By WILLIAM J. WRIGHT
Although Halloween is still nearly two months away, Storm King Comics, the publishing division of Storm King Productions headed by writer-producer-editor Sandy King (wife of legendary filmmaker John Carpenter) understands that the Samhain season begins in September for hardcore horror fans. In the spirit of the most terrifying time of the year, Storm King Comics (now in its tenth year) is unleashing four new titles sure to send shivers down readers’ spines.
First up is Death Mask, the inaugural title of Storm King Comic’s all-new Dark & Twisted imprint. Available now online and in comic shops, Death Mask sees King and New York Times best-selling author Amanda Deibert teaming with artist Cat Staggs and renowned letterer Janice Chiang for an unforgettably intense tale of murder and justice.
However, it’s not all mind-ripping horror and grue. From its Storm Kids imprint, Storm King Comics has younger readers in mind with Stanley and the Haunted House, a classically spooky tale that finds its eponymous squirrel hero spending the night in a ghost-infested manor. Featuring a story by Jeff Balke and the work of artists Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with lettering by Janice Chiang, Stanley and the Haunted House arrives on September 13.
The long-awaited ninth volume of John Carpenter’s Tales for a Halloweenight arrives online and in comic book stores on September 27, with a wider bookstore release coming on October 9. This time, Carpenter and King have gathered thirteen writers and twenty-four artists to create a disturbing tome of terrifying tales that will have horror fans anxiously peering over their shoulders.
Also coming September 27 (bookstore release on October 10), is the trade paperback edition of David J. Schow‘s graphic novel The Envoy. A compelling sci-fi horror tale, The Envoy is the story of two scientists searching for alien life. One discovers a seemingly benevolent golden entity with a cure for Earth’s deadliest diseases, while the other finds something much more frightening.
“This is always a special time of year for Storm King Comics,” says King. “As the days shorten and cool and the scent of fall, mystery and intrigue fill the air … there’s no better way to celebrate than with one of the strongest lineups of titles in our history.”
All titles can be pre-ordered at www.StormKingComics.com, where additional details and pricing for each can be found. See the trailer for Death Mask, featuring music by John Carpenter, below.
