Andrew Newton reviews Dynamite’s Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – The Graphic Novel…
Set in the eerie yet enchanting world of Halloween Town, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen picks up where the classic film left off, diving into the emotional journey of Sally Skellington as she adjusts to life as royalty. Adapted from the novel by Liz Marsham, this graphic novel (from Dynamite Entertainment) re-imagines Sally’s story with heart, melancholy and a touch of Tim Burton’s signature gothic whimsy.
The story focuses on Sally’s struggle with her newfound role as the Pumpkin Queen, a title that comes with as many pressures as it does prestige. Though she’s escaped the clutches of Dr. Finkelstein and married Jack, the joy of freedom is quickly shadowed by the fame, isolation and responsibility that a high ranking position entails. When she discovers a mysterious portal to Dream Town, she inadvertently sets off a chain of events that not only puts Halloween Town in danger, but also ALL the holiday towns.
One of the more enjoyable parts is how it expands on Halloween Town’s world. There are several new realms introduced here, and it feels like a natural addition to the holiday-themed universe, it’s strange, whimsical and just a little bit eerie. The tone walks a fine line between spooky and sweet, much like the original film, and fans of Burton’s aesthetic will appreciate the quirky set pieces and imaginative designs.
While the story brings intriguing new lore to the Nightmare Before Christmas universe, it sometimes leans too heavily into introspection, slowing the pace in places. Still, Sally’s emotional arc, from self-doubt to strength, is earnest and relatable, and it does help develop her character even if the stakes feel more fantastical than urgent.
The artwork by Alessio Petillo and Ismael Canales captures the mood beautifully, blending Burton-esque oddity with vivid, colourful and expressive panels. Jill Thompson’s cover art is a standout, being both haunting and elegant, which perfectly fits the tone.
This isn’t a fast-paced, action-heavy story, it’s more reflective and character-driven, which may appeal more to older fans of Nightmare Before Christmas or readers who enjoy emotional fantasy stories. Younger readers might find the introspective tone a bit slow, but longtime fans will probably appreciate the chance to revisit Sally’s world with a fresh perspective
Long Live the Pumpkin Queen is a decent addition to the franchise. It doesn’t quite recapture the charm or tight storytelling of the original film, but it offers longtime fans a deeper look into one of Halloween Town’s most beloved characters. For readers seeking a moody, moderately engaging follow-up to a holiday classic, this graphic novel fits the bill, even if it doesn’t break new ground.
Rating: 7 out of 10 Pumpkins
Andrew Newton
