The Graveyard Club: Fresh Blood #1 Is Old-Fashioned Horror Comic Goodness (Review)

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R.L. Stine is renowned as one of America’s leading horror authors, though some might argue that Stephen King takes the top spot. However, Stine’s ‘Goosebumps’ series has left an indelible mark on our culture. With over 300 books under his belt, many of which have been translated to screen, Stine’s work spans a wide range within the horror genre, catering to both children and adults—a rarity among horror writers. A fan of comics himself, Stine recently announced ‘The Graveyard Club‘, with the latest instalment, ‘#1 – Fresh Blood’, being released last April. This new chapter follows a group of teenagers in Grave’s End, offering a delightful dose of classic horror comic flair.

As I delved into the pages of this captivating book, it sparked a nostalgic sense within me – a desire to keep these lively teens out of my own youthful years, a clear indication that age has indeed crept up on me! Yet, despite this sentiment, the quartet consisting of Patti, Trip, Rhonda, and Parker proved to be an instant delight, embodying the ideal ensemble of teenage heroes for this gripping tale.

The dialogue in this book feels reminiscent of a classic Marvel or Archie horror comic, serving up a delightful dose of vintage horror humor that adds a unique charm to the narrative. If it were any other horror style, perhaps more hard-edged and gritty, this book might not have captured my heart as it does now.

The story unveils a series of intriguing mysteries, with the disappearance of Rhonda and Parker’s fathers forming the core mystery leading up to the exposure of one of Grave’s End’s deepest secrets.

This narrative exhibits elements typical of an outcast tale, showcasing both its pros and cons. It’s filled with adolescent antics, as the quartet creatively finds ways to entertain themselves. Instead of portraying them as pitiful misfits, they are presented as equally formidable characters. However, this approach has its drawbacks; at times, the quartet appears to overstep boundaries in their revenge, which can be excessive but also adds an element of excitement to the comic.

The central storyline is engaging, sparking curiosity about the mystery hidden within the town. Goosebumps author R.L. Stine skillfully develops both characters and plots, maintaining reader interest throughout the lengthy comic. The pacing is well-balanced, preventing the extended length from feeling overly prolonged.

In this book, the artwork by Carola Borelli, Francesco Segala, and Gloria Martinelli stands out as the star. Borelli’s unique style perfectly complements the story, creating an appropriate eerie ambiance for this chilling tale. Her linework is exceptional, and she excels in character portrayal. In comics, it can be challenging to depict characters under the age of adulthood convincingly, but Borelli’s detailed art does a fantastic job. The characters are teenagers, not just young adults, and there’s an infectious energy about them that leaps from the pages. Her monster design is impressive, and she effectively transports readers into the town. The backgrounds in her panels are richly detailed, suggesting Borelli doesn’t compromise on the smallest elements of her work.

Borelli’s art stands out in every aspect, but particularly through the vibrant colors provided by Segala and Martinelli. Color plays a crucial role in setting atmosphere, arguably more so than pencils, and the coloring in this comic is nothing short of spectacular. The book, Grave’s End, aims to create a chilling ambiance, and the color gradients used in each scene effectively achieve this goal. For instance, when they enter the pharmacy for Patti to apply for a job, there’s a cool-toned wash over the scene, evoking the feel of artificial lighting and adding an undercurrent of danger that wouldn’t be present with more natural coloring. This theme carries throughout the book; the colors in this comic are essential in establishing the mood and consistently succeed. To make young adult horror stand out, it often employs various techniques, and the coloring is a significant part of why The Graveyard Club: Fresh Blood #1 looks so impressive.

In a nutshell, the first issue of “The Graveyard Club: Fresh Blood” by R.L. Stine stands out as an exceptional example of YA horror genre, showcasing Stine’s expertise in crafting such tales. Though the narrative isn’t flawless, it maintains an engaging pace that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next. The artwork is the defining element, setting a chilling, suspenseful mood, boasting intricate details, and vividly portraying the characters. Essentially, this is how YA horror should be done.

Rating: 3.8 out of 5

Published by BOOM! Studios

Released on April 30, 2025

Written by R.L. Stine

Art by Carola Borelli

Colors by Francesco Borelli and Gloria Martinelli

Letters by Jim Campbell

The Graveyard Club: Fresh Blood #1 is on sale now.

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2025-04-30 15:09