Before I kick this off, I'd just like to thank everyone whose been sending positive feedback to me on the recent Gooseblogs and this entire month of reviews. As of this publishing, there are still only six left to publish for this month before we take a break. Current plan is to do the latter half of the original 62 in a couple months time. Right now aiming towards January as an "Auld Lang Stine" marathon of sorts. But since I've almost unintentionally become a bastion of knowledge for a book series I never read as a kid because I was a wuss and the covers scared me, I figured I'd continue with a bit of a sidebar for the blog, and what better subject than the new Goosebumps comic book.
That's right, after 25 years of being around, Goosebumps now has its own official comic book series. Now, granted there were the graphic novels in the late 2000s which adapted several stories from the original 62, but this is the first to actually be original content. It's published by IDW, which has been the place for a myriad of franchise adaptations over the years. From My Little Pony to G.I Joe, to Ghostbusters (even just recently releasing a series based on the 2016 movie). So, considering the success of the 2015 Goosebumps movie, it's only natural that a comic adaptation would be worth a try. Interestingly this adaptation doesn't seem to have too much involvement from Ol' Jovial Bob as it will instead be handled by a revolving door of writers. Each story will be three issues long and focus on new stories with classic Goosebumps characters. In other words, keeping true to how they handled the 2015 film.
That brings us to the first issue for the first arc known as Monsters At Midnight. Much like the original books, it focuses on a 12 year old protagonist Mia, and her younger sister Ginny. Mia has an injured leg, while Ginny suffers from severe asthma, as well as being insanely hyperactive and just as insane a bibliophile. While visiting their grandmother, they pass a strange book shop which excites Ginny. After sneaking out to visit the shop, they soon run into a bunch of strange books, as well as somehow wind up in an all too familiar locale from franchise past. I won't spoil what it is, but if you've paid an ounce of attention to the franchise in recent years, you can guess what that place is. If it's references you want, there's plenty, with even a reference to a certain master of scaremonies.
As for the comic itself, it's pretty basic, mostly setting up what's to come in later issues, so I can't judge it too harshly. The art from Chris Fenoglio is really nice. Lots of great character expressions and it's very bright and colorful. Fits for a more silly kids comic book and I like it. Don't go in expecting Tim Jacobus level art, but what you'll get is still great and fits with the Goosebumps motif very well. For the first outing, it's a decent enough start. Engaging enough to want to see where it goes while not feeling like it relies too heavy on franchise callbacks, just giving you enough. The characters are fine, feeling a lot like how kid characters work in these types of books. I think all that's missing is a way to emulate a fake out scare at the end of every page. Now that would be a true tribute to Stine.
In the end, I'd say that the comic is fine. Would I recommend it? If you're a Goosebumps fan (or a person blogging about the franchise to attract viewers), then you might enjoy it, but I would also say to wait until all three issues are out and get the most out of it that way as the first issue definitely isn't the strongest first outing. When all three issues are here, I'll likely give a more detailed review to see if the comic as a whole worked, but for a first outing, it was okay at best.
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