EXCLUSIVE: Abbott and Costello cards highlight new monsters!

Did you know you needed Abbott and Costello trading cards? Wicked Horror’s excited to show you that indeed you do.

We’re happy to provide a look at a few of the cards. And we’ll give you some info on the new comics they’re tied to, all-new comics in the Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters series penned by Bram Stoker Award winner James Aquilone. The comics and cards are all from his Monstrous Books.

In the 1940s, the iconic comedy duo were joined by classic Universal Monsters beginning with 1948’s Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. That brought the comedians face-to-face with Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Wolf Man. 

The duo were top stars at the time and the creatures were getting long in the tooth. The union produced many more successful films and added to the Universal Monsters canon. Now, the team’s poised to meet even more monsters and horror faves in the new comic book series. Along with the comics from Monstrous, cool merch such as the trading cards is planned. 

Here’s an exclusive look at the cards.

Abbott and Costello face Janos Skorzeny and Carl Kolchak!

A classic publicity shot of But Abbott and Lou Costello working with a radio script.

Bud and Lou hit Vegas in a time travel scene.

Bud and Lou take a time traveling plunge.

Abbott and Costello appear in comics for the first time in more than half a century in this new series. To serve fans and launch the new books, Monstrous is launching a Kickstarter campaign.  

The campaign will feature three full-length comics, an array of variant covers from acclaimed comic book artists, and more exclusive Abbott and Costello merchandise.

The first issue, Abbott and Costello Meet the Night Stalker, throws Bud and Lou into the dark, supernatural world of Kolchak: The Night Stalker. The issue has interior art by Dave Acosta and covers by J.K. Woodward, Lukas Ketner, and Zac Atkinson.

In the second issue, Abbott and Costello Meet the Morlocks, the duo encounters the subterranean creatures made famous by H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine. The issue features covers by Russ Braun and Colton Worley.

The third comic, Abbott and Costello Meet Cthulhu, sends the comedy legends into cosmic-horror territory for an encounter with one of the most famous monsters in weird fiction. The issue has interior art by Juan Samu and covers by Robert Hack and E.V. Cantada.

Each comic will also include Bud and Lou comic strips.

 “Abbott and Costello were my introduction to horror as well as comedy,” said Aquilone. “They’ve been a huge influence on my work and it’s unreal to be bringing my heroes back to comics in a genre that is near and dear to me — horror-comedy, which might not exist without Abbott and Costello.”

“Bud loved reaching audiences in every format possible—from radio and film to early television. We are so excited to see Monstrous Media carry that torch forward with this new comic book project. It’s the perfect way to keep their brilliant comedic timing alive for today’s readers,” The Bud Abbott Estate noted in a statement.

“Great comedy is timeless. Great monsters are legendary. Abbott and Costello made generations laugh as they met Frankenstein, the Mummy, and some of the most iconic monsters in movie history. Their legacy now comes roaring back to life in this brand-new comic book series, and as a family, we’re thrilled that they’ll be introduced to yet a new generation of comic book fans,” said The Lou Costello Estate

Since the comics are the heart of the new effort, we’re happy to offer a look at some cover variants as well.