BENDY AND THE SILVER SCREAMS

Andi is a horror film enthusiast who finds herself in the middle of a real-life thriller in this second series entry, a graphic novel based on the popular video game Bendy.

When Andi gets a summer job at her local movie theater, it seems like a great way to feed her scary movie habit. That is, until Bendy starts appearing in odd places at work and at home. Kids are going missing, adding to the unsettled feeling. Andi and her new friends at work realize that their boss has disappeared, and when events take an even darker turn, it’s up to Andi to save herself and escape the evil that feels like a part of the theater itself. Though the story doesn’t shy away from some murderous horror elements, the scares read as conveniently manufactured and the connection to Bendy feels convoluted and tenuous. Andi and her new co-workers have a flimsy bond that does little to build reader investment in them. Regardless, fans of the Bendy universe will be pleased to see another volume, and the illustrations are strong. Arizmendi uses a golden yellow, black, and white palette to great effect. In places, the panels feature wavy outlines with overflowing pools of black ink dripping ominously from them. Most characters appear white.

A thin and underwhelming plot that’s buoyed by compelling illustrations.