"The Beast of Wolfton"

8+9+8 pgs. Appeared first time in Grim Wit #1 (1972) . Reprinted in Richard Corben's Funny Book (1976) , in Heavy Metal #35 to #37 (1980) and in Werewolf (1984) .
Story/Color(prob. colored by overlays)/Art: Richard Corben (no signature, copyright 1972). Lettered by hand (unknown), except in Heavy Metal: printed.
Reprints: Funny Book is prob. equal with original, and Werewolf with Heavy Metal. Appeared as a serial only in Heavy Metal.

In Denmark: as "Uhyret fra Wolfton" , as one in Runepress Album #1 (1979). In France: as "La bete de Wolverton" , as one in Rolf (3rd: 1980), as "La bête de la lande-aux-loups", and , as one in Razar le lâche (1976). In Germany: as "Die Bestie von Wolfton" , as one in U-Comix Sonderband [GER] #3 (1974) and in Rowlf [GER] & die Bestie von Wolfton. In Italy: as "La belva di Wolfton", in Big Comics #1 (1973), and as "Il mostro di Wolfton", as two part serial in Alter alter 2/79 to 3/79. In the Netherlands: as "The Beast of Wolfton [NL]" , as one in U-Comix Sonderband [NL] #3, and as "Het bees van Wolfton" , a three part serial in Creepy [NL] #3 (1981) to #5 (1981). In Spain: as "La bestia de Wolfton" , a three part serial in Creepy [SPA] #14 to #16 (1979), and as one in Richard Corben obras completas #2 (1984) . In Sweden: as "Besten från Wolfton" , a three part serial in Epix #2 (2/84) to #4 (4/84).

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Keywords: Beautiful, frigid lady. Brutal husband. Warriror. Wolf hunt. Baron. Werewolf. Sorcerer. Revenge. Feast of death. Recurring. Insanity.
Synopsis: A warrior with beautiful (but frigid) wife approaches Wolfton to slay the beast. Man is a cousin of village's baron. While troops are searching, the beast kidnaps warrior's beautiful wife. Wolfton used to be Wolv and it was populated by Krinds, till Stygorans slay not so numbered Krinds and took they place (and renamed it as Wolfton). The beast of Wolfton used to be a son of chief of last Krinds. As a last survivor of them, thorugh certain seremony, he become an instrument of Drogim, the moon avenger. The curse of Drogim could be expelled only through the willing love of a beautiful girl...
Comment: The scheme of the beginning reminds sereval other a like stories of werewolf. The story is good, though it does not reach the beauty and quantity of nuances of Rowlf. This fairy tale has also extremely beautiful nudity in the beginning. In the end of the story there is near perfection, a pict of making love: bodies, quilt, lightning and B&W screens are accurately on their places.
Alternatives : To make a color version in Heavy Metal Corben changed some names to fit into trilogy. On first page original text says, "the land later called Britain" was changed to "ancient lands north of Canisland", "Sir John" turned to be "Sir Nornib" and his wife "Lady Ellen" become "Lady Chabita". During coloring Corben added (both B&W and color) details (mostly) to background; on pg12 last frame is totally redrawn. There is a lot of new background drawings during castle scenes (on pg 13 first three frames and lower part of pg 20 and upper part of pg 21 have totally new, refreshed brick walls).
Trilogy: Richard Corben answered to fan's letter in Heavy Metal #46 (1981), CHAIN MAIL (pg 4), "Yes, I did make the changes [to "The Beast of Wolfton"] --- partially because of "Rowlf." Originally, I had intended "The Beast of Wolfton," "Rowlf," and "Spirit of the Beast" to work out as a trilogy. I also wanted to make it a bit less realistic - bring it more into a realm of fantasy".