What do you think?
Rate this book
Ham Helsing #1
Ham Helsing #1: Vampire Hunter
The monster hunt is on! A rip-roaring graphic novel adventure about the latest in a famous family of vampire-hunting pigs, inspired by legendary monster slayer Van Helsing!Ham Helsing is the descendant of a long line of adventurers and monster hunters--who don't often live to rest on their laurels. Ham has always been the odd pig out, preferring to paint or write poetry instead of inventing dangerous (dumb) new ways to catch dangerous creatures. His brother Chad was the daredevil carrying on the family legacy of leaping before looking, but after his death, it's down to Ham. Reluctantly, he sets out on his first assignment, to hunt a vampire. But Ham soon learns that people aren't always what they seem and that you need a good team around you to help save your bacon!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2021
32 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
August 28, 2021
"*a scary werewolf shows up*
What’s in his mouth?
A severed hand? A giants eyeball? A…A…
A tennis ball? *confused look*"
It’s finally spooky season and I’m reading all kinds of books to put me in the Halloween spirit. Okay, let’s be real, it’s always spooky season to me and I’m always in the Halloween spirit.
This book was super cute and totally hilarious. The jokes in this had me laughing out loud. Yeah, they were immature jokes and geared towards kids but this kid at heart loved it.
The story was a lot of fun and the illustrations were amazing. When they are put together, it’s the perfect read for a gloomy day.
What’s in his mouth?
A severed hand? A giants eyeball? A…A…
A tennis ball? *confused look*"
It’s finally spooky season and I’m reading all kinds of books to put me in the Halloween spirit. Okay, let’s be real, it’s always spooky season to me and I’m always in the Halloween spirit.
This book was super cute and totally hilarious. The jokes in this had me laughing out loud. Yeah, they were immature jokes and geared towards kids but this kid at heart loved it.
The story was a lot of fun and the illustrations were amazing. When they are put together, it’s the perfect read for a gloomy day.
June 13, 2021
It’s the vampire with social anxiety for me.
March 20, 2022
Ham Helsing comes from a long line of unsuccessful vampire hunters, killing themselves with crazy inventions. Apparently stupid runs in the family. Ham seems to be the odd one out…. Maybe? Anyway…
Written for young readers, this charmed me right away and made me laugh. It‘s all about not being bogged down by assumptions, being a good and sometimes selfless person, working as a team… There is humour, sarcasm, adventure, scary spiders, an evil chicken and other funny characters. It‘s a very simple story, but it is very well done.
Talking about team…
I might read issue #2 at some point…
Written for young readers, this charmed me right away and made me laugh. It‘s all about not being bogged down by assumptions, being a good and sometimes selfless person, working as a team… There is humour, sarcasm, adventure, scary spiders, an evil chicken and other funny characters. It‘s a very simple story, but it is very well done.
Talking about team…
I might read issue #2 at some point…
November 28, 2022
This was very cute.
August 5, 2021
Who's giving this delightful comic lower than a 5-star rating!? Are you mad? The illustrations are fantastic. The dialog is witty and funny. Ham is completely adorable and his family are all nincompoops. It has a cool ninja pig, an evil rapping chicken, treasure-hungry rats, and a little boy werewolf named Lobos! Great for ages 8+
October 13, 2023
A boar who is a vampire...a kunoichi who has to lead the clueless boys on their quest...strips of bacon as 'the undead'...and friends/foes who are not what they seem to be. Pure escapist fun! Always like it when quirky elements come together to form a new story. This is a very creative book that is sure to be enjoyed. Great art!
November 13, 2022
Dreadfully adorable, with the titular Ham encountering friends, and more friends, as he gently and cheerfully attempts to salvage his family's honor by killing the vampire who has been terrorizing a small village. Clever twists, humor, and delightful illustration make this a perfect graphic novel for those who have graduated from early chapter books but maybe don't want to dive in to something bigger yet.
April 26, 2021
This is so cute and clever and hilarious??? A surprisingly impressive upper elementary to middle grade debut.
Read for the ABA's Kids Indies Introduce Summer/Fall 2021 panel.
Read for the ABA's Kids Indies Introduce Summer/Fall 2021 panel.
January 30, 2023
What a delightful read - I love the endearing, self-deprecating Ham and the frightfully adorable companions he meets along the way - especially Lobos, the child werewolf who can’t stay human or awake long enough for anyone to learn his real name or find his parents! And an evil chicken is always a plus in a rip-roaring adventure tale. The drawings were fabulous and enhanced the humor - I especially loved the perspectives/sight gags (I had to keep turning to the discovery of the “undead” in the vampire’s castle and have some rib cracking guffaws - so great!). Really a fun graphic novel.
November 30, 2021
What a fun book! I loved Ham and his world. The drawings were amazing and I could hear the characters as they spoke. I think this would make a great cartoon series.
I was confused by a human boy turning up in this world full of dressed animals, but why not I suppose, and the poor spiders!
Ham was a great character and I loved how selfless he was and that he used his head and was kind.
I was confused by a human boy turning up in this world full of dressed animals, but why not I suppose, and the poor spiders!
Ham was a great character and I loved how selfless he was and that he used his head and was kind.
February 6, 2022
This is a very creative and unique take on vampires and werewolves and other things that go bump in the night. It’s also hilarious! It’s a good choice for reluctant readers.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
July 21, 2021
4 to 4.5. Fun, slap stick humor with a fun array of characters! The evil chicken is a fun addition as well!
August 3, 2021
Incredibly cute and witty. I can't wait for the next installment.
April 28, 2022
Absolutely ridiculous but so much fun!! The illustrations were adorable and I loved the cast of characters. I’m so glad I came across this randomly and I’m excited that it’s a series.
July 16, 2021
A vampire-hunting pig is joined by a pair of treasure-obsessed rats, a ninja pig, and a young werewolf to save the town from a local menace. Also, there's an evil chicken. Which comes as NO surprise to me.
July 31, 2021
A fun graphic novel in which Ham Helsing is the only left in a long family line of very foolish monster hunters. Especially LOVED those first dozen pages of this middle grade graphic novel, watching his ancestors meet their dooms in acts of "bravery!" And then the message of teamwork screams loud and clear - as it leaps off the pages amidst the adventure and fun!
“Nobody did anything big by being just like everybody else.”
“Nobody did anything big by being just like everybody else.”
April 18, 2022
Quirky, fun, and entertaining enough that I want to read the second book. This story did not go the way I thought it would, but it was a quick read and I definitely laughed out loud in place. I enjoyed the illustrations and had fun seeing what would happen. Pigs happen to be some of my favorite creatures, so this made it doubly fun. Yay for Ham Helsing.
December 17, 2024
My kid loved this book and demanded I read it. It’s a nice change of pace from the heavier stuff I’ve been reading.
It’s a fun little story about a vampire hunting pig who learns about friendship and bravery in a weird horror world.
There are some funny moments in here and a great story of how land lords are shit.
Definitely recommend for kids.
It’s a fun little story about a vampire hunting pig who learns about friendship and bravery in a weird horror world.
There are some funny moments in here and a great story of how land lords are shit.
Definitely recommend for kids.
August 24, 2021
Funny graphic novel about a pig who comes from a long line of vampire hunters. He thinks he’s not brave, and yet he faces some pretty scary situations, hence the great messages. Good, fun, graphic novel, will absolutely be popular with age 7+.
April 19, 2022
This was super cute, especially the undead bacon strips and diabolical chicken. :D
July 18, 2021
Few things are scarier than a vampire who hogs all the blood.
Ba dum tss!
But, seriously - Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter is sizzling with humor, bright pictures, a fun story, and a sweet message about what it means to really be a hero.
This graphic novel was easy to pig out on. The story was incredibly enjoyable and I laughed out loud several times. It’s perfect for its middle grade target audience, but big kids like you and me are sure to love it, too!
Ba dum tss!
But, seriously - Ham Helsing: Vampire Hunter is sizzling with humor, bright pictures, a fun story, and a sweet message about what it means to really be a hero.
This graphic novel was easy to pig out on. The story was incredibly enjoyable and I laughed out loud several times. It’s perfect for its middle grade target audience, but big kids like you and me are sure to love it, too!
April 9, 2021
I received this as an ARC from Netgalley.com.
First line: Even a long, long time ago, vampire hunting was a Helsing family obsession…
Summary: Ham Helsing has a strong family legacy to uphold. His family have been vampire hunters for generations. They have all been brave and daring. Now it is his turn. After the death of his brother, Chad, he has inherited the job of vampire hunter. He is on a quest to defeat the vampire but he learns that not everyone is as they seem.
My Thoughts: This book was hilarious! I loved the artwork, storyline and characters. I thought the concept was really great, especially for kids. They miss out on some of the jokes but there is still some crude humor that they will love. I was shocked that the story did get a little dark but I with everything that kids read and see, it may not even phase them. I look forward to seeing the finished copy.
FYI: Juvenile graphic novel.
First line: Even a long, long time ago, vampire hunting was a Helsing family obsession…
Summary: Ham Helsing has a strong family legacy to uphold. His family have been vampire hunters for generations. They have all been brave and daring. Now it is his turn. After the death of his brother, Chad, he has inherited the job of vampire hunter. He is on a quest to defeat the vampire but he learns that not everyone is as they seem.
My Thoughts: This book was hilarious! I loved the artwork, storyline and characters. I thought the concept was really great, especially for kids. They miss out on some of the jokes but there is still some crude humor that they will love. I was shocked that the story did get a little dark but I with everything that kids read and see, it may not even phase them. I look forward to seeing the finished copy.
FYI: Juvenile graphic novel.
June 2, 2021
1st Line: "Even a long, long time ago, vampire hunting was a Helsing family obsession ... "
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.
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.
August 19, 2021
'Ham Helsing #1: Vampire Hunter' with story and art by Rich Moyer is a hilarious graphic novel about a likeable pig on a seemingly impossible mission.
Ham Helsing comes from a long line of very accident prone pigs. When he is the last in the family line, he reluctantly takes on the family mantle and goes to the aid of a town. Along the way, he picks up a team of unlikely heroes, like greedy rats, a werewolf who is really a small boy and a tree pig who is a ninja.
I laughed a lot at this humorous story of being afraid and doing it anyway. The setups and humor are great and I liked the wacky characters. I really liked the art too!
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Random House Children's and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Ham Helsing comes from a long line of very accident prone pigs. When he is the last in the family line, he reluctantly takes on the family mantle and goes to the aid of a town. Along the way, he picks up a team of unlikely heroes, like greedy rats, a werewolf who is really a small boy and a tree pig who is a ninja.
I laughed a lot at this humorous story of being afraid and doing it anyway. The setups and humor are great and I liked the wacky characters. I really liked the art too!
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Random House Children's and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
November 17, 2021
Unread shelf project 2021: book 100.
This is such a wholesome story! I love all the fun little details — a vampire with social anxiety, a lost werewolf, a scared bear, a hero who doesn’t realize how brave he actually is.
The artwork was adorable and the puns were fun and silly. This is definitely a book I’ll keep & save for times when I’m stressed or anxious — graphic novels are so much easier for me to “digest” than novels when I’m struggling with anxiety.
This is such a wholesome story! I love all the fun little details — a vampire with social anxiety, a lost werewolf, a scared bear, a hero who doesn’t realize how brave he actually is.
The artwork was adorable and the puns were fun and silly. This is definitely a book I’ll keep & save for times when I’m stressed or anxious — graphic novels are so much easier for me to “digest” than novels when I’m struggling with anxiety.
January 29, 2022
I don't think this really worked well as a comic. It probably would do great as a cartoon! But as a comic it was just too choppy and random. I didn't feel like the story itself was really well done either.
That being said, I think this would be great for a younger audience. I can see this working really well for a reluctant reader especially because despite the length, it's got a bunch of bits that you can read a few pages at a time.
The art was nice as well.
That being said, I think this would be great for a younger audience. I can see this working really well for a reluctant reader especially because despite the length, it's got a bunch of bits that you can read a few pages at a time.
The art was nice as well.
January 19, 2023
Pretty strange. Story is all over the place.
Very silly, similar to Wiley Coyote and Road Runner cartoons.
Touches of grossness, but kids will love it.
I needed a vampire book, which is not my genre, so settled on this one.
I love kids' graphic novels, but this one wasn't a good fit for me.
Elementary school-aged kids will probably love this.
Very silly, similar to Wiley Coyote and Road Runner cartoons.
Touches of grossness, but kids will love it.
I needed a vampire book, which is not my genre, so settled on this one.
I love kids' graphic novels, but this one wasn't a good fit for me.
Elementary school-aged kids will probably love this.
July 4, 2021
This junior graphic novel brings to mind the classic era of Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network with its wacky premise, kinetic energy, and sarcastic asides. The illustrations are super cute and the storyline is undeniably creative.
July 16, 2022
This was surprisingly funny! I liked the crazy cast of characters, and the unexpected turn of events for the actual vampire. I didn't expect this to be quite so violent, but it was definitely played well! I can see a lot of kids, teens, and even adults really enjoying this.
May 31, 2021
If you love puns as much as I do, you will absolutely love this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews