Hard-boiled reporter Carl Kolchak is having another series of bad days as the cult urban fantasy returns in Moonstone Books’ upcoming anthology Kolchak: The Night Stalker 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel. Bringing back the 20th Century’s most manic supernatural investigator/monster hunter for another round of stories that never quite get enough factual backing,
Carl Kolchak, played by the irrepressible Darren McGavin, was introduced to American audiences in 1972 with the astoundingly popular television movie Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Following a gruff, hot-blooded middle-aged reporter as he investigates a series of mysteriously vampire-esque murders of young women, Kolchak endeared himself to viewers with his no-nonsense attitude, conversational style, and heedless courage. Spinning out into another television movie, then a brief but memorable television series in 1974, Kolchak’s adventures have continued in the form of novels, short stories, and a remake television series in 2005, with Moonstone Books publishing yet further tales in the life of the intrepid newsman.
Now, as Kolchak's 50th-anniversary approaches, a Kickstarter campaign is gearing up to celebrate the occasion. The campaign from Moonstone Books is looking to launch next year, but fans eager to support it can already follow the prelaunch page. The lineup of creators is impressive, as Moonstone is promising an all-star crew including Kim Newman, Peter David, Rodney Barnes, Paul McCaffrey, Colton Worley, and J.K. Woodward. Moonstone Books will also release a “special 40-page standalone comic for the Kickstarter, featuring the story ‘Satanic Panic '88’,” written by Kolchak editor James Aquilone and illustrated by Worley, with a cover by noted horror artist Dan Brereton. Editor James Aquilone said that he sees the fandom for Kolchak as “stronger than ever,” and wanted to “create something very special” for the half-centennial anniversary. Aquilone described the graphic novel as “a look at the life of my favorite monster hunter, from his childhood to his last case…the ultimate Kolchak story, full of creatures, frights, and the reporter’s iconic wit.”
Despite the brevity of his run on the silver screen, Kolchak has proven an influential figure amongst the many TV heroes of yesteryear, with The X-Files’ co-creator Chris Carter even mentioning his influence on that later landmark program. Contributing writer Rodney Barnes said the character “changed his life,” adding, “the story we're telling brings the character into some wholly unexpected places and it’s a genuine thrill to be a part of this incredible anthology.” The anthology will also feature an introduction by RC Matheson, son of the original screenwriter Richard Matheson, writer of I Am Legend, and several episodes of The Twilight Zone.
Though the campaign won't start till next year, Kolchak fans can make sure they don't miss out on the Kolchak: The Night Stalker 50th Anniversary Graphic Novel Kickstarter campaign by going to the prelaunch page so they can be notified of the campaign's launch from Moonstone Books in 2022.