I tend to head into comic book reboots or sequels with skepticism as it is tough to match or exceed the vibe of a beloved franchise, this was my feeling with 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun, but what Rodney Barnes, Chris Shehan , and Maan House accomplish with this series quickly put those preconceived notions to bed. This new IDW Dark series honors the original tone and while establishing new characters and stakes.
Over two decades after the terrifying vampire attack of 30 Days of Night, the town of Barrow, Alaska, has moved on. When troubled teenager Jalen James moves to town, fleeing the gang violence of Los Angeles, he finds himself trapped in a place just as dangerous. As both vampires and Jalen’s former gang seek revenge, the people of Barrow must remember its history if they want to survive the long polar night.
While Jalen deals with the trauma he is running from, an old vampire is resurrected from blood and ash…and vows to avenge his slain brother, Vicente. The dark of night will protect neither Jalen nor Barrow from the past, and they’ll have to come together and defeat their demons if they ever want to see the sun again.
Yes, vampires are back in Barrow, Alaska, but this story is much more than just that. Barnes has scripted a story that sees our main character Jalen James fleeing his past in Alaska only to stumble right into the return of vampires during the 30 days of darkness. What are the chances you try and escape gang violence only to have to defend yourself and those around you against blood sucking creatures. Not to mention his past eventually catching up to him in the great north.
The residents of Barrow have this mixed preparation for the return of said vampires. There are the groups of people who see the events of 20 years ago as folklore and those who are ready for this to happen all over again. This sense of prepared yet not prepared for the onslaught of this series. Barnes builds tension throughout and crafts a brutal and bloody continuation of the 30 Days of Night storyline.
Shehan, along with House and colorist Xenon Honchar, create truly dark, brutal and unforgiving illustrations throughout this series. Moments of bloody gore during vicious attacks as well as more intimate moments as the story moves along. These artists bring an incredible style to this series, one that is really not for the faint of heart as it will rip that heart straight out.
30 Days of Night: Falling Sun delivered what I had hoped for from Rodney Barnes, blending brutal horror with a grounded, character-driven story facing events of the past. Meanwhile, Chris Shehan and Maan House breathe life into this iconic franchise with tense, blood-soaked illustrations to round out this vicious return to Barrow, Alaska. 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun proved there is plenty of bite left in this franchise, making this series a worthwhile read.
The collected edition of 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun hits your LCS and bookstores everywhere on July 21, 2026 from the IDW Dark imprint at IDW Publishing.
30 Days of Night: Falling Sun Preview
