Author Steve Niles became a sensation after writing the graphic novel, 30 Days of Night. The unique vampire tale was adapted into a Hollywood blockbuster and won over many fans, as well as brought a newfound crowd back into the horror comic universe. This summer, Niles returns to the page with a new intimate fright fiction, which explores the depravity of adolescent human psyche. Teaming up with the talented artist, Trevor Denham, this talented duo attempt to take the Horror Nation on another terror trip into a new horror hole.
The year is 1979 and a young teenager named Stewart is desperately seeking his way through school, social awkwardness, and a poor family dynamic. Peter, a new student at Stewart’s school who also lives in the same shady apartment community as Stewart, is also attempting to find his way in a world that has cast him into the shadows. The unlikely teens meet through fate and very quickly become best friends. Their relationship is forged through a passion in the darker arts of film, literature, and music. While Stewart’s love of the alternative life is more of an escape from his depressing life, Peter’s passion is a much darker craving which blurs the lines between fiction and reality. After several events which get the boys in trouble with the authorities, it becomes clear that Peter is beginning to form his own terror tale. After initially brushing off some minor incidents, Stewart must choose to return to the light or be brought down into the horror hole by his disturbed friend.
Author Niles brought new life into the old-world lore of vampires with 30 Days of Night, once again the talented scribe refreshes a genre staple with a frightening new plot. The story of the outcast gone dark has been spewed on page and screen time and time again, The Killing Hole is a new dark take that drives the narrative with the complexity of the difficult transition from child to young adult. Niles adds to the plot by creating empathy for both Stewart and Peter, as well as giving sub-text to their lives through family and social settings. From their first encounter, through their journey to the dark side, the relationship of the boys will both capture and tear out the heart of the reader. Artist Trevor Dunham and Ryan Winn enhance the plot with terrific imagery that both captures the grit and style of the late 1970’s. Legendary comic artist Janice Chiang presents perfect lettering, keeping the reader’s eyes glued to the page from the opening sentence until the thrilling conclusion. Sandy King’s Storm King Comics has been a staple in the comic world since 2012, with their Dark and Twisted line keeping horror hounds howling for more. The Killing Hole will be yet another fine addition to this popular brand.
Scream Score: 8.5/10