Swedish Invasion: Dark Horse Wants You to ‘Let the Right One in’

Who's that rap-tap- tapping sweet Morse code nothings on our chamber door? Why's it's a comic prequel to the American remake of the Swedish film adaptation of the novel Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Confused? Let's break it down. 

Once upon a time in Sweden there was a novel about juvenile vampirism and longing called Let the Right One In by a man with very peculiar hair named John Ajvide Lindqvist. This was made into a Swedish film about juvenile vampirism and longing also called Let the Right One In. It did very well in Sweden and then went on to become a critical and cult success in America. There is a lot of snow in it, and it's creepy and vaguely heartwarming. You should definitely see it if you haven't already. It's the best vampire film since Ed Wood. You can take that to the bank. They'll nod. 

Now, that film is being remade by Matt Reeves, the director of Cloverfield. This English language version is called Let Me In. Chloë Moretz (Hit-Girl of Kick-Ass fame) plays the part of the young vampire, Eli, (now called Abby). The trailer actually looks remarkably good, if a bit redundant. Check it out below. 

 

Coinciding with that film remake, Dark Horse has announced a 4 issue mini-series to serve as a prequel. As reported on io9 Let Me In: Crossroads features a script from Marc Andreyko, with interior art by Patric Reynolds (Abe Sapien: The Haunted Boy, Serenity: Float Out).  Sean Phillips provides the covers, which you can see here: 


 

One of the great things about the original Swedish film was that sense of mystery. All the blank spaces left to the imagination. Would a prequel story shed too much light on an already good thing? The English language film will most likely take some liberties, as one should hope. No sense in making a carbon copy. Abby may turn out to be a very different beast than her Swedish cousin, leaving ample room for character development in this comic prequel. I'm cautious, but altogether intrigued. When it knocks, I'll be waiting.

The first issue debuts in December.

Comments

  1. I haven’t read the novel but I absolutely loved the movie.  I am looking forward to the comic prequel.  I think that the movie stands alone and if the comic book messes too much with my imagination’s version of the mythology than I will simply treat it as a stand-alone story.  It won’t mess with my love of the movie if there happens to be a lame comic prequel.  However, I am excited for the comic!

  2. Avatar photo Paul Montgomery (@fuzzytypewriter) says:

    @MrWrong – I could hug you. If only more fans of, well, anything, had that attitude about remakes, prequels, sequels, and adaptations.

  3. Okay, those covers look disturbing. And not in a good way, I think.

  4. Ok I am sold with the remake My money will be spent on this movie

  5. Man, I loved Let The Right One In (movie and book). Will pass on the dumbed down for Americans remake and prequel comic most likely.

  6. Pass.

  7. who wants to bet that they cut out all of the stuff about eli gender in the american movie

  8. @redhood22: It wasn’t inthe Sweedish movie either. Just in the book.

  9. Avatar photo Paul Montgomery (@fuzzytypewriter) says:

    It was in the movie. They don’t spell it out, but the visual is there. 

  10. Yeah, there was a quick and deeply disturbing image that I think a lot of people missed.

    My wife couldn’t make it through the Swedish version, so I doubt I’ll ever get around to watching the remake, even if I didn’t think it was silly.

  11. @PaulMontgomery – yeah, that visual is there, and it’s probably the most disturbing visual in the movie.

    I was overly critical when I first heard this, but after seeing the trailer, you know what? If I can enjoy The Crazies remake, I’ll give this one a shot. Looks like a cover song (?!?).

    And those Philips covers? Hachi-mama!!

  12. Interested in the remake, I’ll check out this comic if I hear good things. 

  13. original movie = good

    book = in the mail

    Dark Horse = good folks with passion

    Another Hollywood remake that most likely will prove (again) the mass IQ of North Americans= negative