Paddy's Reviews > Night of the Ghoul

Night of the Ghoul’s synopsis grabbed my attention from the off before I’d even decided to purchase it - and while not the most original narrative conceit, it was tantalising enough for my hand to click the “BUY” button as if it were possessed.

It’s a quick read. Snyder’s script is pretty poor to be honest - it’s idea being far better than its - if you’ll pardon the pun - execution. However, it’s Francavilla’s art which does all the heavy lifting with regards creating any sense of real atmosphere and drama here. It’s bold and vibrant, using a purposefully restrained palette for much of its pagination, relying on heavy contrasts than nuance to great effect. This is exploited later in the story when other colours leap from its pages adding a whole other level to Snyder’s schlocky schtick.

Snyder’s script swiftly sags due to its slow and choppy pacing and a few oddly-placed frame jumps that point to bad editing. It’s certainly not going to win any awards for the way it wraps things-up, which is a shame because all along I was kinda hoping it would at least push back against those dusty conventions and surprise me - but nope. It’s very much a case of w.y.s.i.w.y.g: you may come for the Ghoul, but you’ll find yourself staying for the Art.

FOR FANS OF:
Creepshow
Tales from the Crypt