By Dave Roman
4 Stars
I'm a fan of Goosebumps and I was excited to read through Slappy's Tales of Horror: A Graphic Novel. This is a collection of four classic Goosebumps stories that are re-imagined in a graphic novel format. Imminent visuals have brought the creepy atmosphere of the original books to life; the art style is dynamic, with new dimensions to the stories, which make these classics feel new again, having the spook and suspense alike.
A graphic novel suits Goosebumps stories; it keeps the pace of quick thrills the series is known for. The panel layouts and illustrations keep the thrill of the moments even soaring, which keeps readers glued to the panels to the very end. It shifts along fast, the same as the books, and is perfect for those into surprise and twist. It captures the essence of the original stories.
Now, it didn't go deep into character development or slow-burning suspense at times, but visual storytelling allows for spotlighting more tense moments, thus shining on the experience. Breaking from a plain view, this enthusiastic, bold, and expressive art brings forth the Goosebumps world, so real one cannot fathom through plain words. The graphic novel makes for a great introduction for a child who might be new to Goosebumps or even graphic novels.
For older audiences, this is an even more interesting way to revisit those classic tales from a different angle. If you have a soft spot for Goosebumps, give the graphic novels a shot; in them, you will find an engaging and fun read.
Reviewed by Becky
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