Nick Stakal

Nick Stakal is a comics artist best known for his atmospheric work on the *Silent Hill* comic book series, particularly *Silent Hill: The Grinning Man* and *Silent Hill: Dead/Alive*. Born in an unspecified location and date, Stakal’s career in comics spanned from 2004 to 2009, during which he contributed as artist, colorist, and inker on 23 issues. His most credited titles include *Strange Girl*, *Criminal Macabre: Cell Block 666*, *Criminal Macabre: My Demon Baby*, *Hyde*, and the two *Silent Hill* books. Stakal’s style is marked by moody, shadow-heavy linework and a keen sense of horror, making him a natural fit for dark, supernatural narratives. He frequently collaborated with writer Steve Niles on the *Criminal Macabre* series, bringing a gritty, visceral energy to the demon-hunting tales. While Stakal did not co-create any major characters or franchises, his visual storytelling in the *Silent Hill* comics helped expand the eerie, psychological world of the video game franchise. After 2009, he appears to have stepped away from regular comics work, leaving behind a compact but distinctive body of work. He has not received major industry awards, but his contributions remain respected among horror comics fans.