Halloween: NightDance #1
Halloween: NightDance #1
Written by Stefan Hutchinson
Art by Tim Seeley
Released: February 2008
Publisher: Devil’s Due Publishing
Story: Chapter One: A Shape in the Void
Premise: Halloween: NightDance is a four issue mini-series based around the Halloween mythos, with Michael Myers haunting the small town of Russellville, Illinois. This series takes place within the new continuity set into motion with Halloween: H20 and Halloween: Resurrection.
Plot Breakdown (spoilers): On October 29th, 2000, in Russellville, Illinois, Lisa reflects on her nightmares and darkening inner thoughts, hoping to one day dance herself free of them like a ballerina. The next day, she receives mail from a boy she used to babysit, Daniel. Daniel draws her pictures, which his mother then leaves for Lisa in her mailbox. Lisa takes her envelope from Daniel to school, where she and two friends discuss skipping school the next day to visit a traveling carnival. Lisa is shocked when she decides to open Daniel’s envelope and finds a child’s drawing, in crayon, depicting her death. Cut to Chicago, where Ryan and Marcie are taking a road trip Russellville, to visit Marcie’s family. They have not answered any of her calls, and concerned, she and Ryan plan to visit in person. Ryan reflects on how much he loves Marcie and what a good couple he thinks them to be. Later that night, a girl is held captive in an abandoned house, where she hears the screams of her companion, Ben, dying. She manages to escape her bonds and sees a man sitting in a chair looking at the dead body of Ben, which is tacked up to the wall. The girl manages to escape the house and flee into the storming night, with the man she saw in close pursuit. Meanwhile, Ryan and Marcie arrive in Russellville, where in the heavy storm, don’t see the running girl emerge from the woods. They hit her full on with their car, which then crashes nearby. Marcie gets out of the car to check on the girl, who is still alive. Ryan, hurt from crash, is horrified when a white masked man comes up from behind Marcie, stabs her in the back, and drags her into the darkness. In a panic, he stumbles out of the car after her, only to pass out. The next morning, Lisa checks her mailbox and finds another envelope, which she decides not to open. Her friend picks her up shortly after, and the two begin their “Halloween trip” to the traveling carnival. Unbeknownst to the car’s occupants however, Michael Myers begins stalking them.
The Good: An interesting first issue. The artwork is very solid and atmospheric, with good detail given to the characters and their surroundings. Colors are of a fall tone, which puts the reader easily in mind of Halloween. Character dialogue is well written, with each character having their own “voice.” It is not clear what Michael’s motivation is, though in the few panels he does appear, gives the reader a sense of dread for the supporting characters.
The Bad: Not much. The pacing for this issue is a little off, with three days rushed within the first issue. I suppose Halloween day/night will fill the remaining issues, so it remains to be seen how this will affect the overall story. Also, there is nothing in this issue that really “grabs” the reader, making them anticipate the next part of the story. It pretty much is a typical comic book based on a slasher franchise, running the risk of only die-hard fan interest.
Final Comments: Fine first issue, with good dialogue, solid artwork, and atmospheric tones.
Grade: B
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