Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complimentary comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this edition, we’re checking out the conclusion of one of the best horror comics on the market: Night Of The Ghoul #6 by Scott Snyder, Francesco Francavilla & Andworld Design for Comixology Originals. If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: The Comixology Originals line is one of the best investments you can make as a comic fan. Some of the best storytelling in the medium is happening here.

If you’re new to this story, Night Of The Ghoul centers around Forest Innman, a film studio worker who has come across the long lost remains of the film “Night Of The Ghoul”. With this piece of history in hand & son along for the ride, Innman tracks down the director of the movie, T. F. Merritt at a nursing home under a different name. Innman’s curiosity of this film might be more than he bargained for as Merritt starts to unveil the mystery about this film thought destroyed in a movie studio in 1946. Is Innman ready for the truth behind “The Greatest Horror Movie of All Time”?

Readers find that answer out quickly as this tale has so many incredible twists and turns that need to be read to fully appreciate. Now at the conclusion, let’s see how this epic concludes, shall we?

Night Of The Ghoul #6 - Scott Snyder & Francesco Francavilla — Night Of The Ghoul #6 - On Sale April 19th
Creative: Scott Snyder, Francesco Francavilla & Andworld Design
Credit: Comixology Originals/Best Jackett Press

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Innman & Merritt have made an escape from the nursing home & the insanity happening there. With time running out on his life, Merritt makes a last request to Innman to take him to the studio where it all begin in 1946. With this intention, Merritt prepares to finish the story for the movie’s biggest fan. As the movie starts playing it’s final act, it becomes clear that the movie being thought destroyed should have stayed dead. Readers will bear witness to the true ending of “Night Of The Ghoul” & what really happened on that fateful night with the studio fire.

Even with this mild spoiler warning, readers will not be ready for the final twists that happen in these pages. I’m keeping details a bit vague for this review because when I read this issue, I kept saying “HOLY ****!” and feel you, the reader, should have those moments to make with any tampering of judgement. The story has been such a fantastic read that heading into the finale, one would hope it doesn’t drop off. Rest assured, you won’t be disappointed with the events happening within this issue.

All the questions that have been asked since the beginning of the first issue will be answered without any confusion. The impact of these reveals will hit all the marks with fans. It literally is a roller-coaster of emotions when seeing how Innman’s quest of curiosity ends. This issue is perfectly crafted that once finished, you know you will have truly read something special with this story.

Snyder captures everything you love about horror with this book. Packing this story with so much drama, suspense and frightening moments was no easy task. However, it helps with strong lead figures to make that become a reality. The character of Forrest Innman brings to life the definition of there are some mysteries should be left close forever. Innman is one who connects to the audience easily for his harmless actions, but once the story ramps up, finds out he’s in way over his head. The complexity of TF Merritt is another strong point to this book. Merritt is a perfect counter to Innman. Even from the beginning, his story is not so cut and dry. The conflict of the truth behind the film does a nice slow burn until the ending but never loses the readers attention. Every element of the pacing of this story works.

Francavilla absolutely gives this book fantastic imagery throughout the story. Whether it’s the flashbacks to 1918, The infamous studio fire in ‘46 or present day, Francavilla sets up panels to make the big moments jump out at the reader. The use of the “vintage” color tones for the past sequences was a great touch throughout these issues. Look at the time Innman and Merritt spend in the studio during this final issue for a prime example. When Merritt asks “please play my movie” sends shivers up the spine because of how Merritt’s body language gives off the inevitable ending of his story. There is a lot of crazy sequences that unfold to get here but when the story needs that extra boost, the art raises it to a whole other level.

Overall, Night Of The Ghoul #6 is an absolute masterpiece! Snyder’s writing & Francavilla’s art bring a classic horror tale to modern times without losing any details along the way. Even if horror is not your go-to genre of comics, give this book a read. It’s a complete package of what a great comic is. Highly recommended for all comic readers. Sign up ASAP on Comixology & don’t miss this story.

If you’re looking for more Scott Snyder on Comixology, I highly recommend “We Have Demons” with Greg Capullo (Issue #1 now out in print form from Dark Horse Comics) and “Clear” with Francis Manapul.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Night Of The Ghoul. Thanks for reading!

NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #6 (COMIXOLOGY ORIGINALS/BEST JACKETT PRESS)

Ken M