Kicking off Halloween Season 2022 with a New Illustration by Chris Trefz of Michael Myers: The Original Slasher Villain.
“I met him, 15 years ago; I was told there was nothing left; no reason, no conscience, no understanding in even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, of good or evil, right or wrong. I met this… six-year-old child with this blank, pale, emotionless face, and… the blackest eyes – the Devil’s eyes. I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up, because I realized that what was living behind that boy’s eyes was purely and simply… evil.”
- Dr.Loomis, Halloween
Continuing my series of Halloween-themed illustrations for a 3rd year, but taking a different approach. Instead of doing multiple quick illustrations, I'm aiming for a smaller number of more detailed pieces, centered around famous horror movie villains. Last year, I did Jason Voorhees, so this year I'll be starting off Spooky Season 2022 with Michael Meyers, the original masked maniac from Halloween (1978)
My development Process for this image:
Introduction
The first Halloween movie, released in 1978, marked the beginning of one of the most iconic horror franchises in history. Directed by John Carpenter and produced by Compass International Pictures, Halloween introduced audiences to the terrifying character of Michael Myers and set the stage for a chilling tale of suspense and horror.
The Plot of Halloween
The first Halloween movie takes place in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, on the night of October 31st. A young boy named Michael Myers inexplicably murders his older sister, Judith, landing him in a psychiatric hospital. Fifteen years later, Michael escapes and returns to his hometown with a sinister plan.
Dr. Sam Loomis, Michael's psychiatrist, is aware of the evil that resides within him and becomes determined to stop his rampage. As Michael embarks on a killing spree, he sets his sights on a group of high school students, including the resilient Laurie Strode. Laurie becomes the primary target of Michael's relentless pursuit, as he seeks to eliminate anyone who crosses his path.
The Character of Michael Myers
Michael Myers is a silent and enigmatic figure driven by an insatiable urge to kill. Often referred to as "The Shape," he wears a distinctive white mask that has become an iconic symbol of terror. Interestingly, the mask worn by Michael Myers in the film is actually a modified Captain Kirk (played by William Shatner) mask painted white. This choice was made due to budget constraints, but it ultimately became an integral part of the character's chilling appearance.
About the Artwork
In my artwork inspired by Halloween, I aimed to capture the intense and menacing presence of Michael Myers. The scene depicts a bedroom door that has just been opened, revealing Michael Myers filling the frame. His blood-stained butcher knife is raised, ready to strike fear into the hearts of his victims. The background portrays a male victim lying lifeless on the ground, with a bloodstain smeared on the wall behind him. A haunting portrait on the wall showcases the once-happy family that is being destroyed by Myers. The contrast between the idyllic setting of the home and Myers with his ghostly white, expressionless mask and soulless blacked-out eye holes intensifies the sense of dread and terror.
Conclusion
Halloween revolutionized the horror genre and solidified Michael Myers as one of the most memorable and feared villains in cinematic history. The combination of Carpenter's masterful direction, the suspenseful plot, and the eerie presence of Myers created a formula for a terrifying and enduring franchise. Through my artwork, I aimed to capture the essence of Michael Myers' malevolence and the horror that permeates the Halloween universe.
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