From alien horrors to VHS nightmares, “NEVER BY NIGHT VOL. 2” is an essential addition to your horror shelf.
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Last year, Jonathan Chance released his first installment of Never by Night, an anthology graphic novel that echoed the old-school charm of classics like Tales of the Crypt and Creepshow. This year, he released Volume 2, an equally strong entry with a new collection of artists and stories to keep us engaged.
This time, packing more of a punch with gruesome tales that are sure to leave readers grossed out, intrigued, and begging for more. Just like Volume 1, Chance’s latest graphic novel includes four more “disturbing passages into the unknown.”
The anthology opens with Late Night Host, a unique twist on classic otherworldly tales.
The story follows Dick Holloway, a new Late Show host. On the night/early morning before his big premiere, he’s attacked by an alien creature that fuses itself to him, leading to a range of bizarre nightmares, hallucinations, and mutations.
This story harks back to several old and new tales, notably Lovecraftian horrors such as The Void and even, in parts, Late Night with the Devil. What Chance does, however, is turn what could be another generic entry into a relatable exploration of influence with a twist that, once understood, is exceptionally poignant.
The second story is Video Van Man, my personal favorite visually (thanks to Mike Bogdanovic’s perfect 80s-style graphics) and perhaps my second favourite overall.
The story is set in the late 80s, during the UK distribution bans of graphic films like Evil Dead. Running a business out of his van, Bob rents the banned films to happy customers, but each comes with a set of strict rules. Following the rules leads to a happy relationship, but breaking the rules, such as ruining the tapes or spreading word about his business too much, comes at a price.
This one is very retro, reminiscent of some of the decade’s best horror entries. It’s all down to personal taste. If you’re not a fan of 80s cheese, you may find this story a little too drenched in neon nostalgia. But if you are a fan, you’re in for a blood-soaked love letter to the VHS era.
Next is Now All Is Silver Blue, a chilling yet strangely beautiful tale that shifts from the VHS grime of the previous entry into something more melancholic.
It follows Eddie, a father clinging to survival in a snow-covered, post-apocalyptic wasteland, who’s pushed to his breaking point when his son is taken by creatures lurking in the blizzard. Artist Emilio Utrera does an exceptional job with his icy blue and burning orange visuals, showing both the cold and desperation of a parent’s love. While the story moves quickly and doesn’t linger as long as it could, its pacing actually gives it an energy that suits Eddie’s world.
It’s more action-driven than psychological, but the final moments hit hard, closing with a gut punch that reminds you just how fragile hope can be when the world turns white.
Saving the best for last, the anthology closes with Collect Them All, a gruesome finale that sums up the spirit of Never by Night.
Set in the 90s, the story follows a grandfather and his granddaughter spending a day at Pirate Pete’s, a funhouse where a batch of defective lick-and-stick tattoos unleashes a nightmare straight out of an urban legend. The concept alone is brilliant, but it’s Chance’s emotional touch that both subverts expectations and pushes the story further. Rodel Noora’s art is stunning, with a crisp, storybook quality that contrasts beautifully with the carnage, and the bond between the grandfather and granddaughter gives the bloodshed real weight.
It’s heartfelt, horrific, and cinematic, easily the standout of the collection and proof that Chance knows exactly how to end on a high (and horrifying) note.
Chance hopes to continue this tradition with more Never by Night volumes in the years to come. With Volume 1 and 2 both being exceptional inquisitions into the unknown, it’s exciting to see what he comes up with next.
Overall Rating (Out of 5 Butterflies): 4.5
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