John Carpenter, despite not having directed a movie in 16 years, is and forever will be the Horror Master. It’s a title he earned as the man behind classics such as Halloween and The Thing, among many others. But for those who have, such as myself, long yearned for a new movie from Carpenter, today is a good day. Not because he’s made a new movie (that might never happen), but because the next best thing is upon us.
Available at the time of writing, Cathedral is both Carpenter’s first ever original graphic novel, as well as an accompanying, original soundtrack. Experienced together, they make for something truly original, well beyond what either medium would be able to provide individually. Most importantly, it feels like a true return to form for Carpenter, scratching an itch for longtime fans of his work.
Inspired by a vividly cinematic dream the cinematic legend had in 2024, the story centers on an abandoned church in downtown Los Angeles that shifts from a forgotten building to the site of a waking nightmare. After the killing of a police officer draws attention to the long-ignored cathedral, Lieutenant Christine Marks and detectives Paul Hernandez and Steve Mayfield are pulled into an investigation that leads them deep into its catacombs and toward a centuries-old evil imprisoned within.
Cathedral was designed as a fully immersive project, functioning as both a soundtrack and a “narrative engine.” Each track aligns with a chapter of the graphic novel and the liner notes guide you through the story. The story unfolds more like a movie than a traditional graphic novel or an album individually. As a result, it’s the closest thing to a new John Carpenter movie we’ve had since 2010’s The Ward starring Amber Heard.
“It was so cinematic and vivid,” Carpenter said of the dream that inspired the story. “I thought, ‘I have to score this.’ It’s kind of our first heavy metal album.” Indeed, the album that he made alongside frequent collaborators Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies is heavy AF. It works incredibly well for the material in the book which, itself, is pretty gnarly. At the same time, it’s very easy to just jam to the album on its own. Delightfully and as designed, both pieces of work function very well individually. Together though? It’s something pretty special.
The project was made in collaboration with Carpenter's wife and long-time creative partner, producer and editor Sandy King, alongside writer Sean Sobczak, fleshed out by illustrators Federico De Luca and Luis Guaragna, colored by Sian Mandrake and lettered by Marshall Dillon. Much like the process of making a major motion picture, these things aren’t done alone. Carpenter picked the right collaborators to bring his twisted dream to life, that much is certain.
In terms of the filmmaker’s previous work, Cathedral has the most in common with Prince of Darkness, probably Carpenter’s most underrated cinematic treasure. Religious overtones, monsters in the house of God and twisted secrets abound, it feels like it would make a good double feature of sorts with that particular movie. Though, by Carpenter standards, who was really the king of making a lot out of a little, this would be a relatively big movie, probably on par with Ghosts of Mars in terms of scale.
Fortunately, and with all due respect to a legend, this unique project is far better than Ghosts of Mars. It’s an absolute treat. Oddly enough, I’ve often listened to movie scores while reading comics and have done so for years. It enhances the experience. But having a soundtrack specifically crafted for a graphic novel from a guy who masterfully scored his own movies? That’s something else. That’s rad.
Carpenter has vaguely suggested that he might directed another movie again. Largely though, he seems more content to make music and take on other creative endeavors. He’s certainly earned the right. The biggest takeaway from Cathedral is that it’s clear Carpenter still has the goods. He’s still got great stories to tell. People such as myself will always dream of the man getting back behind the camera for one last ride. Whether or not that happens? Who knows but this is without a doubt the next best thing.
Cathedral, both the album and graphic novel, are available now.
