Movie novelisations are not so much a thing anymore, however, there was a time when almost every movie that captured the public’s attention was given a paperback adaption. In the 1970s and 80s particular attention was given to the horror and sci-fi genres.
So, it’s little surprise that John Carpenter’s Halloween saw a companion novelization release in 1979, after setting the box-office alight. In fact, the first four entries in the Halloween franchise got this treatment, with 1988’s The Return of Michael Myers serving as the final novelisation until 2018.
The issue many modern genre fans had with these long-ago novelisations of their favourite series was that they are almost impossible to obtain. Given the number of decades that have passed since their initial publication, it is perhaps little surprise that a great many movie novelisations have now gone out of print, Halloween included.
But, hold on to your hats folks, as 45 years after its initial publication, Compass International Pictures and Printed in Blood are reissuing Curtis Richards’ Halloween novelisation!
Printed in Blood has the following to say about the tie-in reissue:
“This 224-page volume is bursting with both classic and gorgeous new artistic visions of the John Carpenter horror classic.”
The “gorgeous new artistic vision” they speak of is further cause for fans to get excited, as this new edition will be illustrated! Under the new title Halloween: Illustrated the reissue will feature stunning illustrations by Orlando “Mexifunk” Arocena and will feature a brand-new cover alongside the original paperback art.
Halloween: Illustrated is currently available for pre-order and will be available for purchase January 2024 to celebrate the initial book’s forty fifth anniversary. Who knows, if it’s successful enough, perhaps we may see the reissue of other classic novelisations?
