HEADLESS HORSEMAN comics anthology from Dark Horse for Halloween
New 56-page Halloween anthology features horror comics by a terrifyingly terrific slate of creators
Comics publisher Dark Horse is a regular in the horror comics space, like publishing the Hellboy comics from creator Mike Mignola, the supernatural detective Criminal Macabre comics from creator Steve Niles, and the Count Crowley comics from creator David Dastmalchian. Now Dark Horse has added the new 56-page horror anthology The Headless Horseman Halloween Annual 2023.
One of the Headless Horseman Halloween contributors is actor and comics writer David Dastmalchian. (You saw him in a couple of Ant-Man movies and as Polka-Dot Man in the underrated 2021 movie The Suicide Squad.)
As a comics writer, Dastmalchian told CBR that he LOVES anthological horror like classic EC Comics:
“I have always looked at short film, short fiction, and short anthological comic book writing, as greatly inspired by Rod Serling, O. Henry, and Poe. I feel like they’re most effective, and this does not mean they have to be funny if they work like a good joke, where it’s a great setup and a great punch line. I also think there’s a wonderful space in things that horrify us for laughter and comedy.”
Dark Horse editor Megan Walker told Fangoria:
“Doing a Halloween-themed anthology has always been a dream of mine, and we were able to assemble a fantastic crew of creators to help carry out that vision. The book is full of fun, creepy, and iconic stories that will scare and delight readers, I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it!”
In addition to Dastmalchian, The Headless Horseman Halloween Annual 2023 also includes stories by these creators: Angela Slatter (Castle Full of Blackbirds), Lukas Ketner (Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter), Olivia Stephens (Darlin’ and Her Other Names), Phillip Sevy (Tomb Raider, The House), Christie Porter, Leah Kilpatrick, Valeria Burzo (Castle Full of Blackbirds), Tyler Crook (Harrow County), and Frank Cvetkovic (The House).
Find Headless Horseman Halloween Annual 2023 on Amazon
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About the original Headless Horseman
The Dark Horse comic seems to be using an alternate version of the headless horseman. (Isn’t that actually a headless horsewoman?)
The original Headless Horseman debuted in the classic short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” published in 1820 by author Washington Irving. Regularly making its rounds in pop culture—especially around Halloween—the story revolves around a character believed to be a Hessian soldier who was decapitated during a battle. Over the years, the story has been adapted and revisited many times, including projects from Disney, Tim Burton, and more.
Further reading:
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Further reading online
Halloween Is Coming: 7 New Comics for Horror Fans (New York Times)
Best Horror Comics/Graphic Novels—more than 500 books! (Goodreads)
The Walking Dead #100 Is The Perfect Horror Book For Halloween (CBR)
10 Best Horror Comic Books of All Time (Screen Rant)
The Best Horror Comics to Read Right Now (Thrillist)
Night of the Ghoul Director on What Drew Him to Scott Snyder Horror Comic (ComingSoon.net)
Marvel: Best Horror Comics (Game Rant)
13 Essential Horror Comics (Den of Geek)
Hellboy: The Wolves of Saint August Is A Great Horror Comic For Halloween (CBR)
The TOP 13 HORROR COMICS Series of the 1970s (13th Dimension)
Horror Comics to Carry You Through the End of the Year (Book Riot)
Somna: Comics Superstars Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay Join Forces for New Horror Series (IGN)
7 Classic Horror Comics Murdered by CCA Censorship (The Escapist)
The 1957 sci-fi horror movie called the “worst film ever made” has a new book version coming for the 100th birthday of Edward D. Wood Jr., the man who wrote, directed, produced, and even edited the movie.