in Eastern Europe where they encounter werewolves and vampires. No need to roll your eyes, though, because Naifeh does with those tropes the same thing he's done throughout the Courtney Crumrin stories. Which is to say he makes them great.
While the werewolf story isn't quite on par with Mike Mignola's brilliant "The Wolves of St. August," it's definitely a new twist on the legend, and one that feels a lot like, say, the best of the Hammer horror films. The vampire tale, on the other hand, may offer little that's new but is still one of the best takes on vampires I've seen in a long time, showing exactly what's missing from most of their modern incarnations.
Unlike previous volumes, Courtney Crumrin Volume 4 is composed of only two stories (or "chapters," or whatever), though each of them is about twice as long as normal, so the volume is the same length as previous ones.
Sadly, this is pretty much the last Courtney Crumrin volume that's been released so far (excepting A Portrait of the Wizard as a Young Man). As before, I recommend that anyone who hasn't checked out Courtney Crumrin before do so, as they're among the best stuff I've read in, well, ever.
While the werewolf story isn't quite on par with Mike Mignola's brilliant "The Wolves of St. August," it's definitely a new twist on the legend, and one that feels a lot like, say, the best of the Hammer horror films. The vampire tale, on the other hand, may offer little that's new but is still one of the best takes on vampires I've seen in a long time, showing exactly what's missing from most of their modern incarnations.
Unlike previous volumes, Courtney Crumrin Volume 4 is composed of only two stories (or "chapters," or whatever), though each of them is about twice as long as normal, so the volume is the same length as previous ones.
Sadly, this is pretty much the last Courtney Crumrin volume that's been released so far (excepting A Portrait of the Wizard as a Young Man). As before, I recommend that anyone who hasn't checked out Courtney Crumrin before do so, as they're among the best stuff I've read in, well, ever.
December 13, 2013
Volume 4 of Courtney Crumrin collects 2 stories, The Fire Thief's Tale and The Prince of Nowhere. For the uninitiated (as I was), Courtney is a young girl who is sent to live with her uncle, a great wizard. As it turns out, Courtney has an aptitude like her uncle. She also has a boundless sense of curiosity that lands her in dangerous situations more often than not.
In the first story, Courtney finds herself amid two star-crossed lovers in Romania. She is a town girl and he is a gypsy. The problem is he is also a werewolf. In the second story, Courtney makes friends with a vampire who wants Courtney to join him. Courtney seriously considers this.
The way these stories are handled makes them more interesting than the way they are typically handled. Courtney is a spunky, likable heroine with the proper air of teenage weariness. Courtney's uncle comes across as dour and disapproving, possibly from constantly having to save his niece. While the stories feel like they are from an older era, they are set in the modern age. Possibly because he is constantly having to care for his wandering niece. Story and art by Ted Naifeh are wonderful and I will be revisiting this world.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this graphic novel.
In the first story, Courtney finds herself amid two star-crossed lovers in Romania. She is a town girl and he is a gypsy. The problem is he is also a werewolf. In the second story, Courtney makes friends with a vampire who wants Courtney to join him. Courtney seriously considers this.
The way these stories are handled makes them more interesting than the way they are typically handled. Courtney is a spunky, likable heroine with the proper air of teenage weariness. Courtney's uncle comes across as dour and disapproving, possibly from constantly having to save his niece. While the stories feel like they are from an older era, they are set in the modern age. Possibly because he is constantly having to care for his wandering niece. Story and art by Ted Naifeh are wonderful and I will be revisiting this world.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this graphic novel.
February 3, 2015
Uh huh, yea well, I did not expect it to be a collection of the other two one-shots I just read. HAHAHAHA.
It's basically a compilation of The Fire Thief and The Prince of Nowhere. Now I have reviewed both stories separately. So if you're a bit more interested with that, check out the separate Goodreads pages for those one shots.
Anyhow, this volume though, it's a bit edgy than the first few one's. There's only two stories within it and the monsters you're being introduced aren't that unusual. So basically, it's a bit more relatable. Werewolves and vampire have technically been around literature for so long, so it's not that hard to comprehend except for the fact that these are the types of monsters within the Crumrin Universe. Aside from a few adjustments, I'm pretty sure you'll be familiar with them at one point. The stories are good. The writing is flourished. You'll get around it easily. Though personally, I liked the previous volumes better than this. I feel like, it could've used a little more weirdness in it.
It's basically a compilation of The Fire Thief and The Prince of Nowhere. Now I have reviewed both stories separately. So if you're a bit more interested with that, check out the separate Goodreads pages for those one shots.
Anyhow, this volume though, it's a bit edgy than the first few one's. There's only two stories within it and the monsters you're being introduced aren't that unusual. So basically, it's a bit more relatable. Werewolves and vampire have technically been around literature for so long, so it's not that hard to comprehend except for the fact that these are the types of monsters within the Crumrin Universe. Aside from a few adjustments, I'm pretty sure you'll be familiar with them at one point. The stories are good. The writing is flourished. You'll get around it easily. Though personally, I liked the previous volumes better than this. I feel like, it could've used a little more weirdness in it.
January 1, 2021
I was very pleasantly surprised, probably because I had 0 expectations going in so it was very easy for this little graphic novel to surpass them. I found the art immersive, gloriously moody and compelling, and I loved tiny, abrasive Courtney who really wanted to believe in love.
I think the first story was meant to represent Roma in a positive light, and again I was pleasantly surprised to see Roma characters at all, but I suspect a lot of the tropes employed were very harmful, including .
As much as I loved the depth of feeling and theme of disillusionment, the narrative ended up using Roma characters as a means for the white main character's development. [Also CW for the use of the G-slur, which is corrected in-text, but does come up a bunch even from sympathetic characters].
I think the first story was meant to represent Roma in a positive light, and again I was pleasantly surprised to see Roma characters at all, but I suspect a lot of the tropes employed were very harmful, including .
As much as I loved the depth of feeling and theme of disillusionment, the narrative ended up using Roma characters as a means for the white main character's development. [Also CW for the use of the G-slur, which is corrected in-text, but does come up a bunch even from sympathetic characters].
April 4, 2022
Eccomi nuovamente qua, con la saga che sto amando di più quando si tratta di Comics.
Dopo la morte del suo più caro amico, ottenendo vendetta senza che questa le dia sollievo, COURTNEY deciderà di isolarsi ancora di più.
Costretta a frequentare un corso per ragazzi, problematici ma figli di membri del Consiglio, la ragazza non riuscirà né proverà assolutamente a legare con nessuno di loro.
Ma la situazione cambierà quando i suoi compagni le chiederanno aiuto, dopo aver gettato un maleficio su un loro compagno trasformandolo in una creatura della notte.
Così Courtney tornerà nel mondo di Mezzanotte, ma qualcuno è sulle sue tracce, prota a tutto pur di colpirla e vendicarsi a sua volta.
Nuove amicizie, cavalieri tenebrosi, trappole... Metteranno a dura prova la fortuna sfacciata di Courtney.. forse questa volta sarà lei ad avere bisogno di essere salvata?
Dopo la morte del suo più caro amico, ottenendo vendetta senza che questa le dia sollievo, COURTNEY deciderà di isolarsi ancora di più.
Costretta a frequentare un corso per ragazzi, problematici ma figli di membri del Consiglio, la ragazza non riuscirà né proverà assolutamente a legare con nessuno di loro.
Ma la situazione cambierà quando i suoi compagni le chiederanno aiuto, dopo aver gettato un maleficio su un loro compagno trasformandolo in una creatura della notte.
Così Courtney tornerà nel mondo di Mezzanotte, ma qualcuno è sulle sue tracce, prota a tutto pur di colpirla e vendicarsi a sua volta.
Nuove amicizie, cavalieri tenebrosi, trappole... Metteranno a dura prova la fortuna sfacciata di Courtney.. forse questa volta sarà lei ad avere bisogno di essere salvata?
May 15, 2021
This is BY FAR my favorite volume of Courtney Crumrin so far!!!
In the previous volume I mentioned how Courtney isn't the one propelling the story forward, but this is a very rare example of a book where that doesn't bother me as much, and I'm learning to appreciate these comics for what they are and not what I think they should be. The story isn't so much what Courtney does, but what happens to her, and it's still fun to watch.
This volume explicitly addresses the loneliness that Courtney has been dragging behind her since the previous two volumes, and how this can often lead her into dangerous situations.
Her uncle won't always be there to save her, and this is made painfully obvious in this volume as well.
Can't wait to read the last two volumes!!
In the previous volume I mentioned how Courtney isn't the one propelling the story forward, but this is a very rare example of a book where that doesn't bother me as much, and I'm learning to appreciate these comics for what they are and not what I think they should be. The story isn't so much what Courtney does, but what happens to her, and it's still fun to watch.
This volume explicitly addresses the loneliness that Courtney has been dragging behind her since the previous two volumes, and how this can often lead her into dangerous situations.
Her uncle won't always be there to save her, and this is made painfully obvious in this volume as well.
Can't wait to read the last two volumes!!
July 12, 2025
I appreciate the setting change for this book. Going to a new place really is refreshing
Love. Courtney is learning about it. Getting attached, heartbreak, the good and the bad, she’s feeling it. This book felt was a coming of age in dealing with love (just instead of a typical happy coming of age story there’s more creatures and magic and spooky-scary things). The whole series, in a scene, is a coming of age. However instead of it being through a happiness nostalgic point of an adult, it’s told with the fear and heightened emotions of someone actually going through it.
Also a VAMPIRE???? Oh wow
Love. Courtney is learning about it. Getting attached, heartbreak, the good and the bad, she’s feeling it. This book felt was a coming of age in dealing with love (just instead of a typical happy coming of age story there’s more creatures and magic and spooky-scary things). The whole series, in a scene, is a coming of age. However instead of it being through a happiness nostalgic point of an adult, it’s told with the fear and heightened emotions of someone actually going through it.
Also a VAMPIRE???? Oh wow
May 12, 2021
Another fun entry in the series that finds Courtney on a European trip with her Uncle Aloysius, who is there for mysterious reasons. Ted Naifeh delivers another fun read as Courtney classes with her Uncle over why they are in Europe and how to use her powers, with both of them being right and wrong, sometimes at once. It is matched nicely by his cartoonish yet gothic art, giving a dark but fun atmosphere, especially in the old, European setting. One of the most fun and unique comics in recent years.
April 25, 2019
I love all the books in the series equally but if I had to choose one to be number one it would be this one. Courtney finds out more about her uncle and I feel like, in my opinion, it helps their bond grow closer together. Which is amazing to have in a book. They started off as strangers and it's amazing how in a span of four beautifully amazing books they have grown closer together and she's starting to look up to him more than she does her own parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2020
What series about magic and magical creatures would be complete without werewolves and vampires? I really liked the clashes of the old world versus the new, though there were moments when I wish Courtney would respect the cultures she encountered a little more. That comes with more education and empathy, and she doesn't have a great role model for the later (her uncle could have educated her more, but alas the sorrows of fiction).
March 17, 2021
Delicious and dark. But not as hard hitting emotionally as some of the other in this series. The message still stings, and hurts. Rejection, loneliness, abandomnet. This is the first time we see Courtney spending large amounts of time with her uncle though and while there is a big plot twist, I would have enjoyed seeing them get closer before SPOILER ALERT **** having a big fall out. This one felt a little hurried.
September 1, 2024
Courtney is spending the holidays with Uncle Aloysius in Romania, but as they encounter gypsies with a ferocious secret and immortal beings bearing dangerous powers, the duo finds their differing views on love and trust crumbling their relationship. Naifeh will keep fans intrigued with these two spooky tales, both bearing a familiarly enjoyable gumption and heart, if a tad melodramatic. Could Courtney be losing the one person she feels understands her?
May 30, 2022
I love these two prickly, dangerous kindred spirits, but I’d forgotten much of the sadness in these stories and the difficulties Courtney and Uncle A have in showing each other how much they care. I liked the hard reminder Uncle A got in this one that Courtney is still a child and needs him to be her adult, no matter how capable and tough she is.
April 26, 2018
Probably the weakest in the series so far. And to be honest, I struggled a little with the portrayal of Christianity in this book. It wasn't bad, per se, but it was walking a very fine line between incorporating it into the world view, and insulting or belittling it.
December 8, 2020
The second story just kinda ends. I was confused. How did Courtney and her uncle get from the graveyard in Germany to a clinic in Switzerland. The first story was a little better but I had wanted love to win.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
Courtney is full of existential angst, feeling love is worthless. Sane, girl, same. So … she lets a vampire bite her - but Uncle A comes to the rescue, risking his own longevity. Again, ridiculously small writing, but great art.
March 21, 2018
We're finding out more and more about Uncle Aloysius...
July 11, 2018
This series keeps getting better...
August 30, 2018
I enjoyed the continuation of the story, but I feel as if the graphics are dropping in quality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews