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Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone: The After Hours
When dissatisfied shopper Marsha White tries to return a purchase to the eighteenth floor of a department store, she is surprised to find out that no such floor exists. Feeling faint, she lies down in the store manager's office and wakes up, hours later, after the store has closed for the night. Wandering the dark and empty store, Marsha hears voices calling her to the eighteenth floor as her unusual shopping trip continues in a very unexpected way.
72 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
1 person is currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Mark Kneece
33 books11 followersMark 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 12, 2016
read this a while back and IT BLEW MY MIND. SO CREEPY. AND I'M SO MAD BECAUSE I probably misplaced it ugh
November 21, 2020
It's a fun comic book that I read in 20 minutes or so. I'm behind on my yearly book goal so I'm counting it!
July 2, 2017
The classic television episode The Twilight Zone: The After Hours enters another dimension of imagination as a full-length graphic novel. The story follows a young woman who goes to a department store to buy her mother a gift but ends up getting more than she bargained for. Adapted from Rod Serling’s original script, writer Mark Kneece takes a few liberties that expands upon the story to fill-in a few gaps. Rebekah Isaac’s artwork, however, stays quite faithful to the television episode; capturing the likenesses of the original actors and the look of the 1960s. Unfortunately, the added material, while making for some interesting differences from the television version, robs the story of some of The Twilight Zone’s enigmatic and mysterious nature. Still, The Twilight Zone: The After Hours stays true to the spirit of the series and the vision of Rod Serling, delivering a haunting tale in a fresh new way.
October 12, 2013
The main character in this book is Marsha White, she is a mannequin and every year, each mannequin in her store gets one month to turn Into human. It was Marsha's month, but she stayed to long. She started getting crazy, and panicked, she thought she had a mother, so she went to go by a golden thimble. So she went to a mall and a person asked her to go to the 18th floor. When Marsha did, she found nothing in the cases except for the thing she wanted to buy, a golden thimble. When she paid for it, the women behind the counter knew her name and Marsha started to panic. She went to the elevator and said the there was something wrong with the thimble. So she went to the 3rd floor for complaints, she told the bosses the that she bought the thimble and then it broke. They said they didn't sell that and she should take a nap until closing. When Marsha woke up it was 9 o'clock and after closing. She found the women who knew her name and told Marsha that she was a mannequin and was 2 weeks late, even though she had a great time, she turned back into a mannequin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2011
As you might know, I love all things horror, so when I came across graphic novels based on "The Twilight Zone" I had to read them. This was the first one, I have another on hold.
This volume follows a confused woman who goes to a department store to buy a golden thimble as a gift for her mother. She keeps thinking the mannequins are talking to her. When someone finally asks her if she needs help, they direct her to the 18th floor... except there is no 18th floor.
The graphic novels are based on actual episodes of the television show, however, this format did not do much for me. Mannequins are certainly creepy in real life, in cartoon form not so much. I did get a sense of the main character's confusion and paranoia, but overall I was disappointed. The artwork is well-done but doesn't really create a dark and foreboding atmosphere.
This volume follows a confused woman who goes to a department store to buy a golden thimble as a gift for her mother. She keeps thinking the mannequins are talking to her. When someone finally asks her if she needs help, they direct her to the 18th floor... except there is no 18th floor.
The graphic novels are based on actual episodes of the television show, however, this format did not do much for me. Mannequins are certainly creepy in real life, in cartoon form not so much. I did get a sense of the main character's confusion and paranoia, but overall I was disappointed. The artwork is well-done but doesn't really create a dark and foreboding atmosphere.
October 14, 2013
So creepy! But i loved it.
The main character Marsha White is pulled into the real world and starts to believe that she is a human, but she is really a mannequin after all. Her dreams and thoughts are pasted onto the pages of this captivating comic. I was utterly sucked into this graphic novel, showing me the difference between reality, and thought. All though Marsha has a great time, she will have to leave the real world, of course after being chased through a stretch of time and space, and finally, back to the start in the mannequin warehouse. Closing the illustrated masterpiece, it becomes the turn of the next mannequin to go out into the real world for a month, and hopefully, it doesn't do the same that Marsha did.
The main character Marsha White is pulled into the real world and starts to believe that she is a human, but she is really a mannequin after all. Her dreams and thoughts are pasted onto the pages of this captivating comic. I was utterly sucked into this graphic novel, showing me the difference between reality, and thought. All though Marsha has a great time, she will have to leave the real world, of course after being chased through a stretch of time and space, and finally, back to the start in the mannequin warehouse. Closing the illustrated masterpiece, it becomes the turn of the next mannequin to go out into the real world for a month, and hopefully, it doesn't do the same that Marsha did.
December 15, 2011
If you found the movie "Mannequin" to be terrifying, this one's for you. Otherwise, it's not one of the stronger entries in this series...
December 25, 2023
This is the second Twilight Zone graphic novel I read and unlike “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?”, “The After Hours” really captures the magic that made the original series so effective. For one thing, I liked how this one was set in the same era as the episode, which made the story work a lot better than if they tried to change it to modern times. And like the other graphic novel I read, the art work here was quite good.
August 28, 2020
As brilliant as the original episode, slightly modernized, and with a sinister twist halfway through that was unexpected and delightful. I loved Anne Francis as the original Marsha and I appreciated the call-out to her incredible beauty in the assistance model in this story. This was one of the best of these comics.
July 3, 2023
A well-done graphic novel adapting a classic The Twilight Zone episode of the same name. It is noted that the book is an adaption of Rod Serling's script and therefore includes some scenes that are not shown in the episode. However, this adds to the overall story. I enjoyed this as a quick read. The illustrations in the book are lovely.
October 19, 2022
I’m gonna say hey so I’ll give it four stars because it was twilight zone but it was a disappointing twilight zone compared to the other graphic novels and episodes of the toilet zone. This one was a little how would I say disappointing so I gave it four stars
August 4, 2025
I'm obsessed with everything about The Twilight Zone. As I read this, I had the feeling I'd heard the story before, like maybe I'd seen it on TV or read something similar. The plot was pretty predictable, but it was still a fun read.
September 14, 2017
Great retelling of a great tale. Great art - just incredible all around!
February 1, 2018
A pretty good adaptation of the old TZ episode! Remember, don't ever go to Brimble's Department Store for a gold thimble, and never, ever take the elevator to 18th floor! Marsha knows why!
October 25, 2021
Pretty good. Was unfamiliar with the episode.
Recommend if you like the twilight zone
Recommend if you like the twilight zone
December 10, 2021
This one was more twilightzoney and i couldnt quite figure out what was going on until the end. Fun read !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
One of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes!
This really freaked me out before but now it's just a very wholesome story.
This really freaked me out before but now it's just a very wholesome story.
January 16, 2026
The story was a typical Twilight Zone story. It was interesting at first but I didn't like the twist.
March 19, 2017
I don't think the episodes translated well to graphic novels, I'm now on the hunt for these episodes of 'The Twilight Zone'
January 24, 2009
Marsha White went to the department store for one thing: a gold thimble she saw advertised, a gift for her mother. The elevator operator takes her to the 18th floor, where a strange sales clerk assists her in purchasing the only item on the floor. When Marsha gets back downstairs, however, she finds that the thimble is damaged and complains to the manager--who says that the store does not sell gold thimbles, nor does it have an 18th floor. Through an odd turn of events, Marsha finds herself locked in the store overnight, when all the store's secrets will reveal themselves...
This is a graphic novel adaptation of an early Twilight Zone episode, and (sadly) it's not one of the better episodes anyway. The reveal happens midway through the book, causing the first half to feel rushed and the second to feel dragged out. The script is almost identical to the original, but the pacing is somehow off. While it's weird for this reader to see the Twilight Zone in anything but black-and-white, Isaacs makes some good choices in her use of color: Marsha is dressed in a bright pink shirt, and is surrounded by cool colors when in the regular sections of store, but the color palette warms when she is encountering the people who can explain to her what's happening. The art style and coloring make this a little more cartoony than I'd like, but the book can serve as a good introduction to The Twilight Zone for young teens who have yet to travel into that other dimension of sight, sound, and mind.
This is a graphic novel adaptation of an early Twilight Zone episode, and (sadly) it's not one of the better episodes anyway. The reveal happens midway through the book, causing the first half to feel rushed and the second to feel dragged out. The script is almost identical to the original, but the pacing is somehow off. While it's weird for this reader to see the Twilight Zone in anything but black-and-white, Isaacs makes some good choices in her use of color: Marsha is dressed in a bright pink shirt, and is surrounded by cool colors when in the regular sections of store, but the color palette warms when she is encountering the people who can explain to her what's happening. The art style and coloring make this a little more cartoony than I'd like, but the book can serve as a good introduction to The Twilight Zone for young teens who have yet to travel into that other dimension of sight, sound, and mind.
October 8, 2015
4/5 stars
I LOVE THE TWILIGHT ZONE.
If you did not know that about me, then I'm not surprised because I do not vocalize my love for this show very often. But really, it's awesome. I remember maybe a few months ago my brother, my dad, and I were all binge-watching episodes of The Twilight Zone's first season in the classic black and white format. I remember there were a couple where I figured out the twist at the end before it was revealed, which I was very proud about. In these episodes, I usually find the twist to be the true definition of a plot twist. It's crazy, and unexpected, and I don't see it coming.
Although I have not watched this episode, I found the graphic novel format of this stayed true to the chilling, creepy nature of this show. The whole time I was reading it I had a case of the "spooks"-- that creepy unsettlement when you keep thinking, "what's going on? what am I not seeing?"
I loved the ending of this, and the plot overall was just so Twilight Zone that I definitely need to watch this episode.
I guess I'm more critiquing the episode than I am the graphic novel, but it was the plot that did grab my attention. If I had seen the episode first, I might not have liked this as much. Although the colors were done well, just the right amount of darkness, and the illustrations were very neat and felt like the time era this would have been shown on TV.
I read this in one sitting and I can't stop thinking about it! I would certainly recommend this even if you haven't seen the Twilight Zone. It's perfect for a rainy Halloween read.
I LOVE THE TWILIGHT ZONE.
If you did not know that about me, then I'm not surprised because I do not vocalize my love for this show very often. But really, it's awesome. I remember maybe a few months ago my brother, my dad, and I were all binge-watching episodes of The Twilight Zone's first season in the classic black and white format. I remember there were a couple where I figured out the twist at the end before it was revealed, which I was very proud about. In these episodes, I usually find the twist to be the true definition of a plot twist. It's crazy, and unexpected, and I don't see it coming.
Although I have not watched this episode, I found the graphic novel format of this stayed true to the chilling, creepy nature of this show. The whole time I was reading it I had a case of the "spooks"-- that creepy unsettlement when you keep thinking, "what's going on? what am I not seeing?"
I loved the ending of this, and the plot overall was just so Twilight Zone that I definitely need to watch this episode.
I guess I'm more critiquing the episode than I am the graphic novel, but it was the plot that did grab my attention. If I had seen the episode first, I might not have liked this as much. Although the colors were done well, just the right amount of darkness, and the illustrations were very neat and felt like the time era this would have been shown on TV.
I read this in one sitting and I can't stop thinking about it! I would certainly recommend this even if you haven't seen the Twilight Zone. It's perfect for a rainy Halloween read.
November 19, 2015
The After Hours has always been one of my favorite The Twilight Zone episodes. I remember feeling sorry for Anne Francis, the actress who played Miss Marsha White, as she couldn't seem to understand what was going on. The feel of the eerily quiet, dark, and cavernous department store at night would give anyone the willies. T
he graphic novel does an excellent job of bringing forth these emotions in the reader. The glossy paper and the coloring help create the atmosphere and send the reader spiraling down into The Twilight Zone. The adaptation by Mark Kneece from Rod' Serling's television script is wonderful and makes the story work quite well.
The illustrations by Rebekah Isaacs are great and totally bring back the feel of the original television episode. She has made the story look a little more modern, yet keeps that same feel as if the story were still being told in 1960. This might be a little confusing for younger readers as they might wonder how anyone could buy a gold thimble for $25.00 these days. It would have been nice if at the beginning if the story it stated that this tale takes place in 1960.
Overall, I quite enjoyed reading The After Hours and highly anticipate the next book. There are a ton of stories that stick out in my mind that I would love to see in graphic novel format. Let's just hope that Walker Books has picked the right stories to publish. I bet they do.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
he graphic novel does an excellent job of bringing forth these emotions in the reader. The glossy paper and the coloring help create the atmosphere and send the reader spiraling down into The Twilight Zone. The adaptation by Mark Kneece from Rod' Serling's television script is wonderful and makes the story work quite well.
The illustrations by Rebekah Isaacs are great and totally bring back the feel of the original television episode. She has made the story look a little more modern, yet keeps that same feel as if the story were still being told in 1960. This might be a little confusing for younger readers as they might wonder how anyone could buy a gold thimble for $25.00 these days. It would have been nice if at the beginning if the story it stated that this tale takes place in 1960.
Overall, I quite enjoyed reading The After Hours and highly anticipate the next book. There are a ton of stories that stick out in my mind that I would love to see in graphic novel format. Let's just hope that Walker Books has picked the right stories to publish. I bet they do.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
November 14, 2012
Reviewed by LadyJay for TeensReadToo.com
Marsha White is shopping for a gift - a gold thimble for her mother. She is taken to the 18th-floor of Brimble's department store, and is waited on by an extremely odd saleswoman. The woman clearly knows Marsha, but she cannot place her. Things go from bad to worse after Marsha discovers that the thimble has been damaged. After registering a complaint, Marsha falls asleep and is awakened to find herself trapped inside the department store.
The rest can only be described as a "Twilight Zone" experience.
Just as in WALKING DISTANCE, this graphic novel offers clean lines and bold coloring. Story panels are very easy to follow, and text bubbles are large and clear.
Another great addition to Rod Sterling's THE TWILIGHT ZONE graphic novel series!
Marsha White is shopping for a gift - a gold thimble for her mother. She is taken to the 18th-floor of Brimble's department store, and is waited on by an extremely odd saleswoman. The woman clearly knows Marsha, but she cannot place her. Things go from bad to worse after Marsha discovers that the thimble has been damaged. After registering a complaint, Marsha falls asleep and is awakened to find herself trapped inside the department store.
The rest can only be described as a "Twilight Zone" experience.
Just as in WALKING DISTANCE, this graphic novel offers clean lines and bold coloring. Story panels are very easy to follow, and text bubbles are large and clear.
Another great addition to Rod Sterling's THE TWILIGHT ZONE graphic novel series!
September 19, 2011
A young woman shopping in a department store for a gift for her mum is directed to a lift that takes her up to the top floor, an eerily deserted floor where only one attendant works and sells only one gift - the exact gift she was looking for! When she takes it back down she realises it's completely broken rather than new. When she complains she's told that there is no top floor where it is totally deserted. She faints and when she comes to it is night time in the store and she's all alone with the store mannequins... or is she?
Mark Kneece does a great job of building up the tension and terror of the situation for the reader until the somewhat unnerving reveal at the end. It's a great read with some really excellent moments of horror.
Mark Kneece does a great job of building up the tension and terror of the situation for the reader until the somewhat unnerving reveal at the end. It's a great read with some really excellent moments of horror.
February 19, 2015
My Real Rating: 2.5 stars
I didn't know whether to give this book a two or three star rating. I definitely enjoyed this story more than the other two I've read, The Twilight Zone: Walking Distance & The Twilight Zone: The Midnight Sun. I felt that The After Hours was more creative. I wouldn't necessarily call this book "creepy", but it definitely had an atmosphere to it. I liked not knowing what was happening to Marsha, and finally seeing the pieces click into place.
I didn't know whether to give this book a two or three star rating. I definitely enjoyed this story more than the other two I've read, The Twilight Zone: Walking Distance & The Twilight Zone: The Midnight Sun. I felt that The After Hours was more creative. I wouldn't necessarily call this book "creepy", but it definitely had an atmosphere to it. I liked not knowing what was happening to Marsha, and finally seeing the pieces click into place.
January 5, 2015
For the month of December, I read The Twilight Zone The after Hours by Mark Kneece. I liked the book because it was a graphic novel and it was a science-fiction book. The main setting in this story is a mall. The main character in this story is Marsha. The main conflict in this story is the woman thinks that she is going crazy because she gets a gold thimble for her mother, but the fact of the matter is she is not going crazy - she isn't even human! I would recommend this book to people who enjoy science fiction or graphic novels because it was very science fiction.
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August 11, 2011I thought this was kind of boring. The pictures were simplistic. Also the time period was strange. I found the actions confusing sometimes; I felt that certain scenes didn't clearly convey what was happening. Also the setting was confusing: it didn't really seem accurate to the 1950s, but nowadays women don't usually wear dresses shopping! I'm sure this was a scary TV show, but it was a boring graphic novel to me.
October 7, 2016
This probably worked better as a TV episode. This is a fairly straightforward story that has a typically Twilight Zone twist 2/3 of the way in. Didn't really pack a punch. I suggest these books to reluctant readers - they are clean, easy to follow - but this is a bit jumpy and ultimately unsatisfying, with a "think about the people you pass on the street" ending that just feels tacked on. Other volumes are preferable.
June 5, 2008
I was delighted to read this new graphic series of Twilight Zone stories. The presentation is well-fitted to the stories, and each includes the narration that Serling would have presented with the TV show, as well as a little background on the series.
This was one of my favorite shows as a kid, and the graphic versions do it justice. I can't wait to read more of these!
This was one of my favorite shows as a kid, and the graphic versions do it justice. I can't wait to read more of these!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews