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Tales from the Darkside: Scripts by Joe Hill
The storied history of TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE winds ever darker and weirder with this collection of scripts by JOE HILL from the never-broadcast 2015 television reboot. TV’s loss is your gain as these all-new tales break out of the shadows and spring to vivid life at Hill’s command, accompanied by striking illustrations provided by Charles Paul Wilson III (Wraith). Fans of horror, Darkside, and Hill will not be disappointed.
120 pages, Hardcover
Published November 22, 2016
70 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hill
383 books30.1k followersJoe Hill's debut, Heart-Shaped Box, won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. His second, Horns, was made into a film freakfest starring Daniel Radcliffe. His other novels include NOS4A2, and his #1 New York Times Best-Seller, The Fireman... which was also the winner of a 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Horror Novel.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 18, 2017
3.5 stars
"A crow lands on a street sign at the corner of BRADBURY and ROMERO..."
Damn it. I wish this was a show rather than this collection of scripts. This just in: I don't like reading manuscripts for movies or TV shows! There's so much missing when you're trying to read through technical specs like: "As Ward speaks, he double taps the BAD THING with the stylus. The screen reads, RENDERING. Newman turns and tries on an unconvincing look of horror."
It's hard to get into the flow of the narrative when you're constantly tripping over stuff like that but I guess after awhile, you get used to it.
Hill says in his forward that he, "had and continues to have, an author boner for TV..." and lists shows like, Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things. Then he said he structured the Fireman after a cable TV show! That makes so much sense to me! It didn't read like a normal novel to me...
Anyhoo!
I think a marriage between the 1980s show, Tales From the Darkside and Joe Hill sounded like a match made in heaven and I'm really bummed it's not happening. Especially now after reading these scripts. I guess the network that was wanting to buy the show was the CW so in a way, I'm actually glad it didn't make it because I hate that network! It's too YA and sappy for something cool like this.
So in short, all the stories and the artwork earn themselves 4 stars but the biggest component, the format, was a bit of a struggle so, I can't give an enthusiastic 4 stars, dropping it to a 3.5
It's a great book for the collection but in terms of graphic novels/comics, Locke & Key and Wraith are definitely legit, this one falls a little short of their glory.
"A crow lands on a street sign at the corner of BRADBURY and ROMERO..."
Damn it. I wish this was a show rather than this collection of scripts. This just in: I don't like reading manuscripts for movies or TV shows! There's so much missing when you're trying to read through technical specs like: "As Ward speaks, he double taps the BAD THING with the stylus. The screen reads, RENDERING. Newman turns and tries on an unconvincing look of horror."
It's hard to get into the flow of the narrative when you're constantly tripping over stuff like that but I guess after awhile, you get used to it.
Hill says in his forward that he, "had and continues to have, an author boner for TV..." and lists shows like, Orange is the New Black and Stranger Things. Then he said he structured the Fireman after a cable TV show! That makes so much sense to me! It didn't read like a normal novel to me...
Anyhoo!
I think a marriage between the 1980s show, Tales From the Darkside and Joe Hill sounded like a match made in heaven and I'm really bummed it's not happening. Especially now after reading these scripts. I guess the network that was wanting to buy the show was the CW so in a way, I'm actually glad it didn't make it because I hate that network! It's too YA and sappy for something cool like this.
So in short, all the stories and the artwork earn themselves 4 stars but the biggest component, the format, was a bit of a struggle so, I can't give an enthusiastic 4 stars, dropping it to a 3.5
It's a great book for the collection but in terms of graphic novels/comics, Locke & Key and Wraith are definitely legit, this one falls a little short of their glory.
December 17, 2016
I really, really, really hope the stories they filmed of this script get a release. If not, at least there's the comic series to fall back on. Overall, I thought this was an interesting take on Tales from the Darkside, a show that I loved as a kid. I think Joe Hill was bringing something new and unique to the table, not to mention something very comical as well. The stories weren't always amazing, but they were fun. The show could have been cool, but maybe a company like Netflix will still pick it up. Who knows?
April 28, 2017
I enjoyed 2 out of the 3 episodes. Overall, really fun to go through. It's a much different journey reading a script than a novel.
June 16, 2017
We missed out on some good TV!
I remember the original series Tales From the Dark side , and it was the memory of those shows that really drew me to this book. That and of course the fact that it was written by one of today's best young horror writers, Joe Hill. As I read these scripts the television that could have been came to life in my mind, and I can only ask with all of the bad TV shows we have on the air these days, how could the network that was presented with these scripts have passed on them? This could have been some really great TV! I for one would definitely have watched, it's truly sad it was never to be seen. The bright side, for lovers of the Darkside like myself though is that at least the scripts were published so that we can read them and imagine them for ourselves. Given the successes their author has had, and will hopefully continue to go on to in future, I can only hope any new scripts Joe Hill presents in future will be given a better chance.
I remember the original series Tales From the Dark side , and it was the memory of those shows that really drew me to this book. That and of course the fact that it was written by one of today's best young horror writers, Joe Hill. As I read these scripts the television that could have been came to life in my mind, and I can only ask with all of the bad TV shows we have on the air these days, how could the network that was presented with these scripts have passed on them? This could have been some really great TV! I for one would definitely have watched, it's truly sad it was never to be seen. The bright side, for lovers of the Darkside like myself though is that at least the scripts were published so that we can read them and imagine them for ourselves. Given the successes their author has had, and will hopefully continue to go on to in future, I can only hope any new scripts Joe Hill presents in future will be given a better chance.
November 17, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Joe Hill. That said, I don't think I'm being biased when I say that this is an awesome addition to my bookshelf. Contained inside that wickedly cool outer artwork are three scripts written by Mr. Hill for the (sadly) defunct return of Tales from the Darkside. Let me say that, along with my love of Mr. Hill's work, I also share a great fondness for the original series. Knowing both as well as I do, I can, with some certainty, posit that Tales would have made one hell of a comeback if this is the kind of stuff they had in store. It may be a great loss to us fans, but at least we get to experience them here in all their 2D glory.
October 8, 2016
"Fear is a good thing. You want to know what it's good for? Inspiration."
Received at BEA Chicago!!
The arc only contained the first story. Since I love Tales from the Darkside, I was stoked to try this out. And then Joe Hill happened. Fucking Joe Hill!! Ugh! Stop! Just stop, okay!
The thing that stuck out the most was the art inside to go along with the story. Creepy spooktacular. The rest.... don't bother.
Received at BEA Chicago!!
The arc only contained the first story. Since I love Tales from the Darkside, I was stoked to try this out. And then Joe Hill happened. Fucking Joe Hill!! Ugh! Stop! Just stop, okay!
The thing that stuck out the most was the art inside to go along with the story. Creepy spooktacular. The rest.... don't bother.
May 18, 2017
Tales from the Darkside: Scripts by Joe Hill was a fun little look at what a story looks like before it makes it to the small screen. There are three tales here and overall they are good. But is really worth the read is the foreward written by Joe Hill concerning the process. His insight into working as a team instead of on his own, the difference between writing for a comic book series instead of a full fledge novel is a window into the soul of a writer. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
A must have for Joe Hill fans!
A must have for Joe Hill fans!
August 23, 2017
I have not read a Joe Hill book yet but I have heard a lot of good things about him. I was gifted this book because I am a huge fan of the old Tales from the Darkside television show. Joe Hill was asked to write the scripts for 3 pilot episodes of a revival of this show to pitch to networks for a new generation. Two of those episodes were actually filmed. All of the networks that were approached with this project turned it down. The project organizer, rather than just let the project die, decided that these episodes needed to see the light of day so the scripts were published.
These three tales deal with bad people getting their comeuppance. One story is about a couple of bad kids who harass their babysitter. Another is about a man who mostly sleeps through the important things in his life. And the final story is the tale of Newman, the cryptkeeper like host who guide these characters through their own personal dark side events.
I really really liked these episodes and I think it is a real shame that a network wouldn't pick these up and greenlight them. The original release date was supposed to be in 2015. Another project that has gotten shelved is the Tales from the Crypt reboot. In our current cinematic climate, with horror being an important and popular genre in television, it would be a perfect time to revive some of our favorite horror anthology series like this. I hope they eventually become shows.
I give this book a 5 out of 5. These are a bit cheesy, but they definitely are in the same vein as some of our favorites from the past. If you are a fan of the original series and other old favorites like "Monsters" this is just the book to take you on a quick jaunt to the past in horror entertainment.
These three tales deal with bad people getting their comeuppance. One story is about a couple of bad kids who harass their babysitter. Another is about a man who mostly sleeps through the important things in his life. And the final story is the tale of Newman, the cryptkeeper like host who guide these characters through their own personal dark side events.
I really really liked these episodes and I think it is a real shame that a network wouldn't pick these up and greenlight them. The original release date was supposed to be in 2015. Another project that has gotten shelved is the Tales from the Crypt reboot. In our current cinematic climate, with horror being an important and popular genre in television, it would be a perfect time to revive some of our favorite horror anthology series like this. I hope they eventually become shows.
I give this book a 5 out of 5. These are a bit cheesy, but they definitely are in the same vein as some of our favorites from the past. If you are a fan of the original series and other old favorites like "Monsters" this is just the book to take you on a quick jaunt to the past in horror entertainment.
January 9, 2019
So this book consist of 3 pilot scripts that were written for the series, Tales from the Darkside. Two were fairly good and one kind of fell flat. But I suppose if two-thirds of a book is good, it at least warrants an okay rating; however, after reading the 3 pilots I can see why the television series wasn’t optioned.
February 22, 2017
This is a collection of scripts from a never-broadcast 2015 television reboot. The original TV series was a Twilight Zone type of horror anthology created by George Romero and debuted in 1983. Each episode was a short story that often ended in a plot twist. Joe Hill's brilliant mind and dark humor are a perfect fit for these stories.
The original series had its famous opening narration "Man lives in the sunlit world of what he believes to be reality But...there is unseen by most, an underworld...a place that is just as real, but not as brightly lit...a Darkside."
One of my favorite quotes from the first story, "Fear is a good thing. You want to know what it's good for? Inspiration. And awareness. You want to stay aware."
The original series had its famous opening narration "Man lives in the sunlit world of what he believes to be reality But...there is unseen by most, an underworld...a place that is just as real, but not as brightly lit...a Darkside."
One of my favorite quotes from the first story, "Fear is a good thing. You want to know what it's good for? Inspiration. And awareness. You want to stay aware."
February 25, 2017
Interesting little script series for a proposed remake. Could have been an interesting t.v. serious for a weekly creep out. stories have a connected element which is mysterious, but that was one element where I can see things falling apart because with that underlying connection you want to learn more insights and perhaps had a show developed the character development would allow for that.
August 1, 2017
Ein interessantes Leseerlebnis, welches ich lieber in Serienform genossen hätte. Joe Hill hat einen Faible für schwarzen Humor und aktueller Pop-und Rockkultur. Schade, dass wir Neil Gaiman nie als eine Art Dr. Frankenstein sehen werden (ja, die Zusage hatte Joe Hill schon).
Drei Folgen sind in Drehbuchform verfasst und durch Illustrationen von Charles Paul Wilson III ergänzt (ein echtes Highlight).
Alle drei Folgen haben eins gemeinsam: Brian Newmann. Er ist der Dreh-und Angelpunkt zur "Dunklen Seite".
Newman:
"Most of us live in the sunlit world of what we believe to be reality. But there's another world -and you better hope it never touches you- bleeding through into our own. A different world that's not so brightly lit. The Darkside is rising [..].There's a darkness following right behind me and if it finds you, you may never see the light again."
Nach und nach erfahren wir mehr über Newman, seiner Welt und deren Folgen auf unsere.
Fazit: Es hat mich gut unterhalten.
Drei Folgen sind in Drehbuchform verfasst und durch Illustrationen von Charles Paul Wilson III ergänzt (ein echtes Highlight).
Alle drei Folgen haben eins gemeinsam: Brian Newmann. Er ist der Dreh-und Angelpunkt zur "Dunklen Seite".
Newman:
"Most of us live in the sunlit world of what we believe to be reality. But there's another world -and you better hope it never touches you- bleeding through into our own. A different world that's not so brightly lit. The Darkside is rising [..].There's a darkness following right behind me and if it finds you, you may never see the light again."
Nach und nach erfahren wir mehr über Newman, seiner Welt und deren Folgen auf unsere.
Fazit: Es hat mich gut unterhalten.
August 6, 2017
3.5/5
An interesting set of scripts which would have made for an interesting relaunch of TALES FROM THE. DARKSIDE. However, while the narrative hook Joe Hill creates that would enable the series to still be an anthology show while having an ongoing arc is interesting, it still feels a bit too much like the whole thing is being overthought. With some tweaks and additional material though, these scripts could make for a great standalone anthology film based on the old show.
An interesting set of scripts which would have made for an interesting relaunch of TALES FROM THE. DARKSIDE. However, while the narrative hook Joe Hill creates that would enable the series to still be an anthology show while having an ongoing arc is interesting, it still feels a bit too much like the whole thing is being overthought. With some tweaks and additional material though, these scripts could make for a great standalone anthology film based on the old show.
April 7, 2024
Fun, quick read. A little odd reading from a POV of a TV show, but made it enjoyable.
August 1, 2017
Chvili mi trvalo nez jaem si zvykla na scenarovy zapis, alr pak uz to slo hladceji a ke konci me to i zacalo bavit... skoda, ze z nataceni nakonec seslo...
August 1, 2017
5 STARS
July 29, 2017
Me gustó y enganchó mucho. Realmente terrorífica. No pude dejar de leerlo hasta terminar. Son 3 historias que parecen separadas, pero.... Fantástica narración del hijo del maestro Stephen King. Lo sorprendente: uno de sus dibujantes es chileno. Muy recomendable.
January 3, 2018
What a shame that the CW didn't end up picking up Joe Hill's take on Tales from the Darkside. He's one of my favorite writers and so versatile! He writes amazing books, comics, AND scripts. Hopefully another network will read these and consider letting Mr. Hill write another pilot for a tv show and actually put it on the air!
July 25, 2017
Really wish they would have been able to make the series! I would have loved to see these in the screen!
July 16, 2017
3 Stars
This was like a Ferrero Rocher. It had an interesting texture, and tasted great but the whole experience was over way too fast and was ultimately unsatisfying.
This was like a Ferrero Rocher. It had an interesting texture, and tasted great but the whole experience was over way too fast and was ultimately unsatisfying.
June 28, 2017
One of the best scripts I've read
Very well written with vi I'd characters. I enjoyed the scope of the authors imagination. A great summer read. Yay!
Very well written with vi I'd characters. I enjoyed the scope of the authors imagination. A great summer read. Yay!
April 28, 2017
It's not often that a book will make me long for a TV show, especially one that didn't happen. It's VERY rare that I wish for a reboot of a movie or television series. That being said, the three scripts presented her make me wish that the Tales from the Darkside reboot had happened. The material in this book is just scary enough, just funny enough, and just self-referential enough to make me wish that the new series had been green-lit. I especially enjoyed Hill's humorous comments peppered throughout the scripts.
Warning, this is presented in script format. If you are not used to reading scripts or dislike them, you might like IDW's comics based on the scripts better.
Warning, this is presented in script format. If you are not used to reading scripts or dislike them, you might like IDW's comics based on the scripts better.
February 18, 2017
This wasn't what I expected. I ordered it from my comic shop thinking it was a graphic novel. The stories were ok, and may have made for good television episodes, but the format of reading scripts is not for me, and three short stories written this way was not something I would have paid full price for had I known. I'm sure this will be in bargain bins before the end of the year, and for $5.00 I'd recommend it to Joe Hill fans if they find it in one.
January 2, 2017
Really enjoyed this introduction to the world of Tales from the Darkside, and Joe Hill. The stories were esoteric and entertaining, and the format provides a great overview of what television scripts should/could look like.
Looking forward to reading The Fireman, which I also received as a Christmas present.
Looking forward to reading The Fireman, which I also received as a Christmas present.
March 7, 2017
Although it took a minute to adjust to reading this in script format, Joe Hill's reinvented Tales from the Darkside proved to be an entertaining read. The main protagonist, Newman leads the reader through a maze like array of stories-much like the Rubix cube that Hill continuously plants into the stories. A recommended read for fans of Hill's work.
May 22, 2017
Tales from the Darkside was a quick and fun book to read. This book contains three scripts from the Tales from the Darkside TV program that was never released. It was interesting to see how this story would have come to life it was allowed to be released. I enjoyed all three stories. I also thoroughly enjoyed reading Joe Hill's introduction to the book and the insights into writing these scripts.
January 2, 2017
If you like Joe Hill and Script reading, then this will be a good fit for you. It's got bits and pieces of his humour tied in with the horror, and it's great. The only downside is the lack of episodes.
May 8, 2017
This quirky collection of made for TV scripts that include illustrations, are so written that you can see them play out like a TV show in your head. And it's a darn good one at that.
http://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/2017...
http://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/2017...
May 31, 2017
Didn't realize that the comic adaptations are the same basic stories in these scripts with a few alterations. Either way, the stories are creepy and entertaining. Wish we were able to watch them unfold on the television screen. Alas...
January 7, 2017
I think I'm just not a fan of the format in this case. Though I did like the second script. Not really scary at all.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews