When collecting comic books about Disney’s Haunted Mansion, there can never be enough! Even post-Halloween, the manga publisher’s The Haunted Mansion: Stray Spirits offers a relatable story about a young girl who just needs attention.
Sammie Crowley’s story should appeal to readers who make Disney’s Haunted Mansion a tradition during this time of year and beyond. Whether they’re boarding the ride, reading a book or collecting, this attraction holds plenty of appeal for occult lovers.
Here, Adrienne is the series’ young heroine who just wants to be noticed. Her relationship with pops is strained because he’s always at work. She wants her father around, and that loneliness is relatable. At first, the story suggests she has an imaginary friend, but the first issue soon reveals he’s a real cat. By the time readers learn his home is in a haunted mansion, seeing that he only has one eye tells all! Arr! (No, this isn’t Pirates of the Caribbean, but who knows? Maybe that’ll be a title this publisher offers in the future.)
The art from Francesca Follini is solid. Bold ink outlines and rich colours bring the world outside the mansion to life and make the interior a touch friendlier. Even the ghosts glow rather than fade into near-transparency. The partly manga-inspired style works, and if the title is any indication, this comic book miniseries looks to offer more than the usual ride as the narrative unfolds.
When Adrienne visits the furball after yet another lonely day, he starts acting even stranger. The gates open, and she’s invited in! Rather than end on that cliffhanger, the story takes us inside and offers the familiar introduction from the ride. As for whom she meets within, well, I’ll just cut myself off here. I’d like to know what the cat represents. So far, we know he’s a stray with a fondness for the young mortal. But when he hisses as she tries to pet him, maybe there’s more to this creature than we know. Salem Saberhagen he is not! Until the next issue, his role and what awaits the girl remain a mystery.
The Haunted Mansion: Stray Spirits nicely sets up everything we need to know about its heroine. We can connect with her problems, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she “disappears” for far longer than expected. Maybe daddy will finally take notice. I doubt we’ve seen the last of him. As for what else might happen, I can’t say.
This post-Halloween review serves to let readers know there’s a great new release that may well be just as good as Slave Labor Comics’ version and Marvel’s. I skipped IDW’s one-shot because it targeted an even younger audience. If I ever find it in a comic book bin somewhere, I’ll pick it up just to complete my collection.
One fact is certain. When candlelight flickers where the air is deathly still, ghosts are present, practising their terror with ghoulish delight!
4 Boos out of 5!
From The Haunted Mansion Stray Spirits
to The Haunted Mansion (2023) Movie Trailer
