By Richard Matheson

The Folio Society, available now

Robert Neville is the last man on Earth, fighting to survive in a world now ruled by the creatures that were once his neighbours.

There’s a lovely sense of going full circle with Joe Hill’s introduction to this gorgeous new edition of Richard Matheson’s horror classic from The Folio Society. Hill, as well as being a celebrated horror author in his own right, is also the son of Stephen King, and it was King who first extolled the virtues of this book to me. I’d seen the 1971 adaptation, Charlton Heston’s The Omega Man, but the book itself was a revelation. Like so much of King’s work, Matheson’s 1954 novel was set in a modern town that you could recognise. Far from the safer fantasy environs of Transylvania or Victorian England, here was a contemporary, relatable scenario, and all the more scary for it.

So, we can all agree that this novel is a bona fide classic, and if nothing else you’re likely to have seen one of the adaptations – The Last Man on Earth with Vincent Price (1964) or Will Smith starrer I am Legend (2007). It’s also highly likely that you have a paperback copy on your shelf, so why make the upgrade? Quite simply because The Folio Society have made a work of art. From the die-cut slipcase with fanged creature peering through (they’re never called vampires) to the slender dimensions, to the quality paper stock, this hardback copy is unrivalled.

Artwork is by Dave McKean, the artist possibly best known for his work on Arkham Asylum and covers for Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series (and Gaiman’s Folio Society edition of American Gods). He’s also a director (MirrorMask, Luna) and for this edition he has created a Frontispiece, six stunning, colour illustrations, four integrated black & white illustrations for the part-titles and illustrated headings throughout.

Verdict: The ultimate compliment for a book is to be released by The Folio Society, and with I am Legend they’ve created one of the best looking and most deserved titles for your bookcase. 10/10

Nick Joy

 

Illustration ©2018 Dave McKean from The Folio Society edition of I Am Legend

The Folio Society edition of I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, introduced by Joe Hill and illustrated by Dave McKean, is available exclusively from www.FolioSociety.com