Hyperion Books has published an illustrated book that fans and viewers of Guillermo Del Toro’s new film “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” are going to want to pick up. “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Blackwood’s Guide to Dangerous Fairies” acts as both a prequel and field guide that features a breakdown of dangerous creatures. The book is designed for young adults even though the new version of the movie is rated R.
The remake of “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” tells the story of a young girl sent to live with her father and his girlfriend in an old mansion they are restoring to sell. Little do they know that the house has a dark secret and a past riddled with disappearances. These disappearances stem from devious creatures with an appetite for children.
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Blackwood’s Guide to Dangerous Fairies” has two parts. One part takes place one hundred years before the movie. It’s different sections tells the stories of a young nature scientist named Emerson Blackwood who travels the globe studying and learning about secret and dangerous creatures. We get to read about his encounters with different people and creatures. He begins to understand there is more to the world we live in than science can explain.
The second part of the book serves as an illustrated field guide Blackwood is putting together. The title is the “Field Guide to Dangerous Fairies.” “Don’t be Afraid of the Dark” movie directorTroy Nixey provides the illustrations in the book. Nixey is also known for his work on comic books like “Batman,” “Dreadful Ed,” and “Deadworld.” He has also worked with writer Neil Gaiman on “Only the End of the World Again.”
Guillermo Del Toro co-wrote “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Blackwood’s Guide to Dangerous Fairies” with the assistance of author Christopher Golden. Golden wrote the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” books and Peter Octavian series. Besides writing, producing, and directing movies, Del Toro has recently been in the spotlight because of his work on “The Strain” Trilogy of vampire novels.
Consumer reviews have been positive when it comes to “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Blackwood’s Guide to Dangerous Fairies.” Michael H. commented, “If you loved fairy tales when you were a kid and want a darker, grown-up version, this book is for you… [It] goes back and forth between the journal entries of the naturalist discovering the world of dangerous fairies, and his drawings and descriptions of these malevolent creatures. Del Toro’s mark is evident, as the writing is surreal and almost cinematic.” Ashley L. stated, “What I like about Del Toro is that the fear is subtle and subconscious… not in your face like today’s horror… I would encourage you to buy this book.”
There were some complaints about “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Blackwood’s Guide to Dangerous Fairies.” Swit C. complained, “When I bought this book I was expecting more of a story or… a detailed account of experiences with these different fairies. The book is so repetitive that the writer sounds apologetic for describing the same creatures [repeatedly], just giving them a different name. The book jumps from journal entries to descriptions of dangerous fairies of different countries. I almost wish the book was written entirely in journal form as opposed to skipping back and forth.”
“Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Blackwood’s Guide to Dangerous Fairies” is available in hardcover or Kindle editions. The book has 272 pages. It retails for around $24.95. The Kindle edition costs $9.99.
For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:
Zombies Beware! Alice is Back for ‘Resident Evil: Retribution’
‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ Not a Ghost Story
Interview with ‘Final Destination 5′ Actor Miles Fisher
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