Stranger Things Tales From 85

 ## Review: *Stranger Things: Tales from ’85*

If you’re looking to scratch that Hawkins itch while waiting for the final season, *Stranger Things: Tales from ’85* is a nostalgic, neon-soaked trip back to the summer of New Coke and Starcourt Mall. This graphic novel anthology serves as a "greatest hits" of side stories, capturing the eerie atmosphere and teenage angst that made the show a phenomenon.

### The Vibe: Pure '80s Americana

The anthology format works exceptionally well here. Instead of one long, dragged-out mystery, we get several bite-sized stories that flesh out the world of 1985. It feels like flipping through a dusty longbox in a basement—fitting for a series built on the DNA of Stephen King and Steven Spielberg.

### What Works

 * **Character Depth:** While the main show often focuses on the "Big Bad," these stories give secondary characters (and some favorites) room to breathe. You get a better sense of the daily dread hanging over the town.

 * **Art Style:** The visuals are consistent with the show's aesthetic. The color palette leans heavily into "Baskin-Robbins pink" and "Upside Down blue," creating a nice contrast between the mundane and the macabre.

 * **Easter Eggs:** It’s packed with references for the die-hard fans. From subtle nods to *Back to the Future* to deeper lore about the town's history, it rewards readers who pay attention.

### What Could Be Better

 * **Stakes:** Since these are side stories, they can occasionally feel a bit "low-stakes." You know the main characters survive, so the tension never quite reaches the heights of the television series.

 * **Pacing:** Like any anthology, some stories are stronger than others. A few segments feel like they end just as they’re getting started.

### Final Verdict

**Rating: 4/5 Eggos**

*Stranger Things: Tales from ’85* isn't essential reading to understand the main plot, but it is a delightful companion piece. It captures the spirit of friendship and the looming shadow of the supernatural perfectly. If you want to spend a little more time in Hawkins without the world ending immediately, this is a solid pick-up.

> **Bottom Line:** A must-read for fans of the "Starcourt era" who want a bit more flavor and folklore from the weirdest town 

in Indiana.

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