The Haunted Mask

August 1, 2024
In this graphic novel adaptation of one of Stine's most beloved Goosebumps books, a Halloween mask inspires brutal scares...for a price. Carly Beth Caldwell is easily frightened; everyone picks on her, from classmates Chuck and Steve to her little brother, Noah. This Halloween, however, she intends to get revenge by using a particularly hideous mask purchased from the forbidden section of a mysterious costume shop. It's way more effective than her mom's homemade duck outfit. But, like any horror story curio, it comes with dangerous warnings and high-stakes instructions. As Carly Beth and her best friend, Sabrina, set out for a night of trick-or-treating, Carly Beth finds that the mask makes her absolutely terrifying, but it also threatens to take over her personality, turning her into something of a local menace. Eventually, she finds she's unable to take it off. Readers who recall the original tale will relish watching timid Carly enact her righteous vengeance at the risk of her own identity. The artwork sells her scaredy-cat reactions as effectively as her masked, monstrous moments. Some comedic elements balance the body horror, such as a cute cameo from Stine and gag comic strips that close out the book. Carly Beth and her family are light-skinned; Chuck and Steve are tan-skinned; Sabrina is brown-skinned. Successfully injects new life into a thrilling Goosebumps classic. (information on adapting the book into comics form, search-and-find game)(Graphic horror. 8-12)

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August 30, 2024

Gr 3-6-While Stine's original Goosebumps series continues to captivate young readers with its blend of spine-chilling suspense and engaging storytelling, new graphic novel adaptations are sure to win over even more fans. Here, Carly Beth is determined to overcome her reputation as the "scaredy-cat" of her school. After a cruel prank leaves her humiliated, Carly Beth seeks a Halloween costume that will make her peers truly afraid. Her quest leads her to a mysterious costume shop, where she acquires, after a great deal of negotiation, an eerie mask from an off-limits backroom. Initially, the mask seems perfect, but Carly Beth soon discovers that it may hold a power stronger and scarier than she can control. Dark and intense illustrations add a new layer of horror to the original narrative, with a tone that is both grim and darkly humorous. While some expressions in the artwork may seem simplistic, the graphic novel captures the essence of the story and its suspenseful twists, making it a compelling read for fans of the series and newcomers alike. VERDICT This graphic novel adaptation is a worthy addition to any library, offering a chilling, immersive experience that remains true to Stine's iconic tale.-Louie Lauer

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