IDW Publishing 2017
Written by Steve Niles
Illustrated by Piotr Kowlaski
Coloured by Brad Simpson
Lettered by Tom B. Long
It’s the last day of sunlight in Barrow, Alaska, before the month-long night arrives. Walt Berle has spotted a mysterious figure it the woods, but before Officer Stella Olemaun can investigate, she finds something else—the body of her husband, sheriff Eben Olemaun!
One of the things I really liked about the original is that finally the man was a hero in this story who lived, turned and died and was a great example of what heroism can be. Sure there are vampires here but the great thing about this is that it’s normal folks who are facing them. Steve is able bring a level of characterisation here that showcases what regular people are capable of in extreme situations and yes some rise and some fall and a few would sell you out to live but that is exactly what humans will do. I don’t know what to expect out of Stella here but since it’s Steve well heck I'm sure it be strong and believable.
While the death of Eben so soon has thrown me for a loop, that’s part of a re-imagining, I will say that I do like the path of similarity to the original. Just the fact that parts have been tweaked in certain ways so that it makes someone familiar with it go hmm while new readers or those who only saw the film will enjoy this for what it is. I am a huge fan of Steve’s and have been for longer than I care to admit and the way he can structure a story with the ebb & flow of the plot development/advancement the characterisation and action feel as natural as being on the lazy river and running into some rapids.
I am enjoying the fact that there is a fair amount of tension being built up here. We know here there be vampires but when they are going to make themselves known is another thing altogether and that kind of suspense is delicious. Also while no one knows how Eben died, well the technical terminology yes and by crushing his larynx it covers up a bite. It is smart and savvy thinking and I have to say this intelligent cunning activity makes me excited for what’s to come. After all monsters are scary enough but make them smart and cunning and we start to get more unnerved and afraid.
I love Piotr’s work and the way he is able to draw people is remarkable to me. The feel natural and real in themselves and the facial expressions and body language they give off is fantastic. Also kudos to whomever is putting in the falling snow because that’s an amazing effect to see used as prolifically as it is is a huge wow factor. The way we see page layouts and the angles and perspective in the panels reaffirms my opinion of Piotr’s eye for storytelling is very strong and solid. Also the backgrounds in use here are fantastic in bringing the place, area and this town to life.
At first I picked this up more out of curiosity because I was curious if this was a new story, and in essence it is just that. While it’s based upon what we already know this is an entity all it’s own and will behave in ways we can’t predict. That kind of anticipation is why Steve remains one of today’s best modern day storytellers. Not just of horror though he does excel in that area but the kind of storytelling that draws the reader in, takes them on a journey and leaves them gasping as the issue closes.
Once again the 30 Days of Night franchise is rejuvenated and being allowed to shine once more.