The Twilight Zone: Deaths-Head Revisited

Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone

by Mark Kneece, Rod Serling, Chris Lie (Illustrator)

Dachau concentration camp, years after World War II. A retired German SS captain returns to reminisce about his days in power―until he finds himself at the mercy of those he tortured, on trial by those who died at his hands. Justice will finally be served . . . in the Twilight Zone.
One of most ground-breaking shows in the history of television, The Twilight Zone has become a permanent fixture in pop culture. This new graphic novel series re-imagines the show's most enduring episodes, in all their original uncut glory, originally written by Rod Serling himself, and now adapted for a new generation―a generation that has ridden Disney's Twilight Zone Tower of TerrorTM ride, studied old episodes in school, watched the annual marathons, and paid homage to the show through the many random take-offs that show up in movies and TV shows everywhere.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Horror, Fiction, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Supernatural, Fantasy

72 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Mark Kneece has written stories for numerous comics, including Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight. He helped found the sequential art department at the Savannah College of Art and Design and teaches comics writing as a professor of sequential art. He lives in Savannah, Georgia.

Reviews

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

*Book source ~ Library

Twilight Zone: Graphic Novel Style
A German SS captain returns decades later to the scene of his horrendous crimes only to find his victims have never left.

I love The Twilight Zone show, so when I spotted a graphic novel about it I had to give it a whirl. I was not disappointed. The story is a great adaptation and the artwork is pretty good, too. Fans of the show and of graphic novels should find this representation pleasing.

[Erikka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gorgeous rendering of one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes into a comic format. There's nothing quite as satisfying as seeing a Nazi tortured by the ghosts of his victims in Dachau. Serling's experiences in the war were terrible and I'm sure this episode was a therapy to him. It was also, consequently, some of his most beautifully elegant prose. I think the writer and artist did him proud with this iteration, and actually made it a bit scarier by having the victims literally crawl from the furnaces, a very TZ touch that simply wasn't possible with the technology of the time. Also, I will take this and any opportunity to point out that Oscar Beregi, who plays Capt. Lutze, was a Jew who lost family in the camps. The poise and delicacy with which he can handle a role like that is simply astounding. Another interesting fact: due to rampant anti-semitism that still plagues America to this day, none of the prisoners wear yellow stars. This follows through in the comic and reflects a tragic mindset of TV viewership of the era. These prisoners were stripped of their identity because TV viewers in the 60s were uncomfortable seeing Jews on their screens. We have so very much to learn as a culture...

[Zach Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever thought about going back in time to a crazy event in your past? Well, in case you’ve been looking into that, Mr. Schmidt can give you a background experience of going back in time. Go check out the book Deaths-Head Revisited by Rod Serling. This story is about the fatal life of Mr. Schmidt, who once was a part of a concentration camp. Mr. Schmidt then escaped the camp, but while he was escaping he had killed one of his fellow detained camp members. Fast forward 64 years later, Mr. Schmidt finds himself right back where the camp was. In fact, the camp was the same as it once was 64 years ago! Mr. Schmidt thought to himself to take a look in the camp and revisit his past life.






*SPOILERS AHEAD*






Mr. Schmidt begins searching for old dark memories within the camp. Mr. Schmidt then freezes up drastically. He looks around and can see people getting tortured, just like in the past. He then looks to a window right next to him. He can see the reflection of himself, but then realizes something crazy. It was a reflection of himself 64 years ago. More suspense is added from these little things about the book. Mr. Schmidt finds himself deeper within the camp, and is in a lot of trouble while revisiting his past times at the camp, and going back in time. This book teaches us readers details about our history in The Twilight Zone. The series Rod Serling has created, The Twilight Zone, teaches us different details about the past, and also hooks readers into reading the book because of the action-packed events in all of the stories in the beginning of the book. I also recommend this book because even if you don’t like reading, this is a really quick read. Overall, I would recommend any book by Rod Serling, and I rate Death-Heads Revisited a 5/5 review.

[Jack B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was an interesting book. It was a about a German Soldier in WWII who was very cruel to people in concentration camps. He went back to the memorial of the camp and, people from his past were haunting, mainly his old captain. I thought it was an interesting book, because it had a bit of history and a little bit of it's own twist.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have seen almost every single Twilight Zone episode, yet I have never seen this one. But I really did like the graphic novel. They have done a very good job of turning the episodes into the graphic novels.

[Suzann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t feel this episode was a good candidate for graphic adaptation. The art does not do a good job of conveying the horror of the episode. But the tacking on of a cheesy ending dooms this volume to failure

[Dann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unspeakable horrors await in the graphic novel adaptation of The Twilight Zone: Dead’s-Head Revisited, arguably one of the darkest episodes of the entire television series. When an escaped Nazi SS officer returns to the Dachau concentration camp 64-years after its liberation the ghosts of the past come alive to seek retribution. Author Mark Kneece does a good job at filling in some of the gaps in Rod Serling’s original script, and at expanding it with new scenes. And Chris Lie’s incredibly evocative artwork, depicting piles of dead corpses and bodies coming alive and crawling out of the furnaces, brings the horrors of the Holocaust to life. Extraordinarily compelling, The Twilight Zone: Death’s-Head Revisited is even more frightening than the television episode and delivers a powerful message.

[Renee Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good adaption of the episode. You are drawn into the story. Kneece does a wonderful job on these graphic novels.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning story. Very twilight zone-y. very satisfying.

[Chase Cahill]

i liked the book because it has a lot of real places in the. also had me asked the same question why do they still have all the camps.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This edition was pretty crazy it had to do with getting revenge on an SS at Dachau. It was probably the least Twilightzoney of them all but still important and good read none the less.

[Lilly Pink · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just started this book I couldn’t stand it because it had to do with Nazis and I am not one for Nazi Germany, no it’s not be denied I don’t think it’s your be as as entertainment as well.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars

I read this during lunch at school because it was in the library. Yesterday, I finished a Twilight Zone graphic novel that I really enjoyed but this one I was kind of in between about. It was okay.

This graphic novel is the graphic novel form of the episode that aired in November 1961 of the Twilight Zone. It follows a Nazi officer who returns to one of the concentration camps where he held power and is driven mad by the memories of the prisoners he killed and tortured.

There wasn't really a twist, which was what I was sort of looking forward to. However, I did really appreciate reading about him getting his revenge, because what he did to those people was really, really cruel.

I'm not sure what else to say about this one, because I feel almost insensitive reviewing it so lightly when the torture and killing actually did happen in real life? So?

What I can say though, is that I am really wanting to watch another episode of the Twilight Zone now. I think I would like this if I watched it as an episode. It felt almost like the Disney song, "Hellfire" from Hunchback of Notre Dame with all the fire and the people who were appearing to 'haunt' him, and him insisting it was part of his orders. And "Hellfire" is one of my favorite Disney songs. Shows what a twisted person I am. Yikes.

[Clarissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lutze was an S.S. officer at Dachau concentration camp during the Holocaust. He escapes to South America before the Americans who have invaded the camp can arrest him and put him on trial. 50 years later Lutze goes back to visit his old stomping grounds. As he revisits Dachau, he's confronted by all the men he tortured and killed in the camp. The man that Lutze tormented the most, Becker, is the prosecutor. There is a kind of mock trial and Lutze is haunted by all the evil he spread during his days as an S.S. officer. Finally, justice is served.

I was excited to read this graphic novel because I'd just read one that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I didn't like this one. The graphics were great, but the story was confusing and weak. I was discussing with a friend the use of graphic novels to tell stories of the Holocaust, and she told me it was a fairly common theme among graphic novels. Whether it's common or not, I just don't feel comfortable addressing the topic via graphic novel. I don't feel like it allows the appropriate amount of respect and reverence for the matter.

[Joseph R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of World War II, Nazi officer Lutze escapes from Dachau by shooting a prisoner and taking his clothing. Decades later, he returns to the town with a new identity and makes a visit to the place where he committed many atrocities. He arrives at the camp late in the afternoon and wanders around alone. Soon the memories begin to haunt him. He sees prisoners he remembers. They accuse him of the terrible crimes that happened to them. Lutze rehearses the Nuremberg defense ("I was only following orders") which is chilling given the horrors depicted (which just scratch the surface). In one scene, people come back out of the ovens to accuse him for their deaths. His memories finally drive him mad. He is discovered wailing uncontrollably on the grounds of the death camp by the attendant.

This story is very powerful and haunting. The episode was made in 1961 during Adolf Eichmann's trial for his part in the Nazi's Final Solution. This graphic novel captures the horror of a man without a conscience as he finally succumbs to his own humanity. Well worth reading.

[Jacki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summary: Graphic novel adaptation of a Twilight Zone episode in which a former concentration camp administrator who escaped the Nuremberg trials revisits the scene of his crimes, only to find the ghosts of the people he killed waiting for revenge.

Verdict: Meh. Skip it.

Yay!: It's a sick truth, but it just feels good to see concentration camp ghosts get vengeance against their murderer. Also, the art is actually pretty nice: colorful, clear, and uncluttered.

Nay!: The plot is minimal and predictable, and while the art is just fine, the dialogue is poorly written. Even though the subject is a touchy one, the book actually suffers from a lack of emotion.

Other (potentially better) Holocaust graphic novels: X-Men: Magneto Testament, The Complete Maus

[Sam Quixote · Rating 4 out of 5]

An SS officer at Dachau Concentration Camp escapes when the Allies liberate it in 1945, adopts a pseudonym and lives peacefully in South America. 64 years later he returns to the site of Dachau. Here he meets the ghost of one of countless victims to have died under his watch in WW2. And it's here that these ghosts will have their revenge on this monster...

The story retells the horrors of what went on in the concentration camps of the Nazis and brings to life the punishment we all would hope the Nazis faced in this life or the next. It's well written, and is a compelling read, utilising historical fact well into the nightmarish scenes the officer is subjected to.

A grimly satisfying book, Mark Kneece continues to bring back excellent Twilight Zone episodes in comic book form.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

REQUIRED CATEGORY: GRAPHIC NOVEL
An adaptation from a Twilight Zone episode, this graphic novel was pretty dark. It tells the story of a retired German SS captain who returns to Dachau concentration camp after years of living in South America. While there, he is put on trial by the thousands of Jews he ruthlessly tortured and murdered during his time in charge of Dachau. He is found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to insanity.
The story itself is interesting, but the writing of the captions is not super engaging and the pictures are really dark and made me a little sick sometimes, though this reaction goes along with the subject matter, too. I would have enjoyed it more had it been in some other format.

[Brian Rheinhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This graphic novel adapted from the original Twilight Zone episode is better drawn than it is written, but I guess a picture is worth a thousand words. This g.n. would be a fitting addition to any unit on the Holocaust for middle school or high school readers, although upperclassmen in high school may find it too simplistic.

A former Nazi officer who ran a concentration camp returns to the camp as an elderly man. Mistakenly locked in the camp at night, the ghosts of those he tortured return to try him for the crimes he committed. Cool premise.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for gr. 6-12. Graphic novel version of an episode of the original Twilight Zone series. An elderly former SS officer visits the prison camp where he used to work. The author’s note indicated that he attempted to stay close to the original visual impact of the television series. It seems to be well-drawn, and the story has a thought-provoking ending. (cue spooky Twilight Zone music) Recommended for MS and HS graphic novel collections.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite Twilight Zone episodes! The adaptation definitely adds to the classic story because much was taken out due to time restraints and Censorship from both CBS and its sponsors that Serling had to deal with during the series 5 year run.

The message of justice towards those who persecute those who are different is still relevant today. A great way to introduce new fans to the Twilight Zone.

[Andrea Gratton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my all-time favorite Twilight Zone episodes. The book does not portray the same level of intensity from the TV version, but I think it does a great job of conveying the horrors of the Holocaust. The images are haunting and the storyline is true to the script. I recommend this to Twilight Zone fans or those interested in learning more about the Holocaust.

[Gayle Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the graphic novel adaptations of the Twilight Zone. This one was fantastic, with very descriptive pictures and some differences from the episode that clarify the story. I loved the scene of the spirits of the dead emerging from the ovens and transforming back into human beings. Very Cool!

[Its Cha Boi Uhh Pope the Froge]

I thought it was an okay book. I think it needed to be a little longer than what it was. It just would have made the story better. But overall I without giving anything away from the story it was a good book if you want to learn about concentration camps I guess.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

An aging Nazi returns to the scene of his crime, only to be confronted by the spirits of those he tortured and murdered. Mark Kneece and Chris Lie do justice to Rod Serling's tale.

[Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was pretty simple, and super monotonous.

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maus and the Anne Frank graphic biography did a much better job of tackling the Holocaust in the graphic novel medium.

[Samra · Rating 4 out of 5]

creepy and well done

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A graphic novel adaptation of an original Twilight Zone episode. Much like the episode, it was short, powerful, and haunting.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good adaptation of one of the most moving episodes of the Twilight Zone.

That being said, the episode, I think handled the story better than the graphic novel did. But by no means was it bad.