Like the urban legends and folklore frights of yore, the Headless Horseman is coming back to haunt you once more in the Headless Horseman Annual 2024 from some of the most talent creators at Dark Horse.

Ignore the creaking footsteps, don’t mind the whistling wind, pull your eyes away from the shifting shadows, and tiptoe through these spine-tingling stories. The Headless Horseman returns… and this year, he’s coming for you!

This year’s halloween special features stories Leech Lake by David Dastmalchian, Leah Kilpatrick, Sara Stella Scalia, Mauro Gulma, and Frank Cvetkovic; Feeder by Ben Stenbeck, Matt Smith, and Cvetkovic; Stingy Jack and Old Nick by Lukas Ketner, Eryk Donovan, and Cvetkovic; The Spice of Life (and Death) by James Asmus, Chris Panda, and Cvetkovic; and Little Rabbit by Jay Martin and Cvetkovic.

David Dastmalchian and Leah Kilpatrick team-up once again this year for a monster story in Leech Lake with wonderful illustrations from Sara Stella Scalia. A tale where the scary memories of Halloween past comes back to haunt while also reminding us that people are awful and high school wasn’t that much fun. The spooky monster story will haunt you long after you finish.

In Feeder, writer Ben Stenbeck partners with Matt Smith to tell a unique zombie tale that is truly creepy as hell. Smith’s artwork and art style fits perfectly with the story Stenbeck is telling. I personally believe that Halloween is not complete without zombies, so a special thanks goes out to this team.

Headless Horseman Annual veteran Lukas Ketner shares a story, Stingy Jack and Old Nick, with artwork from Eryk Donovan that set itself apart from the other tales. The artwork is simple yet messy with the use of only black and off-white. A unique and wonderful tale that fit perfectly in the middle of this annual.

The Spice of Life (and Death) is horrifying in its own right, mainly because I have a distain for this flavor come this time of year. James Asmus and Chris Panda give us a wonderfully original story with clean and fitting artwork. The spice is in full effect and gives those like myself a uneasy feeling.

Jay Martin tells a Jay Martin story in both feel and look with Little Rabbit. The tale is short and to the point with unexpected twists and turns. As per usual for Martin, the story is beautifully illustrated.

The Headless Horseman Annual 2024 is a frightening, suspenseful and thrilling collection of tales from some of the best comic creators in the business. What Dark Horse is able to accomplish each Halloween season with these annuals is unmatched in the world of comics.

The Headless Horseman Annual 2024 hits local comic shops on October 23, 2024 from Dark Horse.