Book Review: Eerie Archives, Volume 4

Various authors, Eerie Archives, Volume 4. Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Books, 2024. ISBN: 9781506736228. 

Genre: horror

Subgenre: comics

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library 

 

The series continues to be a good and entertaining read. This volume features issues 16-22 of Eerie Magazine. Some of the authors and artists featured include Archie Goodwin, Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, and Steve Ditko. The variety in art styles is a good reason to read this volume and the series. This volume features an interview with Al Williamson where he discusses his work for EC Comics,  Warren Publishing, and Archie Goodwin.

Some of my favorite stories in this volume include: 

• "Dracula's Guest," an adaptation of a Bram Stoker story.
• "The Final Solution."
• "The Death of Halpin Frayser," an adaptation of an Ambrose Bierce tale. 
• "Side show," about a group of carnival side show performers and a murder mystery. This one offers a solid twist at the end. 

The quality of the tales overall in this volume is a bit inconsistent compared to previous volumes, but there are still plenty of good tales to keep you reading. I always enjoy the literary adaptations. I also enjoy the twists at the end. The best stories in this series usually deliver that twist or surprise at the end that stays with you after reading. 

This continues to be a good series overall. I do recommend it for libraries with graphic novel and comics collections. It makes for good Halloween reading, but you can read it any time. Overall, I really liked it, and I'll keep reading the series down the road. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

This book qualifies for the following 2025 Reading Challenge: