30 DAYS OF NIGHT: FALLING SUN #3 (IDW Publishing)

The final stand for the people of Barrow is upon us. As the Vampires close in on them and force a final showdown, how will the people survive? Things are a lot worse for Jalen as the gang from L.A have also made their way to Barrow as well.

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #3 - Written By Rodney Barnes – Story Consultant Steve Niles - Art By Chris Shehan & Maan House - Colors By Xenon Honchar - Letters By Alex Ray - Edited By Thea Cheuk & Ellen Boener - Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

The group of gang members are about 100 miles away from Barrow and are starting to plan how they will murder Jalen. What they don’t know is that Jalen is already fighting for his life with the rest of the citizens of Barrow after the Vampire return. Trapped in the Rec Center, the townspeople try to make a run for it. However, the Vampires pick off some of the townspeople while they try to escape. Just when the survivors think they have bought themselves some time, the gang shows up and tries to kill Jalen. Unbeknownst to them they have just jumped out of the pan and into the fire. The final stand starts now, and who will survive?

WRITING:

This final issue of the series brings some violence and drama to the conclusion of this story. Rodney Barnes knows how to craft a horror story and that shines true in this issue. The suspense that builds as the people try to survive is palpable. The action and violence are on point for the tone of the story that has been set forth in this series. But where Barnes truly shines in this issue is the drama. Wither it’s the townspeople vs the vampires or it’s the gang hunting down Jalen, the dramatic scenes and scenarios are what keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Unfortunately, there is a big downside in this final issue and that is the rushing of the story. This final issue feels rushed and that takes away from the suspense and the drama in the story. Not letting the story breathe and develop really hurts the overall story that Barnes has been telling. The story needed more issues to be fully developed, and its brevity lessened its potential.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue delivers intense, violent imagery that effectively conveys the story’s horror. Chris Shehan and Maan House use vivid visuals to depict terror and brutality, with disturbing, animalistic vampire designs enhancing the unease. Action scenes are detailed and brutal, while Xenon Honchar’s dark color palette deepens the bleak atmosphere in Barrow. The intricate art and somber colors bring the violence and horror to life.

Check Out My Review of 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2

Final Thoughts:

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #3 delivers some chilling and thrilling art with a suspense filled story. Unfortunately, the rushed nature of the finale leaves the reader wanting more and getting less. This final issue was disappointing due to the potential of so much more. The writing and art are not to blame, with the three-issue run leading to the story being rushed as the culprit of the disappointment. Even with that said the creative team still delivered an above average issue.

FINAL GRADE: 7/10

Let me know your thoughts on 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!