Night of the Living Dead is a highly acclaimed horror film from 1968 that kick-started the zombie genre in pop culture. This Comic Book Collectors Edition presents a special version of the movie with a newly restored black-and-white print, accompanied by a unique and engaging visual comic book that enhances the experience of watching the film. This edition is a must-have for fans of horror movies and comics, as it offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale of survival against an unstoppable horde of flesh-eating ghouls.
The story of Night of the Living Dead follows a group of strangers who take refuge in an abandoned farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania after the dead start rising from their graves and attacking the living. The main protagonist, a resourceful man named Ben, tries to organize the group and fend off the zombies while figuring out what is causing the epidemic and how to escape. As the night wears on, the group dynamics become tense and the danger escalates, leading to a shocking and unforgettable climax.
What sets Night of the Living Dead apart from other horror movies of its time is its stark realism, social commentary, and inventive use of gore and suspense. Directed by George A. Romero, the movie was made on a shoestring budget, with amateur actors, and shot in grainy black-and-white. However, its low-fi aesthetics only add to its gritty and unsettling vibe, making it more relatable and believable. The film's commentary on race, class, and authority resonated with audiences in the late 1960s, when civil rights protests and the Vietnam War were in the headlines. The fact that Ben, the hero of the movie, was played by a black actor, Duane Jones, was also groundbreaking for its time and added to the film's political and cultural significance.
The Comic Book Collectors Edition of Night of the Living Dead offers a fresh twist on the classic movie by incorporating comic book art and storytelling into the viewing experience. The comic book panels appear on the sides of the screen, alternating with the movie scenes, and providing extra visual information, character insights, and subtext. The artwork is well-executed, with a touch of humor and nostalgia, conveying the style and atmosphere of classic horror comics from the same era as the movie. The comic panels also enhance the action and violence of the film, by highlighting specific moments of terror and gore in a more graphic and stylized way. This combination of live-action and comics creates a unique hybrid that can appeal to both film and comic book fans.
Apart from the visual aspect, the Comic Book Collectors Edition also provides some interesting extras and bonus content, such as a behind-the-scenes featurette, interviews with the cast and crew, a trivia game, and a documentary about the legacy of the zombie genre. These bonus features offer a comprehensive look at the making of the film, its impact on pop culture, and its lasting influence on horror movies and comics. It is fascinating to learn about the challenges that Romero and his team faced when making the movie, how they came up with the concept of zombies, and how they pushed the boundaries of what was possible in independent filmmaking. The bonus content also sheds light on the different interpretations and cultural meanings that the movie has acquired over the years. For instance, some critics have seen Night of the Living Dead as an allegory of the political and social turmoil of the late 1960s, while others have read it as a commentary on the human condition and the nature of evil.
Overall, Night of the Living Dead: Comic Book Collectors Edition is a high-quality and entertaining package that celebrates the artistry, impact, and relevance of a classic horror movie. The combination of the restored black-and-white print and the comic book panels provides a new and exciting way of watching the film that can appeal to both nostalgic and younger viewers. The bonus content adds depth and context to the movie and allows for a deeper appreciation of its cultural and historical significance. This edition is a must-have for any horror or comic book collector, as well as for anyone curious about the origins of the zombie genre and the evolution of popular culture.
