Title: Goosebumps
Writer: Jeremy Lambert
Artist: Chris Fenoglio
Letterer: Christa Miesner
Publisher: IDW
Earlier this year, horror icon R.L. Stine made his first foray into comic book writing with Marvel’s revamp of Man-Thing. Though the book sold pretty terribly, this reviewer adored its B-movie flare and gorgeous visuals. I would even go so far as to say it was one of the most fun titles I’ve read all year, and you should definitely pick up the trade when you get a chance.
Now, IDW returns to Stine’s most iconic series, just in time for Halloween. Goosebumps: Monsters at Midnight brings together everyone’s favorite creatures and settings for an all-new adventure. Writer Jeremy Lambert and artist Chris Fenoglio capture the nostalgia of the classic Goosebumps books and tv show, while also delivering an easy jumping-on-point for readers who are new to this universe.
The story follows Mia and Ginny as they stay in their grandmother’s bizarre, mothballed house for the summer. As boredom quickly creeps in, the mischievous kids find themselves thrown into a world of terror when they stumble upon the town’s eery library.
It’s as straightforward a premise as can be, but that’s the beauty of Goosebumps. Stine’s universe revels in the corny, the creepy and the weirdly supernatural. What really makes this comic is Fenoglio’s wonderfully cartoonish style. All of the characters are ridiculously exaggerated, which coincides perfectly with the book’s tone; and it’s the kind of story kids and adults can both enjoy. When you feel like taking a break from binge-watching Stranger Things this weekend, pick this one up and come by any Ultimate Comics location this Saturday for our Halloween party!