“Years ago, Jack and Oogie Boogie were close friends. Both eager to prove themselves, they poured all their passion into their fantastical projects to earn their rightful place as the scariest duo in town. But there could only be one Pumpkin King! What could have happened to turn two best friends into such bitter rivals?” (Tokyo Pop)
Tim Burton's “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a title widely recognized as one of the best executions of stop-motion animation in recent times. The film and poem of the same name tell the story of an infamous Pumpkin King named Jack Skellington, who has grown tired of his monotonous life and causes mass hysteria when he pursues a drastic change. It's a classic that many fans know quite well — but do they know just how he became the prolific Pumpkin King? This new narrative by Shaun McLaughlin, D.J. Milky, and Dan Conner, titled “Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Battle for Pumpkin King”, answers that exact question as it explores the past relationship between Jack and Oogie Boogie on their journeys to become the Pumpkin King.
When it comes to well-known properties like this, one of the biggest challenges can be maintaining the integrity the fans know and love. Despite never getting a sequel, “The Battle for the Pumpkin King” gives fans a peak into what life was like before Jack took up the Pumpkin King mantle. In a new narrative that focuses more on Halloween Town and its residents this time around; the world's lore is elaborated upon with new characters and expanded relationships. Jack and Sally's backstory adds more depth to their romance, while his friendship with Oogie Boogie gives a new perspective to their rivalry. In all, this story answers a lot of questions fans may have developed over the years.
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On top of crafting a creative and informative story, the art by Deborah Allo and Roberto Scalia is also particularly captivating. While the style is very Tim Burton-esque, the coloring is vivid and whimsical. It not only creates a distinctive contrast between the novel and the darker pallet of the movie, but it adds to the more lighthearted tone of the plot as well, especially since the characters are a little bit younger in this novel. The art reminds viewers that although the setting is different, it is still part of the same universe that many readers are likely already familiar with.
Although this graphic novel is a great addition to the overall world of Nightmare Before Christmas for many fans, the story itself may feel a bit juvenile to the older crowd. While there are no distinctive age requirements listed in the novel itself, the story and dialogue contribute to the more childish feel of this installment, especially at times when Oogie Boogie's villain traits are exaggerated to amplify Jack's more heroic qualities as opposed to using this opportunity to make Oogie a more well-rounded character.
Overall, “Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Battle for Pumpkin King” serves as a satisfying and entertaining prequel to the original story. It elaborates on the world of Halloween Town in a way that many fans of the movie will surely appreciate while still feeling like its own fresh installment. Despite the younger tone of the novel, there's no reason why older fans of the series shouldn't check it out this holiday season.
