Since I started going to Free Comic Book Day with my sister every year, I’ve become interested in graphic novels. This year, however, my interest has spiked, so I thought I’d add reviews here. First up: 30 Days of Night by Steve Niles.

In a sleepy, secluded Alaska town called Barrow, the sun sets and doesn’t rise for over thirty consecutive days and nights. From the darkness, across the frozen wasteland, an evil will come that will bring the residents of Barrow to their knees. The only hope for the town is the Sheriff and Deputy, a husband and wife who are torn between their own survival and saving the town they love.

I don’t read much horror, but when I learned that Steve Niles was signing books at a local comic book store, I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did. 30 Days of Night has a wonderful premise: if vampires come out at night, what happens in places where nights are long? Not surprisingly, the world depicted in such a story is a dark one.

The setting is Alaska. The main characters: Eben and Stella—a husband and wife team who discover something horrible is happening in their town. I won’t say what, or what ultimately happens, because it’s too good to spoil. As someone with roots in romance reading, I enjoyed seeing the relationship between the two. Graphic novels are a different medium, but Eben and Stella’s love for each other is clear in just a few panels.

Ben Templesmith’s art is unlike anything I’ve seen before—both stark and atmospheric. It’s absolutely perfect for the story.

What you get with this book is a powerful story that lingers in the mind long after the reading experience ends. 30 Days of Night: 4 out of 5.

The impossible has happened. I’ve gotten a bit tired of romance novels. I didn’t want to accept it, but the evidence was mounting—feeling restless while reading, starting a handful of books without finishing them. So my reading has slowed down a bit as has the blogging (as you’ve probably noticed). I haven’t completely stopped reading, but I seem to be sticking with autobuy authors for now.

To fill the void, I’ve been reading graphic novels. I’ll probably review a few here in the next while.

Life in general has taken a bit of a downturn. The company I work for has been hit hard this year (following a slow decline of several years). I made it through one round of layoffs, and I’m told there won’t be more this year. That’s the good news. The bad news is my own situation has worsened. I’ve started selling items on eBay—you can see them here—and I’m considering ways to supplement my income. I need to build a nest egg.

So that’s where things stand with me. Not sure who’s still following this blog, but I’m still alive, still reading, and still planning to blog, even if just sporadically.

Anyone have a good book recommendation for me?