Ham Helsing #3: Raising the Stakes

Ham Helsing #3

by Rich Moyer

The monster hunting hero Ham Helsing is back for his biggest challenge yet—a family reunion? Vampires, monsters, and now your dad?! This action-packed graphic novel brings on the laughs and the drama!

Ham and his pals are snowed in at the old Helsing manor...and they aren't the only ones haunting its dusty halls. All Ham wanted to do was get some closure after the death of his father, but when his father turns out to be very alive? Ham will have his hands full just trying to keep his friends safe from his legendary monster hunter dad!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Humor, Vampires, Comics

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

Reviews

[Raquel (Silver Valkyrie Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if these books are getting less interesting, or if I'm just getting tired of them. Plus, while the character presented as a jerk was definitely actually a jerk, I kind of wanted him to actually be the good guy he thought he was.

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - felt a bit rushed, but did wrap up the series with no loose ends. Kinda would have preferred an ongoing series that explores the characters and world more. But fun, and interesting.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. I needed something light hearted and quick after coming off a few real stinkers. The original goofiness has kind of been abandoned for a bit more sentimentality. It's a cute story, fun, with lots of lovable characters, but not much else.

Mostly forgettable, but it isn't trying to be something it's not, and it accomplished its goal of finishing a pretty solid series of graphic novels.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ham’s dad opens the book from his coffin, swearing that he is back to vanquish the “vampirish fiends” that elude him. The tone is more humorous than scary, though, as he cannot remember the name of his less favored son, Ham. When we get to Ham, he is drafting a love letter to his compatriot Ronin, and it’s clear that he is not following in his dad’s footsteps as a fearsome vampire hunter. When Ham, Ronin, and their friends are trapped at the family mansion with Ham’s dad during a snowstorm, we have equal hopes that a plan for catching vampires is hatched AND that Ham’s dad can finally appreciate the brave and kind soul that is his son.

Equal parts horror and humor distinguish this third of the series novel. The father/son issues add depth. Moyer’s pig, bear, chicken and dog characters are droll and Ham’s dad is a hoot, as an ultra brawny middle-aged guy with a mullet. Although the book may not motivate readers to turn to the original Dracula, it does distinguish itself with rich themes of family, friends and forgiveness and really fun graphic artwork.

This is the third (and last?) installment of the series.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ham and his pals may be facing the most terrifying and challenging battle of the series....Ham's DAD!?! If you have read the previous two volumes then you know that Ham didn't come from a loving and very accepting household and so this makes for a battle of not only emotions, but sheer will-power. I found this a great way to conclude the series (if that is indeed what is occurring as I didn't see any hints of further volumes at the conclusion. Great art and story...I would recommend not just picking up this volume as a lot of character and reasoning behind this volume working so well is because of the foundation of the first two volumes. Great fun for younger readers!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library copy

Ham is back with his friends, and manage to travel back to Ham's ancestral home, where it is very cold and snowy. The evil chicken, grown much larger, is on the loose, as is a particularly evil vampire. Not only that, but Ham's father is back from the dead, unaware that he is the embodiment of everything he hated in life. Ronin is good about pointing out the toxic masculinity in Ham's father, and in supporting her friend in his more gentle endeavors. I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series; it could be, but there's also room for more adventures.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as good as the first 2 but always enjoyable stuff. The dad's change was super jarring, and the enemy/final battle was way less climactic than the prior 2's. The chicken plotline was great, classic Ham Helsing fun though :-p

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ham Helsing #3

Ham and his gang wanted to go spend a nice vacation at his family mansion. Of course it can’t be a quiet vacation, the oldest vampire is hunting them down, his father is back, and embarrassing him!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my least favourite of the series. Knuckles is still cute but this volume was missing something. Still really well drawn and kinda funny. When Hen asked for tartare sauce from the wish fish and realising what what going to happen was hilarious.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was just okay compared to the previous two in the series. I didn’t find it quite as funny, but I did like the redemption arc with Ham’s father. I felt like this one kept jumping around a lot and it felt a little choppy.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute series.

[D.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes the hardest thing is to not react in anger. The bravest thing is having the strength to walk away.”

[HaileyAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ham Helsing series is truly one of the greatest things to exist in this world.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

[Alisanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is amazing. The story is hilarious, great puns, and overall a pretty darn ridiculous book.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third and final book in the Ham Helsing trilogy. Ham and his friends are snowbound in the Helsing family castle as Ham seeks closure and time to grieve over his father's death. But shocking developments are revealed, and Ham must deal with keeping his friends safe from harm.

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun continuation of the series with fascinating family dynamics. Feels like a fun seasonal read for Halloween/fall too.

[Stan Yan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m having more and more fun with these characters with each book!

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the Ham Helsing, graphic novel series. I love that Ham and his friends work together to save the day and that they put friendship first above all else.

Fingers crossed that there will be more books in this series because it is a fun read.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This installment is not as funny than the previous two books in the series. The illustrations are as well done as always.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good one, probably the best, with funny jokes. But some stuff thrown in that was a little too pc for me.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent, fun, clean, happy, optimistic Ham Helsing book. Highly recommended.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ham's father returns from the dead as a super powerful vampire threatens the crew. Not as funny as the previous volumes.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I not like but I love this book 😍.

[Cason Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the greatest thing, please make a fourth one!

Review by 9 year old reader who just finished the series and is craving more stories. Please consider continuing the series.

[The Loco Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one made me laugh a lot out loud. What good jokes!

[Nicole Bohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always finish these novels in a day and read them non-stop because they are just hilariously funny.

I honestly don’t think I could ever tire of Ham and the gang.

My favorite characters are the blind mice and their mischievous antics they get into.

Seriously, start from the beginning and work your way into the series - you won’t regret it!