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Air date: Oct. 27, 2024
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JESSICA:
Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.
Today's two reading recommendations are both graphic novels with a flair for the spooky.
First, we’re going to hear from Jen, library associate at the Arlington Library, for a journey of uncovering a lost horror film’s chilling secrets. Take it away, Jen.
JEN:
Thanks, Jessica. Scott Snyder and Francesco Francavilla’s graphic novel, “Night of the Ghoul” is a creeping terror. A father and son embark on a mission to confront the director of a lost, incomplete horror film called “Night of the Ghoul.”
Forest, the father, is emphatic that it is likely the greatest horror movie ever created. The fragments of the film reel he discovered have him convinced, and he needs to know what happened, however the elusive director, T.F. Merrit has been difficult to track down. Tonight, Forest and his son, Orson, think they have finally located Merrit at a remote institution. The patient is an elderly, physically deformed man who at first denies the association, however events begin to unfold that reveal not only Meritt and the truth behind “Night of the Ghoul,” but an ancient monster, the embodiment of disease that feeds on humanity.
This Dark Horse publication is an homage to the horror genre. Francavilla’s signature pulpy art style is a saturated, sumptuous throwback to EC horror Comics, with references to “Nosferatu,” “The Thing,” and many other horror cinema greats. Like any good entry to the genre, it has a multitude of themes, from the paranormal to the human experience. Snyder’s storytelling method splicing snippets of the film with reality reveal an elaborate, rich world of darkness and intrigue. For fans of horror, graphic novels, or both, it is not to be missed this spooky season!
JESSICA:
Thanks, Jen! This book sounds terrifying and intriguing. I can't wait to dive into their twisted world.
Next, let’s hear about a devilish tale of fantasy and historical fiction from Madeline, librarian at the Marysville Library. Over to you, Madeline.
MADELINE:
“The Chromatic Fantasy” by debut author H.A. is a swashbuckling romance perfect for your haunted autumn reading list.
Jules is a trans man who accepts a deal with the devil to escape the Catholic convent where he’s forced to live as a nun. On the outside, he explores his masculinity and his freedom, taking to the roads as a bandit and carousing his way through medieval villages. He links up with a band of thieves and meets Casper, a poet and former courtesan. And together, they embark on thrilling adventures, falling deeply in love while they explore ruins, scheme against a royal court, and finally, literally battle their inner demons.
This is a gorgeous graphic novel, a historical fiction with vibrant, almost zany illustrations inspired by stained glass and marginalia. It’s sprinkled with anachronisms too; Jules uses a cracked iPhone and contemplates getting a job at Starbucks to afford top surgery.
What I loved most though was the incredibly tender romance set against Casper and Jules’ surreal exploits. We see them cuddle and banter, then battle a magic serpent. Jules carries the devil in an amulet and Casper thinks it’s dashing. “The Chromatic Fantasy” is sweet, steamy, and it’s weird, a hilarious phantasmagorical horror. But ultimately, it’s about two debauched guys accepting and loving each other with their whole hearts.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Madeline! This wild story is complemented by beautifully drawn images for a complete package.
Our recommendations this week are: “Night of the Ghoul” by Scott Snyder and “The Chromatic Fantasy” by H.A.
Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.
Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.
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