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The Monster Librarian Presents:

Reviews of Horror Related Graphic Novels for Young Adults

There aren't a large number of horror graphic novels out there but those that there are make for excellent additions to any library's graphic novel collection and are wonderful for reaching out to reluctant readers.  Included are reviews for horror relates Manga:

Tales from the Crypt #3: Zombilicious by Mort Todd, Marc Bilgrey, Jared Gniewek, Jim Salicrup, Allison Acton, Rick Parker, and illustrated by Steve Mannion and  Exes 
Papercutz, 2008
ISBN: 9781597070911
Available: New

    For horror fans this is just the sweetest little book--a digest-sized hard back collection of four (new) Tales from the Crypt comic stories, a complete throwback to horror's roots modernized with slick art and shiny packaging. This volume features four tales; "Extra Life" by Neil Klied and Chris Noeth, "Queen of the Vampires" by Marc Bilgrey and Mr. Exes, "Graveyard Shift at the Twilight Gardens" by Rob Vollmar and Tom Smith 3 and "Kid Tested, Mother Approved" by Jared Gneiwek and James Romberger.

     Oddly enough, in spite of the title, none of these tales feature a zombie (though there is a vampire). If you loved the old cheesy Tales from the Crypt comics and HBO show this book is right up your alley. Its literary merit is debatable, making its place in collections lean more toward those that include comprehensive or pop-culture titles than high brow, classic-worthy tales. But if horror is your passion, this book is eye-catching, familiar, and utterly groan-worthy.

Review by Michele Lee

Nightmares & Fairy Tales, vol 4: Dancing with the Ghosts of Whales by Serena Valentino and Camilla A’Errico

SLG Publishing, 2008

ISBN: 9781593621322

Available: New

    Nightmares & Fairy Tales: Dancing with the Ghosts of Whales is a graphic novel that contains two stories. The first is a ghost story about a little girl who is haunted by her ability to see ghosts. She is befriended by an older girl that only she can see. The older girl claims that she isn’t a ghost, but the psychic girl’s aunt tells her that ghosts often don’t realize what they are. When the psychic girl decides to help her friend they find out the truth. The second story is about a sideshow with all the special attractions one would associate with a traveling circus; a bearded lady, a tattooed man, a deformed girl, and a mermaid. The mermaid isn’t just some lady wearing a fish tail though. She is a real mermaid held against her will by the man who runs the freak show. He holds her child as hostage and promises its death if the mermaid doesn’t do as he says. When she learns the truth, the freak show owner has a price to pay.

     Both tales are enjoyable, unique and quickly read. The art is in a grayscale manga style, but it is all well done and adds quite a bit to the story. Recommended.

 Contains: sex, language and nudity

Review by Bret Jordan

Death Valley by  Andrew Cosby, Johanna Stokes, and illustrated by Rhoald Marcellus

BOOM! Studios, 2008

ISBN: 1934506087

Available: New

    In what could be the first zombie graphic novel that truly has a teen audience Death Valley tells the tale of seven high school students who after being accidently locked in the bomb shelter located in their school come out to find that the population has been turned into flesh eating zombies.  Although the character types are pretty standard- the jock, the stoner, the nerd, and so on- that’s part of the fun. Death Valley has a mix of horror, humor, and romance that will appeal to a variety of readers. It’s a great choice for introducing teens who don’t normally read horror to the genre. The art is solid and visually pleasing, with strong colors on high gloss paper. Being a zombie story, there is gore and violence, with some startling images, but fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer should feel right at home. There are three additional zombie short stories “The Bakemono and the Cranes”, “For Pete’s Sake” and  “Zoombies”, and a script for a story called “Matthew 21:22”.   The additional stories are more serious and dark, and may not connect to teen readers as Death Valley does. All three additional stories also appear in Zombie Tales Vol 1, by the same publisher. Readers advisory note: this is a good choice for readers who liked Zombie Blondes by Brian James, fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and readers of zombie fiction looking for something a little different. Contains: violence, gore, startling imagery. Recommended for public library collections.

Agnes Quill: an anthology of mystery by Dave Roman, illustrated by Jason Ho,  Raina Telgemeier, Jeff Zornow, and Dave Roman*New Review

SLG Publishing, 2006

ISBN: 1593620527

Available: New and Used

    This collection spotlights Agnes Quill, a sixteen year old with the ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead.   She lives in the haunted, Victorian-style city of Legerdemain, where she runs the New Curiosity Shop with the mysterious Mr. Lorik, and operates a detective agency where she takes jobs helping people both dead and alive.  Unlike many supernaturally gifted teens, though, Agnes isn’t in it for the greater good. She’s just trying to pay the bills and get through the days the best she can. Although she has a generous heart, and some of the stories are touching, Agnes also accepts work from some pretty unsavory characters. The ghosts and monsters of Legerdemain are varied, and help set the tone of the stories. The eccentric and “helpful” Beatrice adds humor to “The Mummified Heirloom & The Divided Man,” while the little girl in “Lost and Found” adds pathos to her story. Other stories included in the collection are “Zombie Love Trap and Buried Homes and Gardens” and “Invite Only.” Each artist takes a different approach to Agnes and her adventures- some stories use very simple line drawings with lots of black and white space, while others use rich detail to provide realism to their story. Even with these differences, the art for each story seems to flow well with the text. The variety of approaches different artists have taken to Agnes’ character is evident in the art gallery located in the last pages of the book, and it’s clear that the artists who illustrated the book developed unique ways of illustrating the adventures of Agnes Quill. Also included near the back of the book is a Field Guide to Agnes Quill, provided by the Data Analysis Keep, a community of scholars that keeps tabs on the supernatural activities going on in Legerdemain. The guide gives additional background on Agnes and excerpts from her diary. Over all, the Agnes Quill is an enjoyable read, the art is an excellent companion to the stories and were well selected for the tone of each tale.  Recommended.

Contains: minor action

Morbid Myths, Vol 1: The Collection created by Hard Way Studios

Alterna Comics,2008

ISBN: 9780979787430

Available: New

     In the tradition of Tales from the Crypt, Morbid Myths presents a series of horror tales. Each story is introduced by narrator Job, collector of horrific tales.  Morbid Myths Vol 1: The Collection contains of a number of issues of the Morbid Myths comic book series.  Each issue is a series of short horror stories, done as a black a white comic.  The tales in  Morbid Myths tales vary in length. Some are only one or two pages, others are much longer.  Some of the stories work very well. “Overdue Collection” is about a librarian and her assistants from Miskatonic Municipal County Library, out to retrieve a rare book that can be used to open portals and summon creatures from another plane.  It is my favorite story not only because of the fun librarian character but also because of the engaging art.   I could easily see this story be a jumping off point for additional tales of the librarian.  Others, such as “What Dreams May Come”, fall flat, and many of the shorter stories would work better with a little more fleshing out.  Overall, though, Morbid Myths is an enjoyable read. Most readers will find something that they enjoy, and fans of the Tales of the Crypt series will have a new way to get their fix.  

Contains: Violence, gore, self mutilation.

Tales From The Crypt #1: Ghouls Gone Wild (Tales from the Crypt Graphic Novels)

by Don McGregor and Mark Bilgrey, ill. by Exes, Sho Murase

Papercutz, 2007

ISBN-13: 978-1597070829

Available: New and Used

    Tales from the Crypt #1: Ghouls Gone Wild  is the first in a series of digest length graphic novels aimed at readers who are outgrowing The Midnight Library and Goosebumps series.  The stories collected here will appeal to teens and reluctant readers. Tales from the Crypt is an appropriate choice for high school libraries as well as teen collections in public libraries. While there is some violence, most of the blood and gore is not graphically represented in the art, and there is no cursing or nudity. The books are sturdily bound in a hardcover format, and it appears that they will hold up well with frequent circulation.

     Each story is introduced by three pun-loving characters; The Crypt-Keeper, The Old Witch, and the Vault-Keeper, who add an element of humor to the horror, and the art style is different for each story.  The variety, quality, and entertainment value of the stories is such that, although the stories are targeted to teens, adults will enjoy them as well. Recommended for school media centers and public libraries. 

Tales from the Crypt #1 includes the following stories:

"Body of Work" is the story of a young couple trying to get rich quick by stealing art from their eclectic artist neighbor who does paintings of the dead.

"Runway Roadkill" is the story of fashion designer Kimberly Kinselling’s ruthless behavior and the consequences of her actions.

"For Serious Collectors Only" tells of a young man who prizes his collection of action figures and finds that his latest acquisition comes with a deadly price.

"The Tenant" describes the situation of slumlord James Winchell, who has been sentenced to live in one of his houses, located near a cemetery.

Life Sucks by Jessica Abel, Gabe Soria, and Warren Pleece

First Second Books, 2008

ISBN: 1596431075

Available: New

            Life Sucks is an unusual, funny, and unglamourous take on the vampire tale. Dave Miller is a young man whose life takes a dramatic change when he applies for a night job at a convenience store.  The vampire owner turns him, sealing Dave’s fate to forever be the night manager at the store.  Dave’s life changes for the better when he meets Rosa, a goth girl. His attempt to romance Rosa is complicated when psycho-surfer vamp Wes decides to try for Rosa’s affection.   Life Sucks is well-written, with good artwork. But mostly, it’s just plain fun. Those who appreciate a little irony with their vampires will get a kick out of Life Sucks.  Recommended.

Contains: Violence, minor gore

Horror Classics Graphic Classics Volume Ten edited by Tom Pomplun

ISBN: 0-9746648-1-2

Eureka Productions, 2004

Availability: New

     Horror Classics contains twelve works of classic horror from poems to very short stories to longer works from classic horror writers such as H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allen Poe and Clark Ashton Smith. Each story is illustrated in a different style, from dramatic to distinctly more cartoony art. Not all of the stories are as spooky as they were to the people of the era in which they were published, but many still hold timeless chills and all are still poignant stories. This is a fantastic book to both bring graphic novels and classic horror to a library's shelves. There are stories and writers within that many readers might not come across in a traditional bookstore, or might dismiss for not being modern enough, but the format is appealing enough to draw those readers in. The format also allows for spooky stories, murder, and horrible happenings to be shared without graphic shows of gore, sex or violence. Following in the tradition of classic horrorists it's often what is not seen that is scariest. Even the foulest of beasts and deeds are rendered bloodless, and often appear as mere indistinct and shadowy suggestions, making this a book an appropriate introduction to horror for libraries a little squeamish about building their collection.

Contains: N/A

Review by Michele Lee

Graphic Classics: Edgar Allan Poe (Vol. 1 / 3^rd Edition) edited by Tom Pomplun

Eureka Productions, 2001

ISBN:  0974664871

Available: New 

    Graphic Classics: Edgar Allan Poe, compiled and edited by Tom Pomplun, is a graphic novel anthology of classic stories and poems by the legendary father of the American Gothic. These diverse, comic book-styled adaptations are outstanding and run the gamut between whimsical New Yorker-inspired cartooning, traditional American comic book styling, and more surreal works. Some of the tales included in this volume are the time honored classics "The Raven," "The Cask of Amontillado," and "The Tell-Tale Heart," as well as nine others. Stark black and white images bring the master storyteller’s words to life, and readers will be compelled to seek out other titles in Eureka’s Graphic Classics library. Readers advisory note: this title may be an accessible doorway to Poe’s work for reluctant readers. Lovers of Poe should be thrilled by this collection, as well as anyone with an interest in comic book art. Highly recommended: a must have for any library collection.

Contains: gruesome and shocking depictions of horror, sometimes real, though often times imagined.

Review by Bob Freeman.

Gothic Classics: Graphic Classics edited by Tom Pomplun

Eureka Productions, 2007

ISBN:0978791908

Available: New

    Gothic Classics is a collection of gothic tales both long and short.  This genre usually features fainting heroines, brooding heroes, haunted castles, and mysterious supernatural horrors.  “Carmilla”, by J. Sheridan Le Fanu, is a tale of vampires predating Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” “The Mysteries of Udolpho”, by Ann Radcliffe, is a tale of romance and horror that was widely popular in its time and influenced writers as diverse as Edgar Allan Poe and Jane Austen.  “Northanger Abbey” is Jane Austen’s parody of the gothic romance in general and “The Mysteries of Udolpho” in particular.  There are a few short tales including “The Oval Portrait” by Edger Allan Poe, and “At the Gate” by Myla Jo Closser.  These stories have the potential to appeal to a variety of different readers. More traditional horror enthusiasts will go for the vampire based tale of “Carmilla”, while fans of more a more blended version of romance and horror may be attracted to “The Mysteries of Udolpho”.  The book would benefit from an introduction explaining the characteristics of gothic literature and the connections between the different stories (especially the inclusion of “Northanger Abbey”). Gothic Classics has the potential to be a good teaching tool for advanced English classes. However, the complexities and nuances of the stories would not necessarily make this title a good hook for reluctant readers. Recommended for libraries serving high school and college students exploring this literary genre. Contains: violence and murder.

Graphic Classics: H.P. Lovecraft edited by Tom Pomplun

Eureka Productions, 2007

ISBN: 0974664898

Available: New

    Graphic Classics: H.P. Lovecraft is an excellent introduction to Lovecraft's writing. Seven tales are presented in a graphic novel format, with the intent of staying true to the original Lovecraft.  The stories are text heavy and the vocabulary is complex for an initial foray for reluctant readers, but the book will be an effective bridge  to Lovecraft's work for readers who are more comfortable with a graphic format.   The first story is  "The Shadow Over Innsmouth," a tale of a young man who discovers dark secrets in an eerie seaside town.   It is followed up by "Dreams in the Witch-House," about a young man haunted and possessed by an ancient evil in a boardinghouse.   The third story, "Sweet Ermengarde," is a parody of romance stories and provides a brief change in tone.   "Herbert West: Re-Animator," tells of a man obsessed with discovering the secret to reanimating the dead.  "The Cats of Ulthar" introduces a small town couple whose hatred of cats has deadly results. "The Terrible Old Man"  is about three thugs who search for hidden fortune in an old house.  The last story,  "The Shadow Out of Time,"  involves a professor's dreams that lead to a search for ancient buildings where evil awaits.   Each story has a different illustrator and different writer adapting the tale for the graphic format.  While H.P. Lovecraft’s stories do contain horror most of the killing is done “off stage”. Recommended for high schools. Contains: violence.     

Vampire Knight, Volume 1 by Matsuri Hino, and illustrated by Matsuri Hino

VIZ Media LLC, 2007

ISBN: 1421508222

Available: New

    This manga is set in an elite boarding school that is home to the "dayclass" (humans) and the "nightclass" (vampires). Yuki and Zero, both survivors of vampire attacks, now protect the Dayclass from the Nightclass and vice versa. The first book was quite good, revealing Zero's tragic secret and setting up an interesting love triangle between Yuki, Zero, and Kaname, the head of the vampires. I'll definitely buy more in the series. According to the manga, this is rated T for Older Teens and they're not kidding there, as the parallels between vampires and sex are pretty clearly drawn. That said, I just talked to an 8th grader today who LOVES this book. Highly recommended for purchase by public libraries. Contains:  implied  Sexual situation   Entry by Havoc.

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