COMING FOR HALLOWEEN: Artist and screenwriter Michael Dougherty’s first book combines creepy drama, horror, and thriller with a splash of his twisted humor.

Designed to illustrate Legendary Pictures feature film of Dougherty’s directorial debut Trick ‘r Treat, scheduled to open in theaters October 10, 2008, the book is a rare opportunity to get the jump on a cult classic before its mainstream release. If you can't wait for the movie, get the book now and explore the weird world of Trick 'r Treat!

Trick ‘r Treat tells the story behind this personal and spooky movie, from Dougherty’s initial inspiration through the development process, the painstaking production design and the roots of Halloween traditions. It celebrates the yearly ritual that we all participate in but only dimly understand, explaining why we do all the activities associated with the holiday.

Click here for an exclusive peek inside the book!

“Interludes” scattered throughout the book explain:

• Why we celebrate Halloween on October 31
• The practice of trick or treating
• The origins of the Jack O’Lantern
• Why we dress up in spooky costumes
• The urban legend of “tainted candy”
• The curse of lyncanthropy (werewolves)
• The reasons we have deep superstitions about black cats  

The film is comprised of five interlocking tales, referencing past horror movie and television hits such as Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt.  The book re-tells and expands on these five stories, turning them into “campfire tales” appropriate for evoking the spirit of the holiday. (See an online preview of the movie.) The idea of restoring the history of the holiday to the popular mindset is a premise behind the film; the book takes this to the next level, deepening the exploration of the holiday’s origins and rituals.

Included is Seasons Greetings, an exclusive 8-page comic book insert.  The comic is based on Seasons Greetings (1996), the award-winning animated short film by Michael Dougherty that gave rise to all the mischief and mayhem that is Trick ‘r Treat.