While Halloween is most often associated with all things spooky, other holidays also provide rich material for terrifying ghost stories. (Christmas is still a long way off!) And while that's still a long way off, author Steve Niles has embraced the holiday spirit with his new graphic novel, Heartbreak Manor, and FANGORIA offers you an exclusive preview.
The 100-page hardcover book, written by Niles, features illustrations and coloring by Damien Worm, and editing and typography by Monica Richards. The book's summary is as follows:
When Sally Madison moves in with her wealthy new parents, they seem ready to provide her with everything she could ever want. Grateful to have been rescued from an orphanage, Sally finds it difficult to trust her adoptive family. To make matters worse, her new home is a mysterious mansion full of secrets and rooms strictly off-limits. Trying to make sense of this strange place and her new life, Sally decides to find out why so many doors are locked and why her new parents disappear at night... And with Christmas approaching, she realizes she must uncover the deadly secret of Heartbreak Manor before it's too late.
«"Working with Steve is always a joy because his scripts get straight to the point on every page and every frame, and then he gives you complete freedom to bring them to life in your own way," says Worm. "I've always loved the aesthetic of the early 1900s. I truly believe that with its atmosphere, art style, and stunning interior and exterior architecture, it's one of the best periods for horror stories.".
«"For me, there will always be something magical about it that's simply missing from the modern era. That's why I consider Heartbreak Manor my personal homage to everything I've always loved about the last century: gothic ghost stories, the unsettling yet beautiful and captivating atmosphere. It will capture the entire look and feel of an old mansion, where ghosts are woven into the decor as just another element of the setting.".
Heartbreak Manor is the sixth collaboration between Niles and Worm, who also worked on projects like Monster & Madman and October Faction. In addition to the deluxe hardcover edition, the team behind the new story has teamed up with darkwave musician Anthony Roumanis to create a special Heartbreak Manor-themed soundtrack, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in Sally's terrifying world.
Heartbreak Manor's release date hasn't been announced yet. Watch an exclusive clip below: