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The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe is a classic American piece of literature. This short story is often the first introduction to Poe and Gothic writing for many high school students as it is often on the curriculum. Despite being short it requires concentration and thought and students wrestle with it looking for meaning, intent and just what makes it chilling.

Lurking on a shelf at the back of the library a somewhat different version of this classic was found. This might be the salvation for any high school student struggling with Poe.

Bernie Wrightson, is a comic book horror legend who crafts illustrations and comics and he has treated  The Black Cat to his unique touch. Wrightson is a comic book artist who has worked with both Marvel and DC Comics and has worked on a vast number of comics, including Batman,  The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man, Swamp Thing and  Dr. Strange among many others.

In Creepy Presents Bernie Wrightson  the story The Black Cat is created by Wrightson in his distinctive comic style. Somewhat shorter, but with close accuracy he has drawn the world created by Poe. In stark black and white drawings the story unfolds, in a few short pages, with intense imagery setting the scene for what is to come.

This is far different from the world of Poe. Would Poe approve? Probably. The language is spare and the story is chilling, as Poe would want.

This is the perfect introduction to Poe, The Black Cat and Gothic literature. It is perfect for those who struggle with an understanding of tight short story writing, or who just want to enjoy this classic tale in a different format. A great read for younger readers who really want to up the creepy factor this is a great version to check out.