Iconic Horror Directors Unite for an Epic Graphic Novel Adaptation of Romero’s Lost Film

The worlds of horror will collide in a highly anticipated graphic novel debut this spring as two of the genre’s most iconic names—John Carpenter and the late George A. Romero—join forces for John Carpenter Presents George A. Romero’s The Amusement Park. Based on Romero’s once-lost 1975 film, The Amusement Park, the graphic novel will be available in stores and online beginning May 7, 2025, thanks to a collaboration between Storm King Comics and the George A. Romero Foundation.

Originally conceived as a public service announcement, The Amusement Park explores themes of ageism and society’s neglect of the elderly through Romero’s distinct and unsettling lens. Though the film was shelved for decades, it has been recently restored and praised for its hauntingly surreal portrayal of growing old. Now, this powerful piece of Romero’s legacy will reach a new generation, reimagined as a graphic novel.

Illustrator Ryan Carr and writer Jeff Whitehead have brought the story to life on the page, transforming the eerie experience of the film into a visually rich, provocative journey. At the heart of the story is a young businessman who encounters an elderly man with a tale about an abandoned amusement park. What starts as a nostalgic trip quickly devolves into a nightmare, with the elderly man subjected to a series of terrifying attractions that mirror the deterioration of the mind and body. Trapped in a relentless loop, the elderly man’s ordeal serves as a metaphor for the brutal reality of aging.

John Carpenter, a master of horror himself, explained his enthusiasm for the project: “George A. Romero’s films are legendary. They already were when I was just starting out, and The Amusement Park has such a unique place in his filmography. This project is important to his legacy, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.”

Storm King Comics, founded by Carpenter’s longtime collaborator Sandy King, has gained a reputation as a leader in the horror graphic novel scene. “This project felt like the perfect opportunity for John and George to collaborate in a meaningful way,” King shared. “We’re thrilled to present this interpretation of The Amusement Park through the artistic talents of Ryan and Jeff.”

For Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, founder and president of the George A. Romero Foundation, this project is deeply personal. “The Amusement Park holds a special place in George’s body of work because it tackles a deeply human issue—ageism—through horror. Adapting it into a graphic novel allows us to bring his vision to a new audience.”

John Carpenter Presents George A. Romero’s The Amusement Park will be available in comic stores and online from May 7, 2025, with a wider release through all major booksellers on May 20, 2025.