May 1, 2008
Gr 4-8-Four classic tales of horror and one original monster story are presented in this series. Styles of art and lettering are matched to the period and tone of each volume. Hos illustrations for "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" are sepia-toned and accompanied by text in an ornate font, while Zornows "Sleepy Hollow" scenes range from the bright colors of a sunlit farm to the dark, moody road late at night, all accompanied by classic comic-book lettering. Zornows original werewolf tale pits the beast against an array of monsters commanded by a vampire in an action-packed adventure well suited to its length. "Frankenstein", "Jekyll & Hyde", and "Mummy" (based on an unspecified Bram Stoker work, but drawing heavily on "The Jewel of Seven Stars"), unfortunately, all suffer from being so condensed. Still, young horror fans will enjoy these graphic (not gory) renditions."Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, North Hollywood"
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2008
These comic-book versions of classic and original horror tales are generally well served by the format (though the font is tiny). The dark-toned illustrations help build suspense, and characters are clearly delineated as good or evil. Readers unfamiliar with the originals may be inspired to seek them out. Most stories feature violence but not an abundance of gore.
(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)