Sunday, October 7, 2012

Countdown to Halloween Spooky Books - The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror


Since 1990, one of my annual Halloween traditions to is watch newest The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror episode. Tonight will be the airing of the 23rd special and I will have it recorded so that I may watch it on Halloween night (no spoilers!). I find these episodes are usually the best of the season for the animators have a freedom from continuity.

Since 1995, I have added to that tradition by reading the Treehouse of Horror comic by Bongo. Like the TV series, this issue is usually very entertaining but for a different kind of freedom. It is the chance for other creators, some of the best in the business, to use The Simpsons characters in his/her own style. Past contributors read like a guest list at a dream comic-con, including Mike Allred, Jeff Smith, Paul Dini, Peter Bagge, Stephanie Gladden, Chuck Dixon, Sergio Aragones, Jill Thompson, Mark Hamill, Stan Sakai, Garth Ennis, Gail Simone, Dan Brereton, Marv Wolfman, Gene Colan, Berni Wrightson, Al Williamson, Terry Moore, Eric Powell, Patton Oswalt, Steve Niles, Jeffrey Brown, Kelly Jones, Alice Cooper, Gene Simmons, Rob Zombie, and even Pat Boone. This year is the 18th issue featuring the talents of Phil Noto, Tone Rodriguez, and Jim Valentino.

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