The humor may be a bit too cute and the story line predictable, but Moore's (Deja Vu) new work is everything a comic about friendly monsters should be. Michael Paris inherits a plot of land in the town of Raven's Hollow. He doesn't know it, but the land is a cemetery inhabited by a community of wisecracking demons, among them a hipster werewolf in shades and leather jacket, a sexy vampire, a goofy witch, a talking skeleton and other similar types. Arriving in town with the intention of selling the property, Paris finds the townsfolk prepared to destroy the graveyard and drive out the undead. But after Abbey, the charming and sexy vampire, gives him a tour of the graveyard and its spooky but harmless citizens, Paris decides he's not quite ready to have the place paved over. However, the town's mayor, who has few scary secrets himself, is incensed at Paris's decision and vows to destroy the place. The mystery at the heart of this continuing story (this is the first volume) is overwhelmed by Moore's delightful characters and the sub-plot about Paris's developing relationship with Abbey. Moore's strength is his ear for dialogue and timing. His vivid, contrasting b&w drawings are wonderfully facile and comic; Moore's writing supplies the color. The endless gags can be corny, but will eventually tickle any reader, young or old. His drawings of girl-demons are sexy but not inappropriate, making this a comic that parents can sit down and read with their children without too much embarrassment. (Oct.)
