The Nightmare Before Christmas, produced by visionary Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick, has become a cult classic, a staple of both Christmas and Halloween in households across the world, and a universally well-regarded, beloved film. Whilst there have been many media tie-ins and spin-off projects, these have rarely ventured into the realm of comics, which is why Dynamite Entertainment‘s brand-new graphic novel is so exciting. This June, they will be releasing a graphic novel adaptation of Shea Ernshaw‘s spin-off novel Long Live the Pumpkin Queen.

The graphic novel Long Live the Pumpkin Queen will offer a unique visual interpretation of its already beloved story for fans. Author Liz Marsham handles the adaptation, distilling a novel into an exciting and haunting graphic narrative. As a writer, Marsham is already well-regarded by fans and a veteran of Disney’s library of stories and worlds, working on projects like Disney Princess: Ariel and the Sea Wolf. She is joined by the artistic duo of Alessio Petillo and Ismael Canales, who are beautifully bringing the timeless characters of the film and novel to the comic page. Last but certainly not least, comic legend Jill Thompson (Sandman, Scary Godmother) illustrates the hauntingly beautiful cover.

Art by Jill Thompson

Marsham had this to say about the project:

I really enjoyed the opportunity to work on this compelling story. Shea Ernshaw wrote everything I could have needed: a compelling story about iconic characters I have loved as a fan for decades, an exciting mix of the settings we know and gorgeously-described new landscapes, enthralling action, an emotional journey that is both fantastical and deeply relatable, and, of course, the delightfully spooky vibes we all associate with Halloween Town. It was a pleasure to help add a new dimension to an already rich tale, and the art team has done a wonderful job bringing it all to life

The graphic novel begins after the film, with Sally escaping the domineering clutches of Dr. Finkelstein and marrying Jack, her true love. Sally is officially the Pumpkin Queen of the realm, but as much as she loves her skeletal husband and closest friends, the imposing public spotlight and weight of her newfound royal responsibilities feel like a new form of captivity. Everything begins to unravel and spool out of control when Sally and trusty ghost dog Zero discover a hidden doorway leading to the previously unknown Dream Town. As worlds collide, the resulting cascade of calamities risk jeopardizing her new position as the Pumpkin Queen, and the very foundations of her world. To save her beloved home, and find her place and comfort within it, Sally will have to summon all the strength within her seams — with Zero to help — or else the future could become a nightmare without Halloween!
 

Disney’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Long Live the Pumpkin Queen The Graphic Novel features spooky and endearing visuals, exciting new characters, and a pivotal tale for Sally, the heartfelt character in the franchise.

Preview pages can be seen below. 

Art by Alessio Petillo and Ismael Canales
Art by Alessio Petillo and Ismael Canales
Art by Alessio Petillo and Ismael Canales
Art by Alessio Petillo and Ismael Canales

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