Since it's almost Halloween, this week is a Double-Book of the week, because it's about a Werewolf. And, if you read one volume, you have to read the second. So I recently enjoyed Marvel Comics' "Werewolf By Night" - Essential collections Volumes 1 and 2, which starts with the characters' first appearance in the 1970s up to the final issue #43 in 1977. I've always been intrigued by the character so this was a treat to read. Today's blog is about my experience and info about these two volumes of 580 pages of reprints. 4 of 5 Stars for me.
Jack Russell is the Werewolf by Night. When this kid turned 18 he was suddenly made aware of a curse on his family, where at that age, everyone transforms into a werewolf during full moon periods. The character has a younger sister who is afraid of turning into a werewolf, and it turns out his step dad isn't the person he thought he was. The sister gets cured, but Jack doesn't. When the series was 3/4ths of the way through, it got weird and took away from the character's struggle (which was dealing with his transformations where he had no control or memory of what he did as a werewolf), and for about 8 issues, I was losing interest. But around issue #41 (third to last in the entire series), it started getting better.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE SERIES - I love the concept and the struggle of an 18 year old trying to deal with being a werewolf at full moon events. I also didn't mind reading about a muscular shirtless guy (although some artists could have been better at depicting him) becoming a werewolf. I couldn't figure out how he managed to survive though, without a job... other than likely living off his step father, but that would distract from the stories I suppose.
In the last couple of issues, #42 and #43, Iron Man was a guest and Jack Russell was able to transform into a Werewolf on command and maintain his human mind - which made the character MUCH BETTER, in my opinion. Then, sadly, the series ended at #43. 
ABOUT THE COLLECTIONS - Marvel Comics' Essential Werewolf by Night Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 are black-and-white trade paperbacks from Marvel Comics that collect the complete 1970s classic Werewolf by Night series and related appearances of Jack Russell. Each volume spans 580 pages!
Volume 1 - Release Date: October 2005
Contents: Marvel Spotlight #2–4; Werewolf by Night (vol. 1) #1–21; Marvel Team-Up #12; Giant-Size Creatures #1; and The Tomb of Dracula #18.Key Highlights: Collects the origin and earliest adventures of Jack Russell, introducing characters like Lissa Russell, Buck Cowan, and Topaz, plus crossover appearances with Spider-Man and Dracula.
Volume 2 - Release Date: November 2007
Contents: Werewolf by Night (vol. 1) #22–43; Giant-Size Werewolf #2–5; and Marvel Premiere #28.Key Highlights: Features the conclusion of the original 1970s series, guest appearances by the Frankenstein Monster and Morbius, and the historic first appearance of Moon Knight in Marvel Premiere #28
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