Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: A Review of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Comic Book

      Andrew Newton reviews Dynamite’s Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – The Graphic Novel…

      Set in the spooky yet captivating realm of Halloween Town, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen continues from where the classic film concluded, exploring Sally Skellington's emotional journey as she adapts to her new life as royalty. Based on the novel by Liz Marsham, this graphic novel (from Dynamite Entertainment) reinterprets Sally’s tale with depth, melancholy, and a hint of Tim Burton’s signature gothic whimsy.

      The narrative centers on Sally’s challenges with her new identity as the Pumpkin Queen, a title that brings both prestige and pressure. Despite her escape from Dr. Finkelstein's grasp and her marriage to Jack, the joy of her newfound freedom is quickly overshadowed by the fame, isolation, and responsibilities associated with a high-ranking position. When she stumbles upon a mysterious portal to Dream Town, her actions inadvertently trigger a series of events that threaten not only Halloween Town but all holiday realms.

      One of the more enjoyable aspects is the expansion of Halloween Town's universe. New realms are introduced, seamlessly integrating into the holiday-themed world, which is strange, whimsical, and slightly eerie. The tone balances between spooky and sweet, akin to the original film, and fans of Burton’s style will appreciate the quirky set pieces and imaginative visuals.

      While the story adds intriguing new lore to the Nightmare Before Christmas universe, it occasionally delves too deeply into introspection, which can slow the pace at times. Nonetheless, Sally’s emotional journey, transitioning from self-doubt to strength, is sincere and relatable, contributing to her character development, even if the stakes come off as more fantastical than pressing.

      The artwork by Alessio Petillo and Ismael Canales beautifully captures the mood, merging Burton-esque oddity with vibrant, colorful, and expressive panels. Jill Thompson’s cover art stands out as hauntingly elegant, aligning perfectly with the overall tone.

      This story is not fast-paced or action-packed; it leans more towards reflection and character exploration, which may appeal more to older fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas or those who enjoy emotional fantasy narratives. Younger readers might find the reflective tone somewhat slow, but long-time fans will likely appreciate the opportunity to revisit Sally’s world from a new angle.

      Long Live the Pumpkin Queen is a solid addition to the franchise. It doesn't entirely recapture the charm or cohesive storytelling of the original film, but it gives dedicated fans a deeper insight into one of Halloween Town’s cherished characters. For those seeking a moody, moderately engaging continuation of a holiday classic, this graphic novel meets the criteria, even if it doesn’t innovate significantly.

      Rating: 7 out of 10 Pumpkins

      Andrew Newton