Nights #9 – Review

Nights #9
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
WRITER: Wyatt Kennedy
ART: Luigi Formisano
COLORS: Francesco Segala
COVER: Luigi Formisano & Francesco Segala
LETTERS: Maria Letizia Mirabella
COVER PRICE: $3.99

Fairytale of New York, the ninth installment of the Nights series, plunges us back into the weird and wonderful world of Santo Pedro, Florida. Here, the everyday mingles seamlessly with the supernatural, creating a rich narrative tapestry that Wyatt Kennedy and Luigi Formisano masterfully weave together.

We kick off with Vince and Gray, whose relationship has taken a sweet, intriguing turn. Their chemistry is undeniable, bringing a warm, relatable core to the story amidst all the chaos. It’s delightful to see their bond deepen as they work together, unraveling more of Gray’s mysterious past. Kennedy captures their interactions with a perfect blend of humor and tenderness, making their evolving relationship a highlight of this issue.

Gray is dealing with the aftermath of her Halloween night showdown with Samhain. This encounter has unlocked a new, somewhat terrifying power within her. Watching Gray grapple with this new facet of her identity is both thrilling and poignant, while Kennedy skillfully balances her struggle for control with moments of vulnerability, making Gray’s journey incredibly engaging.

Ivory’s arc provides a gripping counterpoint. Having retired from his hitman days, he now sports a magic-infused collar to keep his inner beast—the Roggenwolf—at bay. His budding romance with Molly, his childhood crush, offers a tender, hopeful thread amidst his darker struggles. The magic collar is a brilliant metaphor for his fight against his past, and seeing him strive for normalcy is both heartwarming and suspenseful.

The Christmas setting brings a delightful contrast to the otherwise tense atmosphere. Kennedy’s writing shines in these scenes, blending festive cheer with the underlying supernatural elements effortlessly. A standout moment is the New York Christmas sequence, which captures the city’s magic while pushing the story forward in surprising ways. It’s these juxtapositions of the ordinary and the extraordinary that make the “Nights” series so captivating.

Formisano’s artwork continues to impress, bringing Santo Pedro and its eclectic mix of characters to vivid life. His ability to convey both the warmth of intimate moments and the chilling suspense of supernatural threats is remarkable. Francesco Segala’s colors add depth and vibrancy, perfectly complementing Formisano’s lines and enhancing the overall mood of the comic. Whether it’s the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree or the dark shadows of a lurking menace, the visuals are consistently top-notch.

The humor woven throughout the issue provides much-needed levity. Kennedy’s knack for witty dialogue ensures that even in the darkest moments, there’s a lighthearted touch. The running joke about Kwazampus, the holiday creature, is particularly amusing and showcases Kennedy’s ability to blend folklore with contemporary settings seamlessly.

Despite the humor, the story doesn’t shy away from its darker themes. There’s a constant undercurrent of tension as Gray and her friends delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding them. The pacing is spot-on, with the narrative moving swiftly from one revelation to the next, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

The characters’ personal struggles with identity, love, and redemption are universal themes that resonate deeply. Kennedy’s writing excels in these quieter, introspective moments, making the supernatural elements all the more compelling because of the human emotions at their core. It’s a refreshing example of emotional depth.

Nights #9 is a stellar example of the series’ strength in storytelling and character development. It’s a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and supernatural thrills, wrapped in a narrative that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. This issue not only satisfies fans of the series but also sets the stage for more exciting developments.

SCORE: 4/5

Nights #9 is now available at your Local Comic Shop!

If you can’t find one at your LCS, pick it up for your Kindle.

Just because Harvey writes about comics doesn’t mean he knows what he’s talking about. Most of his good ideas end up as silly songs he sings for his kids once before being lost forever. Whatever’s left, well, ends up here!