COMIC BOOK REVIEW: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (FantaCo) #1-4 & Prequel

COMIC BOOK REVIEW: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (FantaCo) #1-4 & Prequel

I rarely ever do reviews of individual comic books but this one warrant’s it since it has yet to be gathered into a graphic novel or trade paperback form. FantaCo’s official adaptation of the original 1968 film Night of the Living Dead is a testament to how a film adaption can go so right instead of so wrong (which is the norm). Having read many comic book adaptations of films (i.e. Batman, Willow, Darkman, Arachnophobia, Star Trek 6, and the list goes on and on) very few strive to be more then the film itself. This four issue prestige format series debuted in 1991 (even though I just recently got my hands on all the issues) from writers Tim Skulan & Eric Stanway, artist Carlos Kastro (with Eric Meheu), and letterer Mary Kelleher. Based on the original screenplay by George A. Romero & John Russo this comic book adaptation is a testament to great storytelling not only through words but through pictures and art.

Anyone who has seen the original film will know that there are many instances where very little dialogue is spoken as you watch the characters go through there personal revelations of a world plunged into the darkness of the undead. The film is everything from the film (most of the dialogue is lifted straight from the film) but the film also goes to a lot of the back story of the characters that is just hinted at in the film. When Ben tells Barbara his first encounter at the diner you see the events unfold in the comic and the Prequel issue shows you everything that happens to the Tom & Judy characters and the Coopers just before they arrive at the house.

Katro’s artwork is haunting at times and perfect for the unsettling imagery of the undead killing the living and the black & white artwork is a perfect compliment to the film. Some of the images are even more haunting on the page then in the film. I was reminiscing about the great artwork from the EC Comics era and how much Katro’s work mirrors that. And for those wanting to see a little color to their horror, the four covers to the issues are rendered in contrasting color tones (although the Prequel issue is still in black & white).

This is truly a great series to have in any collection, which is why it is a shame it hasn’t been collected as yet. FantaCo also produced only (non-related) issues in this series but it is Avatar that picked up the mantel by doing sequels to the landmark film (so be on the look out for those). Great film to comic book adaptations are rarely done right so it would be in your best interest to pick up this one.