Books
‘Halloween: Illustrated’ Review: Original Novelization of John Carpenter’s Classic Gets an Upgrade
Film novelizations have existed for over 100 years, dating back to the silent era, but they peaked in popularity in the ’70s and ’80s, following the advent of the modern blockbuster but prior to the rise of home video. Despite many beloved properties receiving novelizations upon release, a perceived lack of interest have left a majority of them out of print for decades, with desirable titles attracting three figures on the secondary market.
Once such highly sought-after novelization is that of Halloween by Richard Curtis (under the pen name Curtis Richards), based on the screenplay by John Carpenter and Debra Hill. Originally published in 1979 by Bantam Books, the mass market paperback was reissued in the early ’80s but has been out of print for over 40 years.
But even in book form, you can’t kill the boogeyman. While a simple reprint would have satisfied the fanbase, boutique publisher Printed in Blood has gone above and beyond by turning the Halloween novelization into a coffee table book. Curtis’ unabridged original text is accompanied by nearly 100 new pieces of artwork by Orlando Arocena to create Halloween: Illustrated.
One of the reasons that The Shape is so scary is because he is, as Dr. Loomis eloquently puts it, “purely and simply evil.” Like the film sequels that would follow, the novelization attempts to give reason to the malevolence. More ambiguous than his sister or a cult, Curtis’ prologue ties Michael’s preternatural abilities to an ancient Celtic curse.
Jumping to 1963, the first few chapters delve into Michael’s childhood. Curtis hints at a familial history of evil by introducing a dogmatic grandmother, a concerned mother, and a 6-year-old boy plagued by violent nightmares and voices. The author also provides glimpses at Michael’s trial and his time at Smith’s Grove Sanitarium, which not only strengthens Loomis’ motivation for keeping him institutionalized but also provides a more concrete theory on how Michael learned to drive.
Aside from a handful of minor discrepancies, including Laurie stabbing Michael in his manhood, the rest of the book essentially follows the film’s depiction of that fateful Halloween night in 1978 beat for beat. Some of the writing is dated — like a smutty fixation on every female character’s breasts and a casual use of the R-word — but it otherwise possesses a timelessness similar to its film counterpart. The written version benefits from expanded detail and enriched characters.
The addition of Arocena’s stunning illustrations, some of which are integrated into the text, creates a unique reading experience. The artwork has a painterly quality to it but is made digitally using vectors. He faithfully reproduces many of Halloween‘s most memorable moments, down to actor likeness, but his more expressionistic pieces are particularly striking.
The 224-page hardcover tome also includes an introduction by Curtis — who details the challenges of translating a script into a novel and explains the reasoning behind his decisions to occasionally subvert the source material — and a brief afterword from Arocena.
Novelizations allow readers to revisit worlds they love from a different perspective. It’s impossible to divorce Halloween from the film’s iconography — Carpenter’s atmospheric direction and score, Dean Cundey’s anamorphic cinematography, Michael’s expressionless mask, Jamie Lee Curtis’ star-making performance — but Halloween: Illustrated paints a vivid picture in the mind’s eye through Curtis’ writing and Arocena’s artwork.
Halloween: Illustrated is available now.
Books
‘A Comedy of Tragedies’ – Steve “Uncle Creepy” Barton’s Autobiography Now Available for Pre-Order
Known to horror fans as “Uncle Creepy,” prolific journalist and producer Steve Barton tells the wild story of his life and career in the upcoming autobiography A Comedy of Tragedies, which will be released by Encyclopocalypse Publications on December 10, 2024.
Paperback pre-orders in the USA are now available directly at encyclopocalypse.com, with International Pre-orders soon to be available via Amazon, Waterstones, and Booktopia. The first 100 paperback copies pre-ordered through the site will come with a signed bookplate.
Beginning today, eBook pre-orders are also now available for everyone via encyclopocalypse.com and all major online booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
All pre-orders via the Encyclopocalypse site will get the book 2 weeks early.
Check out the cover reveal below and read on for everything you need to know.
Encyclopocalypse Publications previews, “As the co-founder and former Editor-in-Chief of Dread Central, Barton is a pioneer of horror journalism who became one of the internet’s first genre influencers. His autobiography is a behind-the-scenes look at the horror filmmaking industry as it transitioned from cinema’s stepchild to mainstream media darling. Barton writes in a voice that is uniquely captivating, utterly enjoyable, and authentic as hell.
“This book is not just about industry insights; it’s a poignant journey through peaks and valleys, told with unfiltered emotional honesty. From grappling with the stark realities of 9/11 to being mentored by icons like George A. Romero and Sid Haig and ultimately playing a pivotal role in the success of the Terrifier film franchise, A Comedy of Tragedies is a story for everyone and anyone who dreams big in the face of daunting odds and lives to tell the tale.”
“I’ve spent my entire life creating things and places to feel like I belong, because I have never really fit in anywhere,” says Steve Barton. “If that sounds at all familiar to you, pull up a seat, there’s lots of room. You’re not alone, and if you just keep getting up when they knock you down, and keep breathing, you’ll make it through. If my story can help just one person, then every tear… every agony… every laugh…has been worth it.”
A Comedy of Tragedies features cover art by VFX artist KillJosh Petrino and layout by author Scott A. Johnson. The audiobook version will be available in conjunction with Redfield Arts Audio, featuring narration by actor Mark Redfield and original music and sound design by Jennifer Rouse.
Here’s some advanced praise for the upcoming autobiography…
“A wild rollercoaster ride filled with laughter, love, and passion for life, told with the brutal honesty of a true survivor. This isn’t your typical Hollywood memoir. A Comedy of Tragedies dives deep into the heart of a man who’s battled the darkness and emerged, not unscathed, but with a wicked wit and a captivating story to tell.”
− Director, Daniel Farrands, Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy
“Steve’s stories about the horror industry are the stuff of legend… this book gives horror fans a seat at the campfire as Uncle Creepy tells the tale!”
− Phil Nobile, Jr. – Fangoria
“Utterly compelling, courageous unflinching and at times hilarious, the author takes you through a childhood of trauma, the personal impact of 9/11 and into the highs and lows of the Hollywood film industry. An inspirational story of the indomitable human spirit, and one which I just couldn’t put down. A must read.”
− Sean Decker, Writer, Journalist
“A Comedy of Tragedies is an evocative tale of Steve’s personal apocalypse with gallows humor. It’s a story of overcoming abuse and alienation with strength, wit, and a determination to thrive. Kudos to him for his courage and resilience.”
− Kyra Schon, Night of the Living Dead
“A Comedy of Tragedies reflects how its author has lived his life, with an open heart and honest candor. There are hilarious anecdotes conveyed with a curious mix of vulgarity, humor, and incongruous, but somehow wholly appropriate, innocence and guile. The book will inspire readers to see ourselves in his struggle and realize we aren’t alone in this life.”
− Michael Felsher, Filmmaker and Historian
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