Freddy Krueger Coloring Book Review: A Nightmare on Elm Street Fans Will Love
Freddy Krueger Coloring Book Review: A Nightmare on Elm Street Fans Will Love
Halloween is the perfect time to break out horror movies, haunted attractions... and horror coloring books.
As a lifelong horror fan, I couldn't resist picking up a Freddy Krueger Coloring Book while attending Monster Mania 47. If you've ever wandered the dealer room at a horror convention, you know it's almost impossible to leave empty-handed.
This unofficial coloring book immediately caught my attention. After flipping through every page, I thought I'd share my thoughts for anyone wondering whether it's worth adding to their horror collection.
A Fun Find at Monster Mania
I originally found this coloring book while browsing vendor tables at Monster Mania.
After getting it home, I noticed it was also available on Amazon. Judging by the publishing information, this appears to be an independently created Amazon KDP coloring book rather than an officially licensed release.
That's becoming more common these days, and while quality can vary, this one turned out to be one of the better fan-made horror coloring books I've seen.
First Impressions
The cover immediately lets you know exactly what you're getting—Freddy Krueger in all his razor-gloved glory.
Inside, the paper is fairly thin, which isn't unusual for Amazon KDP books.
Because of that, I'd recommend sticking with:
- Colored pencils
- Gel pens
- Fine liners
- Other dry media
If you do like blending colored pencils, I experimented with a little paint thinner to smooth out the colors, and it worked surprisingly well without causing any problems.
There's even a dedicated test page, which I always appreciate.
Before committing to your favorite coloring technique, you can experiment and see how the paper handles different materials.
Single-Sided Pages
One feature I always like seeing is single-sided artwork.
Every illustration has a blank page on the back.
That means if you decide to experiment with heavier coloring techniques, you don't have to worry about ruining another illustration on the reverse side.
It's a small detail, but it makes a huge difference.
The Artwork
The artwork is surprisingly strong throughout most of the book.
Some illustrations are clearly better than others, but overall there's a nice variety.
You'll find:
- Classic Freddy poses
- Nancy Thompson
- Scenes inspired by several Nightmare films
- Comic book-inspired artwork
- Close-up portraits
- Action scenes
- Plenty of Freddy's signature glove
Several pages capture Freddy exactly the way horror fans remember him.
Those classic poses immediately reminded me why Robert Englund's version of Freddy became such an icon.
A Few Printing Issues
No coloring book is perfect.
One thing I noticed was some minor streaking in a few printed pages.
It's not enough to ruin the artwork, and once the pages are colored, you'll probably never notice it.
Still, it's worth mentioning if you're expecting premium print quality.
My Favorite Illustrations
A few pages really stood out.
One features Freddy lunging toward the viewer, claws extended.
Another shows him holding a skull in one of his most recognizable horror poses.
There are also several illustrations filled with background details, making them much more interesting to color than simple character portraits.
Those became my favorites.
Robert Englund Is Freddy
While flipping through the pages, one illustration reminded me of the 2010 remake.
I'll admit it...
I'm a bit stubborn when it comes to Freddy Krueger.
For me, Robert Englund is Freddy Krueger.
Jackie Earle Haley is an excellent actor, but Englund brought a unique mix of humor, menace, and personality to the role that I don't think anyone else has been able to recreate.
If you're a fellow Robert Englund fan, you might enjoy checking out one of my other videos over on Spooky Cat Lady Travels, where I filmed part of one of his Monster Mania convention panels.
Hearing horror legends talk about their careers is almost as much fun as meeting them.
Revisiting the Nightmare Films
Looking through this coloring book also reminded me how much I enjoy revisiting the original Nightmare on Elm Street movies.
I'll probably get some disagreement here, but my personal favorites are:
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
- Dream Warriors (Part 3)
- The Dream Master (Part 4)
I've never actually watched all of Part 2 from beginning to end.
I've seen pieces of it over the years, but it's one I've always meant to revisit.
Maybe it's finally time.
Better Than the Other Horror Books?
The artist behind this coloring book has also created books featuring characters like Michael Myers and Chucky.
Personally, I think the Freddy Krueger book is the strongest of the bunch.
The illustrations feel more polished, and there's much more happening in the backgrounds, making the pages more enjoyable to color.
Final Verdict
For an independently published horror coloring book, I came away impressed.
What I Loved
- Great variety of Freddy artwork
- Single-sided pages
- Test page included
- Plenty of classic Nightmare imagery
- Nice backgrounds on many illustrations
- One of the stronger fan-made horror coloring books I've reviewed
Things to Keep in Mind
- Thin Amazon KDP paper
- Minor printing streaks on a few pages
- Some illustrations are stronger than others
Overall, though, I had a lot of fun flipping through it.
If you're a Nightmare on Elm Street fan who enjoys coloring—or you're simply looking for a unique horror collectible—this is definitely one worth considering.
Final Thoughts
Horror coloring books are becoming surprisingly popular, and I love seeing independent artists celebrate classic horror icons.
Sure, they're not official merchandise, but when they're done well, they can be a lot of fun.
This Freddy Krueger coloring book captures much of what makes the character so memorable: creepy poses, dark humor, unforgettable imagery, and plenty of opportunities to experiment with your own coloring style.
Now if you'll excuse me...
I think it's time to put on the original A Nightmare on Elm Street, sharpen my colored pencils, and see if I can survive coloring Freddy without falling asleep.
Who's your favorite slasher? Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, or someone else? Let me know in the comments!
For more horror coloring book reviews, paranormal adventures, spooky art, and all things creepy, visit darkwhimsicalart.com. Stay spooky... and don't fall asleep. 🔪🖤🎨