Now Read This: Never by Night (2024)

“Never by Night” is an essential horror anthology, a captivating and chilling graphic novel harkening back to the best of old-school horror.

If the tagline “There are no hosts, you’re all alone” hints at anything, it’s the unsettling journey awaiting readers in Jonathan Chance’s Never by Night. This anthology graphic novel spins four horror tales, each written by Chance, offering a fresh twist on familiar fears.

A must-read for horror anthology fans, both seasoned and new, Never by Night invites you on a journey through the unknown – echoing the old-school charm of classics like Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt.

The anthology opens with If I Never Come Back, a story steeped in Lovecraftian dread with a touch of ‘80s horror nostalgia.

The story follows a man who returns to his childhood home, a place laden with memories of a terrifying encounter that drove him away. Visually, If I Never Come Back feels almost cinematic – a credit to illustrator Dell Barras and colorist Davi Comodo. The vibrant imagery and striking color choices evoke the essence of classic ‘80s horror, where bold, saturated tones amplify the sense of unease.

But what truly stands out in this story—and the others in the anthology—is Chance’s decision to embrace an unsettling, unhappy ending.

By steering clear of neat resolutions, Chance adds to the horror and leaves us with a sinister sense of finality that makes the tales linger. This choice not only adds depth to the story but also honors the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of true horror, making each conclusion feel hauntingly authentic.

The second story is Chronicles of the Occult: Tennison.

Set in 1937, Tennison is a love letter to the classic ghost stories that have shaped the genre. The story follows a man haunted by a paranormal incident from his youth that drives him to investigate the unknown. Chance’s moody storytelling is beautifully complimented by C.E. Zacherl’s vintage-style art, invoking an unsettling yet familiar eeriness.

The story’s pacing is deliberate and works, layering suspense with each panel and inviting us into a world where every detail hints at deeper, more sinister secrets. Tennison is arguably the tamest of the four tales, with very little action, but it is gripping nonetheless, and fans of historical horror will relish its hints at future mysteries.

Next, Respect Your Elders takes a sharp turn into the realm of familial horror.

In a chilling twist on the family drama, this story sees a pair of desperate parents taking extreme measures to manage their rebellious teenager. They bring her to a strange trailer park filled with elderly residents, promising a solution that quickly spirals out of control.

This one almost feels like a fairytale of old, a cautionary tale with an unpredictable outcome that is arguably one of the most disturbing in the anthology.

The anthology closes with This One’s a Winner, a dark and twisted tale that concludes the anthology with a jarring impact.

This story takes readers to the high-stakes world of Las Vegas, following a young family on vacation as they experience the city’s less glamorous, even dangerous, underbelly. Much like the previous tales, Chance takes a slow-burn approach, only to throw us into an unexpected and disturbing finale that fans of the more grotesque subgenres will appreciate.

Not to give too much away, “This One’s a Winner” is without a doubt the most disturbing tale in the anthology, with an ending that twists your stomach into knots and leaves you feeling as if you’ve just been gut-punched by an unexpected revelation.

Visually, this story is brought to life with striking artwork by illustrator Fernando Damasio and colorist Roman Stevens, capturing the bright yet seedy allure of Las Vegas. In This One’s a Winner, readers are treated to a fitting conclusion that highlights not only the darkness of the narrative but also the artistry that elevates Never by Night into a memorable horror anthology.

Never by Night is the first volume in a series Chance will be released every year around Halloween, and it sets a thrilling precedent for what’s to come.