Written By: Sam Santiago
When "Never By Night" first arrived last Halloween with its debut anthology, it drew attention from horror comic fans excited by its nods to classic creature and anthology stories and its cinematic pacing. The first volume’s mix of unsettling tales and memorable visuals helped establish it as a noteworthy indie horror comic anthology. Anthology horror is not easy to pull off; one constantly looks to films like Tales From The Darkside, Creepshow, and, of course, Tales From The Crypt as hallmarks of the sub-genre. This is, of course, just on film; anthology horror has been around since the EC Comic days, and Never By Night Vol. 1 was a good nod to all of these predecessors.
OUR REVIEW
The anthology opens with “Late Night Host,” illustrated by João Azeitona Vieira. This chapter blends body horror with media anxiety as a new late-night show host’s big premiere turns nightmarish. The story’s pacing feels rushed at times, but the art does heavy lifting, bringing visceral energy and tension that keeps readers engaged. We understood what Chance was doing here, but it took us a few passes to understand the landscape of the story itself. We wish that the story had expanded on a few things, but this would have altered the overall suspense and mystery behind another being controlling what we see and hear. John Carpenter just might sue since this is probably as close of a nod to his film "They Live" as we have ever come across. It's not a total rip, but we see where the influence lies for sure.
(Image Courtesy of Jonathan Chance)
“Video Van Man,” with art by Ricardo López Ortiz, shifts into retro horror territory, evoking ’80s videotape culture and strange neighborhood fears. The idea’s ambition is clear, even if the narrative rhythm doesn’t always click. Ortiz’s visuals lean into the nostalgic concept, giving the uneasy story a compelling look and feel. This tale was the least favorite in the anthology, as it felt like just another "Man In A White Van" trope we've seen before. That's not to say the idea of a guy renting movies out to people and making them pay the ultimate late fee isn't hilarious to us; it's just we've seen this before and find it better fitting for a short film than a comic in style.
(Image Courtesy of Jonathan Chance)
The third story, “Now All Is Silver Blue,” illustrated by Emilio Utrera, turns toward stark survival horror. This tale follows a parent in a bleak, snowy wasteland fighting to save a child from unseen creatures. If you've ever seen the film "The Colony" (2013), you know where this one is going right off the bat. Knowing Chance’s personal history adds weight to this narrative; the desperation on the page resonates more deeply when you consider the author’s experience as both a writer and a father. The desire to do right by your child, the need to make sure they are safe and secure by any means, this is where Chance shines as an author because the emotions are real, raw, and unwavering. Utrera’s use of contrasting color—icy blues and blazing fire reds—emphasizes the emotional stakes and makes this chapter memorable despite its brisk pace.
(Image Courtesy of Jonathan Chance)
The anthology ends with “Collect Them All,” brought to life by Rodel Noora. This final story transcends the earlier chapters by blending heartfelt character moments with smash cut horror. Set in a 1990s funhouse-like restaurant, the tale begins innocently enough but spirals into full-blown chaos when defective lick-and-stick tattoos unleash a nightmare. Zombies in a pizza parlor? Count us in! The emotional core of a grandfather trying to protect his granddaughter adds a level of depth you don’t often see in short horror comics. Yes, Robert Kirkman's original run of "The Walking Dead" could be looked upon as a guide, but Chance gives an all too real-world feel to the chaos and terror unleashed. Noora’s art captures both the storybook charm and the grotesque carnage with finesse, making this sequence the true emotional centerpiece of the volume.
(Image Courtesy of Jonathan Chance)
FINAL WORDS
Through all four chapters, the artwork remains a consistent strength. Each artist’s style helps define the tone of their respective stories, enhancing the mood and drawing readers deeper into Chance’s varied worlds. While not every narrative hits with perfect clarity, the visual storytelling keeps the anthology cohesive and visually engaging.
By the end of "Never By Night Vol. 2", it’s clear that Jonathan Chance’s strength lies not just in creepy ideas, but in the emotional truths hidden beneath them. The artwork grounds each story, and the third as well as final chapter’s rich emotional thread suggests that this series may have more powerful tales yet to come. If future installments build on the narrative confidence shown here, Never By Night could easily become a perennial favorite for horror comic readers. We'll be eagerly awaiting what comes next.
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