Christmas comes early this year at Magma Comix with Death Comes for the Toymaker, an unforgettable tale from writer Dakota Brown and artist Ryan Cody.

Death comes for us all. But for Gil the Toymaker, the visit is an eternal tragedy!

Every year the holiday gift giver visits children all over the world on a special night, but Gil’s immortality comes at a cost. Forced to do the work of Death, carrying a list of ready-to-harvest souls alongside his naughty and nice lists, Gil gives toys and takes souls all in one night! But as the Toymaker reflects on the relationship he’s had with Death for several millennia, an associate reveals a scheme that may just put an end to Death’s contract (and, perhaps, Death himself!)

The holiday season if often paired with joy, happiness and a sense of togetherness with Santa being the ultimate symbol of love and giving. However, in Death Comes for the Toymaker things are bit different as the graphic novel explores a different aspect of the holiday season, making it unpredictable and exciting. This Mesopotamian twist on a holiday tale is creative and mythological beyond the typical story around this season.

While most stories involving a Santa type figure see the jolly old fellow delivering gifts to good boys and girls, this tale takes a darker twist. As part of Gil’s immortality, the old man needs to give Death the night off by doing the dirty work for him. Reflecting on his relationship with Death over several millennia the end to the contract might come soon.

In addition to a great, unique and dark Mesopotamian-holiday tale, the artwork from Ryan Cody adds to the overall atmosphere of the story, leaving you absorbed in the world of the Toymaker and Death. The colors used set just the right tone for a grim tale, with the character designs being visually stunning and unique. A truly immersive reading experience.

A book would not be complete without the great lettering from Micah Myers. The lettering is not just functional in helping readers navigate through the story, but also adds to the overall mood of the tale, often building to key moments of tension. Myers is one of the best in the business.

Death Comes for the Toymaker really kept me gripped to the story. With a new and unique tale accompanied by stellar artwork, this new graphic novel is perfect for the start of the holiday season for any fan of Christmas and horror as it blends the two seamlessly with a thread of the Epic of Gilgamesh.

The Death Comes for the Toymaker graphic novel hits local comic shops on November 6, 2024 and bookstores everywhere on November 19 from Magma Comix.