Review: The Dark Shadows Companion
Edited by Kathryn Leigh Scott · Review by Vera Marano

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A quarter of a century passed before its inception, yet The Dark Shadows Companion became and remains the most popular publication of Pomegranate Press. "I think the book's extraordinary success has to do with the mix of contributors... everyone enjoyed
hearing from Jonathan Frid, Lara Parker and Sam and Matthew Hall, and the history of the show by Melody Clark, Kathleen Resch and Marcy Robin was truly fascinating," comments editor Kathryn Leigh Scott.

The 208 page book is a visual feast for fans, but also offers informative
content. Scott's signature work still remains with My Scrapbook Memories of Dark Shadows. However, in this book she shares some pertinent insights within a short introduction, setting the tone for the selection of "guest" contributors that follow.

The Companion also is the only official guide published to feature a commentary from Dark Shadows main man, Jonathan Frid, who pens the foreword. Then there is a spell-binding piece of prose from a passionate Lara Parker, who reveals what makes her
alter-ego Angélique tick as well as the metaphorical message of the myth itself. Besides giving us a glimpse of the elusive Grayson Hall, the Halls, father and son writers Sam and Matthew, present a pure perspective of past events, from Sam's study of the misery behind the magic to Matthew's amusing take on the mating of Pugs.

A meaty retrospective, served up by Melody Clark, Kathleen Resch and March Robin, is chuck full of fascinating facts including the show's conception by Dan Curtis, and the numerous casting calls that follows. Certain sections have been superceded by subsequent researchers and books, particularly the history of the Dark Shadows movies, which Darren Gross provided an definitive commentary of in the 1998 Dark Shadows Movie Book.

Complimenting the text are tempting treats such as a pot pouri of vintage photos and the primary print synopsis of all 1,225 episodes courtesy of Jim Pierson. Due to the unique size of the book the 16 full page pictures are almost an 8" x 10" glossy. "He did an incredible job," comments Scott about Pierson's role on the project.

Some finishing frills include an update on the show's alumni, information about official licensed memorabilia and fan club addresses. The Dark Shadows Companion is a rare early bird special that fans of the original series should not miss out on!

US Readers: Order this book from Amazon.com
UK Readers: Order this book from Amazon.co.uk