Matheson builds suspense by gradually increasing the threat. At first, the truck's actions seem like minor annoyances, but as the story progresses, it becomes more and more aggressive. He also uses the limited perspective of the protagonist. We only see what the protagonist sees, and he is often in a state of confusion and fear, which transfers to the reader. And the lack of communication. The protagonist can't really communicate with the truck driver, which adds to the mystery and suspense.
He uses the setting. The long, open road gives a sense of isolation and no escape. The fact that the truck could come from anywhere at any time adds to the suspense. Also, the anonymity of the truck driver. We don't know who he is or what his motives are, which makes it scarier.
One of the main themes is the primal struggle for survival. The unnamed protagonist is pitted against a seemingly unbeatable foe in the form of the truck driver. Another theme is the isolation of modern man. The protagonist is alone on the road, with no one to really turn to for help. Also, there is the theme of the power of the unknown. The faceless truck driver becomes this terrifying, unknown force that haunts the protagonist throughout the story.
The 'Duel Richard Matheson Graphic Novel' could be about a harrowing journey. Richard Matheson's original work often delved into the human psyche under extreme stress. In a graphic novel form, it would bring to life the story of a person being chased by a relentless and perhaps inexplicable foe. The illustrations would help to show the details of the vehicles, the expressions of the characters, and the growing sense of dread. It might also add elements to the story that are unique to the graphic medium, like using different panel layouts to build suspense, and the color palette could be used to set the mood, whether it's the bright sun highlighting the desolation of the highway or the dark shadows of the approaching threat.
Since I haven't read this graphic novel, I can't say for sure. But in Richard Matheson's original 'Duel', the main character is a man who finds himself in a terrifying battle on the road against an unseen driver. So perhaps the graphic novel has the same main character.
Poe uses a lot of techniques. Like creating a mysterious atmosphere, leaving clues that keep you guessing, and building up tension slowly.
The short story could build suspense by creating false alarms. For instance, the protagonist might think they've escaped the clown, but then they hear a faint jingle of bells that could be from the clown's costume. This back - and - forth of thinking they're safe and then realizing the danger is still there keeps the reader guessing and builds suspense.
Richard Matheson's 'Button, Button' is a thought - provoking short story. It delves into the concept of moral temptation. The story presents a couple with a mysterious button. If they press it, they will receive a large sum of money, but someone they don't know will die. This simple premise forces the readers to consider their own moral boundaries. It shows how easily people can be swayed by the prospect of financial gain, even at the cost of someone else's life.
You might also consider 'The Shrinking Man'. It's a classic that showcases Matheson's creativity. The idea of a man gradually shrinking due to some unknown phenomenon is both strange and fascinating. As the man gets smaller, he has to face new and terrifying challenges, and the story takes the reader on a journey through his increasingly strange and dangerous world.
You can build suspense by creating uncertainty about the outcome. For example, give the reader multiple possible endings and keep them guessing which one will happen. Also, withholding key information and revealing it gradually can heighten the suspense.
The conversation builds suspense by leaving key details unanswered or hinted at, making the reader eager to know more.
He uses the unknown. The mist itself is a big mystery. We don't know what's in it at first, which creates immediate suspense. Also, the slow revelation of the creatures. He doesn't show all the terrifying things right away. Instead, he gives little hints and glimpses, like the tentacles at the beginning. This keeps the reader on edge, wondering what else is lurking.