Comedy legends Abbott & Costello are set to return to the comic book medium for the first time in over five decades. Monstrous Books is launching a new series of horror-themed specials, with the first issue featuring a crossover with the iconic monster hunter Kolchak the Night Stalker.
The Kickstarter campaign for "Abbott & Costello Meet the Monsters" is now live, offering a glimpse into the upcoming issues. The series will consist of three distinct specials, including "Abbott & Costello Meet the Morlocks" and "Abbott & Costello Meet Cthulu," alongside the Kolchak team-up.
"Abbott & Costello Meet the Monsters #1" is penned by James Aquilone, with art by Dave Acosta, colors by Zac Atkinson, and letters by Taylor Esposito. Cover art is provided by J.K. Woodward, Lukas Ketner, and Zac Atkinson.
Aquilone elaborated on the narrative, explaining that the story begins in 1943 with Bud and Lou serving in the Army. An accidental encounter with an experimental portal sends them time-traveling. The comic opens in black and white, a nod to classic Abbott & Costello films, before transitioning to full color upon their arrival in the future, reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz." Their first destination is Las Vegas in 1972, where they will become entangled in the events of the original "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" story. There, they will cross paths with reporter Carl Kolchak and the vampire Janos Skorzeny.
This crossover aims to blend classic comedy with horror, presenting Bud and Lou with the challenges of facing Kolchak, a vampire, and other monstrous elements. The initiative continues a trend of unusual comic book crossovers seen this year, including "Judge Dredd/Biker Mice From Mars," "G.I. Joe/Tomb Raider," and "Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles."