Night of the Comet
In “Night of the Comet,” a heartless assassin is hired to kill an elderly samurai. However, their encounter leads to the resurfacing of tragic memories from a long-ago night. While this synopsis may suggest a straightforward tale of action, horror, love, and loss, the graphic novel’s surreal and spectacular art creates layers of depth and meaning that elevate it to another level.
Night of the Comet” is a cult classic science fiction horror-comedy film released in 1984. It was written and directed by Thom Eberhardt. The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world after Earth has passed through the tail of a comet. As a result, most of the population has been turned into red dust, and those who were not completely disintegrated turned into zombie-like mutants.
The story follows two young women, Regina Belmont (played by Catherine Mary Stewart) and her sister Samantha (played by Kelli Maroney), who survive the comet’s effects by being inside steel-encased areas—a projection booth and a steel shed. When they emerge, they find the city eerily empty and begin to explore, unaware of the disaster that has befallen the world.
As they navigate the deserted city, they encounter both the zombie mutants and a group of scientists who may have sinister intentions. The movie blends elements of horror, comedy, and science fiction, and it explores themes of survival, friendship, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of catastrophe.
“Night of the Comet” has become a beloved cult film over the years, appreciated for its unique blend of genres and its ’80s charm. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase and remains a popular choice for fans of retro sci-fi and horror cinema.
Initially, the script by Jonathan Thompson is sparse in terms of dialogue. However, as the confrontation between the two main characters intensifies and the flashback occurs, the script becomes as dense as the stunning art. Attila Schwanz’s scratchy and nightmarish imagery settles down and comes into sharp focus as the backstory comes to the fore. This allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the tragedy and loss of the past.
The juxtaposition of the sparse script and the dense art creates a unique reading experience that draws the reader’s attention to the tragedy and loss at the heart of the story. Overall, “Night of the Comet” is a beautifully crafted graphic novel that explores themes of memory, loss, and regret through its stunning art and compelling storytelling.
