Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

[Meow Mix]

...is being reprinted without the original illustrations.

What on earth are they thinking? These books were only scary because of their illustrations! Some of the original illustrations made me absolutely terrified -- but that's the whole point of scary stories for children, isn't it?!

Look at these comparisons to see how gloomy, awful, soiled-pants-inducing artwork changed into a crappy Harry Potter knockoff in the reprints (examples, and more ranting from fans of the original, from here: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Gammell vs. Helquist | Adventures in Poor Taste)

Original:

New version:

Original version:

New version:

Original version:

New version:

Original version:

New version:

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Anyway, you get the idea.

Gee, now I wonder which set of illustrations actually gets the job done in scaring children -- but in a good way, the way scary stories are SUPPOSED to scare children?

One of these sets of illustrations sets this series as a beloved childhood memory that was above par to all the crap and swill being peddled otherwise.

The other set of illustrations is so pathetic and bland that we might as well just all forget about ever buying these once-awesome books for the next generation. Why bother? It's absolute CRAP.

 

[freethinker44]

I LOVED these books when I was a kid. And the illustrations scared the crap out of me, probably more than the stories did. I will admit, the illustrations were probably over-the-top for a childrens book, but I can't picture the books being anywhere near as great without the original illustrations.

 

[Meow Mix]

I LOVED these books when I was a kid. And the illustrations scared the crap out of me, probably more than the stories did. I will admit, the illustrations were probably over-the-top for a childrens book, but I can't picture the books being anywhere near as great without the original illustrations.

Obviously we turned out fine after having the crap scared out of us by them, right?

(Just don't look at the bodies in my trunk and closet)

But more seriously, I don't think they were over the top at all (I guess unless we're talking about REALLY young kids). Those illustrations made that series of books great, and it's a travesty that they're being changed.

I mean, what would it be like if someone said "Gee I'm going to change Dr. Seuss's illustrations to make them more modern?"

 

[DreadFish]

Looking at those old picture, I think I remember this book from when I was a kid too. I personally like the old pictures better, not just because the content of the pictures is scarier, but also because of the drawing style, which appears much more eerie. And yeah, the new version looks like Harry Potter knockoff drawings.


EDIT: and the fact that I didnt really remember the series until I saw the old pictures definitely says something about their quality.

EDIT: EDIT: Ahh, now that im reading that article, im remembering the books more and more! Yeah the old pictures are way better.