Graphic Novel Review: The Closet

Published by: Image Comics

Written by: James Tynion IV

Illustrated by: Gavin Fullerton

ISBN: 9781534323254

Ages: 16+

There are the monsters we see… and the ones we don’t.

Thom, his wife Maggie, and their son Jamie are packing for a move to Portland, Oregon, leaving New York City behind them. For several weeks, Jamie has been complaining about a monster in the closet, but like most parents, Thom brushes it off and proclaims they will leave the monster behind in the move. The small shadowy figure with the shiny white teeth isn’t the only problem in the house; Thom and Maggie argue and fight constantly. Will a father-son cross country road trip solve problems? Or will the light in the closet always go off before a little monster arrives…?

James Tynion IV (SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH) brings a take on horror that he is becoming very known for. Creating lots of tension with his dialogue and plot, Tynion’s story blends perfectly with Gavin Fullerton’s art, who’s simple design of the monster shouldn’t inspire terror, but does. The real monster of this story is the parents’ fighting each other around their impressionable and imaginative son. As you read further, you’ll discover just how life-changing that can be.

Though missing the typical blood and nudity tropes horror is known for, THE CLOSET uses minimalism and suspense to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. 16+

ADAM FISHER, Reference Associate

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Adam Fisher

Adam Fisher has worked for more than a decade at Lane Libraries in Fairfield, Ohio, where he is a Reference Associate. He creates and leads programming for all ages, manages the graphic novel, sci-fi/fantasy, and magazine collections at his branch, and has recently seen great success with his self-created Escape Room programs. He writes reviews for everything he reads and can be found on Goodreads @FisherAd80 and on Twitter @adamreadscomics.

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