Tag Archives: Comics

Estuary: A Ghost Story #1 is a solid debut that has an intriguing premise and really builds tension

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OUT OF THE BLOODSTAINED PAST OF OLD CALIFORNIA . . . A DIFFERENT KIND OF DEVIL IS RISING WITH THE TIDE! From rising stars Tim Daniel & David “D.B.” Andry (Crush Depth, Morning Star) and modern horror virtuoso Maan House (Mine is a Long Lonesome Grave) comes a chilling tale of secrets buried deep beneath the surf of the idyllic California coast . . . Atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean sits the Mission at Arbués Point, a 400-year-old Spanish mission made infamous as one of California’s oldest and most haunted historical sites. But beneath its crumbling, tourist-trap facade, a reclusive nun has spent decades within the Mission’s walls, honing her prayers and practice in pursuit of a secret long-buried beneath the majesty of the chapel, and under the dark waves of the tidal estuary below. When marine archaeologist Maris Cristobal accepts the nun’s offer to begun excavating a fabled shipwreck lying in wait beneath the Mission’s turbulent waters, she’ll soon discover that the sins of past and present are about to wash together into a harrowing surge of a vengeance that can no longer be contained . . .

Story: David “DB” Andry, Tim Daniel
Art: Maan House
Color: Steve Canon
Letterer: Taylor Esposito

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Preview: Estuary: A Ghost Story #1

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Estuary: A Ghost Story #1 (of 4)

(w) Tim Daniel, David “D.B.” Andry (a) Maan House

Atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean sits the Mission at Arbués Point, a 400-year-old Spanish mission made infamous as one of California’s oldest and most haunted historical sites. But beneath its crumbling, tourist-trap facade, a reclusive nun has spent decades within the Mission’s walls, honing her prayers and practice in pursuit of a secret long-buried beneath the majesty of the chapel, and under the dark waves of the tidal estuary below. When marine archaeologist Maris Cristobal accepts the nun’s offer to begin excavating a fabled shipwreck lying in wait beneath the Mission’s turbulent waters, she’ll soon discover that the sins of past and present are about to wash together into a harrowing surge of a vengeance that can no longer be contained . . .

ESTUARY: A GHOST STORY #1

Mind MGMT: New & Improved and Fort Psycho go Print First with Digital Release Delays

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Oni Press has revealed that the first two new series released under superstar creator Matt Kindt’s Flux House imprint will feature an extended window of physical-only availability. Debuting in June and August, respectively, both Mind MGMT: New & Improved and Fort Psycho will be available exclusively at comic book retailers with no digital releases for either series until 30 days after the release of each series’ fourth issue.

Notably both series will also feature an array of specially tailored, print-only upgrades designed to take full advantage of comics as print medium. First: Beginning with an all-new, entirely self-contained entry point into the genre-bending, Eisner Award–nominated series, Mind MGMT: New & Improved #1 will feature a specialty die-cut cover and 32 pages of content written, drawn, colored, lettered, and designed by Kindt himself – alongside a specially manufactured “blind bag” containing one of 15 exclusive, chase, or rare variant covers spanning four distinct subsets from some of Kindt’s closest and most acclaimed collaborators, including Jenna Cha, Jeff Lemire, Jesse Lonergan, Fábio Moon, David Rubín, Scott Suguichi, and J.H. Williams III. The series’ first issue will debut in comic shops everywhere on June 24th.

Then: Debuting in August, Fort Psycho #1 (of 12) – the 40-page first issue of the explosive new maxi-series from co-creators Matt Kindt and Brian Hurtt – will maximize the power of comic book storytelling in the most aggressive and high intensity manner ever attempted on the printed page, thanks to a new publishing format called PSYCHO-VISION. Upping the ante with upgrades across all 12 issues in Kindt and Hurtt’s masterclass in super-spy betrayal and subversion, each issue of Fort Psycho will feature panton-keyed covers on 10 pt. cardstock with a maximized, ad-free format brimming with back matter (to say nothing of the violence and harsh language). 

Matt Lesniewski’s Visionary Epic Returns in Faceless and the Family: Maze of the Mechanical Aliens #1 – Coming in July!

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Oni Press has announced Faceless and the Family: Maze of the Mechanical Aliens #1 (of 4) – the first issue of a brand-new chapter for the artistically ambitious and visually spectacular science-fiction epic, torn from the mind of Eisner Award–nominated cartoonist and visionary storyteller Matt Lesniewski! Picking up with an all-new, self-contained adventure in the aftermath of 2024’s Faceless and the Family, Lesniewski’s next artistic tour de force chronicling the adventures of an alien outcast and his misfit team of fellow cosmonauts arrives in comic shops everywhere on July 1st.

The space-faring rogue known as Faceless and his found family of adventurers are about to encounter a new challenge– stronger, stranger, and more perplexing than any they’ve faced before. Roving the backwaters of the class-segregated alien world called the Hand Planet, Faceless is plunged into his most harrowing ordeal yet– bonded to a living suit of extraterrestrial armor that refuses to let him go. As the armor’s inscrutable will tightens its grip, Faceless finds himself physically under siege. Enter a bizarre, labyrinthine world of impossible logic and nightmarish wonder as Faceless and his unlikely family must embark on a harrowing quest to free him– if freedom is even possible.

On July 1st, enter a strange new realm that could only be born from the singular imagination of creator Matt Lesniewski, delivering page after page of jaw-dropping visuals and unsettling surprises, only in Faceless and the Family: Maze of the Mechanical Aliens #1 (of 4) – featuring unearthly covers by Lesniewski with multiple Eisner Award winner Dave Stewart, Kelley Jones with José Villarrubiá, and Noah Bailey!

Faceless and the Family: Maze of the Mechanical Aliens #1

Lewis LaRosa Unleashes a Barrage of Explosive Covers for Fort Psycho From Co-Creators Matt Kindt and Brian Hurt

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Oni Press will release an onslaught of face-melting new covers for Fort Psycho – the brand-new, high-intensity, compulsively page-turning maxi-series from Matt Kindt and acclaimed artist Brian Hurtt—by comics master Lewis LaRosa. LaRosa’s contributions to Fort Psycho will represent his first consistent return to ongoing cover duties for the first time in several years and mark his first all-new project for Oni Press.

Beginning with Fort Psycho #1 (of 12) – hitting stands everywhere in August – LaRosa will join series co-creator and interior artist Brian Hurtt on ongoing shelf covers for the shrapnel-laden, nerve-tightening action epic that will soon unravel the many secrets and betrayals of a team of disgraced secret agents … and the truth about the classified island prison where they have been sent to atone for their innumerable crimes. LaRosa’s raw black-and-white artwork will be made available as additional, incentive covers from Fort Psycho #1 onward through the series’ long-planned, closely held conclusion.

Mini Reviews: Lobo #1, Batwoman #1, Sentry #1, Dead Teenagers #1, Super Creepshow #1, Wrestle Heist #4, Infernal Hulk #5

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Super Creepshow #1

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

Lobo #1 (DC) – Almost in time for his big screen debut, Skottie Young, Jorge Corona, and Jean-Francois Beaulieu put together a comic that understands why the Main Man is such a fun character. Lobo #1 is equal parts satire and over-the-top violence with Corona going for a hard PG-13 version of the shenanigans that go on in Young’s indie comic, I Hate Fairyland. The code and origin story is intact (In a gorgeous double page spread), but the plot fits a society that is oversaturated with content so why not add bounty hunters to the docket. (Dog, who.) I love the jabs that Skottie Young and Jorge Corona take at Disney, Warner Brothers, and all the megacorps, but it’s because they have jester privilege. Most folks with an HBO Max/Paramount Plus/Disney Plus subscription are unlikely to read this comic. I’m very here for Lobo’s trying very hard not to sell out era, but of course, he does because late capitalism, and wow, I’m overintellectualizing this book. There are lots of funny one liners and excessive violence, and somewhere Simon Bisley is smiling at Corona and Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s over a bottle of Johnnie Walker. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

Batwoman #1 (DC) – Kate Kane relives past trauma in a mental hospital in Greece in a gorgeously drawn comic that also feels like a retread of a book from 19-20 years ago. Much of the book’s page count is Greg Rucka and Dani retelling the story of the relationship between Kate and her deceased villainous twin sister Alice. It’s cool to see Dani’s take on some iconic layouts and panels from JH Williams, but her and Matt Hollingsworth’s work resonates more in the present day scenes as Kate struggles with her past guilt and mental health. In the last few pages, Batwoman #1 does break new ground so I’ll give the next couple issues a shot especially since the book hasn’t looked this good since the Williams days. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Sentry #1 (Marvel) – Paul Jenkins is back writing Sentry, and he and artist Christian Rosado really put the titular character through the wringer. Seriously, Watchdog is involved, super creepy Void stuff, and it feels like Bob Reynolds’ story is progressing for the first time time in years. Jenkins just *gets* Sentry’s voice and thoughts, and his insightful captions pair well with Rosado and Matt Milla’s epic-meets-psychologically disconcerting art style. We don’t know how much damage the Void has done, and that’s a frightening thing for this story and the Marvel Universe as a whole. Overall: 8.3 Verdict: Buy

Dead Teenagers #1 (Oni Press) – Dead Teenagers #1 is a clever, nostalgic postmodern sci-fi slasher from Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Caitlin Yarsky. True to its title, it’s about a diverse group of teens trying to escape the worst life of their night. Each scenario riffs on fictional tropes, and Doyle and Yarsky revel in the references and especially the 90s fashion. This first issue also gives a nice handle on the key cast of characters before the status quo shifting twist. I thought I knew what this book was about, but I don’t and I love Dead Teenagers more for it. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Super Creepshow #1 (Image) – In Super Creepshow #1, two of mainstream comics’ finest writers, Kieron Gillen and Ryan North, get to put their own sick and twisted spin on the superhero genre with artists Rossi Gifford and Derek Charm. Up first is Gillen and Gifford’s body horror twist on Spider-Man, The Creep. The hormones and gore are turned up to 11, and the female of species is deadlier than the male. I love the Sam Raimi energy of this 10-pager. The second story “Speed Freak” from North and Charm shows the frightening consequences of super speed with bullied Ron going from ersatz Flash to cosmic menace haunting his town and the only girl who was nice to him. Derek Charm’s Archie-style art especially works for the horror bits as Ron’s body breaks and bends with the the copyright friendly Speed force. Clever superhero and horror from some of the best talents in the industry means that Super Creepshow is a no brainer to pick up this week. Overall: 9.4 Verdict: Buy

Brett

Sentry #1 (Marvel) – The Sentry is back and Paul Jenkins is back at the helm with artist Christian Rosado and Matt Milla. The debut issue brings up the interesting dynamic of superheroes who do so much damage and destruction while also trying to do good. What’s the balance? It’s an intriguing concept that uses the Sentry to examine the concept of modern superheroes. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

The Infernal Hulk #5 (Marvel) – Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, with art by Kev Walker, ink by Cam Smith, and color by Matthew Wilson, The Infernal Hulk #5 is an interesting one that feels a little out of left field, but feels like a key chapter in building toward whatever comes next. It’s a massive battle with heroes standing witness and key ramifications. The series has been a fantastic mix of traditional superhero comics but deeply infused with horror. The art and colors add to the vibe of the overall comic, making this a series that shouldn’t be missed. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Wrestle Heist #4 (Image Comics) – Kyle Starks‘ style, with colors by Vlad Popov, is on full display here with a gonzo issue where things go so right and so wrong at the same time as the heist begins. We learn far more about the evil promoter in a series that brings the fact and fiction together for a world we want to see more of. This is one you can appreciate at the surface level though those with wrestling knowledge will love it more. The backmatter is absolutely fantastic as always. Another great issue in a series that’s a hell of a lot of fun. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy

Dead Teenagers #1 is an interesting horror concept that’s a solid intro to the world and characters

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THERE’S NO ESCAPING HIGH SCHOOL! Since 1997, five friends have been trapped in the ultimate nightmare as a mysterious entity forces them to relive their first prom night over and over again . . . and re-kills them in new and increasingly insane ways each time. They dress up. They party. They make out. And no matter what they try to change, they always die . . . until now. Something is about to break the cycle that has kept Alicia, J.T., Ryder, Brandy, and their group of friends locked in a bizarre purgatory beyond all understanding . . . but what they find on the other side will be the most disturbing revelation of all. Hell is the ’90s in this brash and brutal, genre-distorting ode to the generation that gave us Scream and Buffy the Vampire Slayer—and what’s become of them since.

Story: Jude Ellison S. Doyle
Art: Caitlin Yarsky
Letterer: Becca Carey

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Mind MGMT: New & Improved #1 unveils Operation: Blind Bag! Do you dare?

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Operation: Blind Bag

If you are reading this, you have been invited to participate in a very special program designed to entertain, enlighten, and enhance your perception of Mind MGMT: New & Improved #1 – the “first issue” of the brand-new beginning for New York Times best-selling writer/artist Matt Kindt‘s groundbreaking comic masterpiece arriving on June 24th from Oni Press and Flux House. 

When Mind MGMT: New & Improved #1 arrives on shelves – featuring a die-cut standard cover by Matt Kindt himself – it will also be accompanied by a mystifying token of the ongoing war for the psychic control of America’s heart and mind. Enter: Mind MGMT: New & Improved #1 – Operation: Blind Bag – a fin-sealed, metallic silver “blind bag” containing everything you need to know to escape the reach of the subliminal surveillance agency called “Mind Management.” 

On the outside: A new training protocol designed and written by Matt Kindt with instructions on how to deploy the “blind bag” in your possession to withstand psychic attack by the forces of paranoia and control. 

And on the inside – Operation: Blind Bag commences with an artistic assault on the senses as each blind bag reveals one of 15 exclusive, chase, or rare variant covers spanning four distinct subsets with strictly limited print runs in a manner of aesthetically pleasing alternatives to stimulate your third eye

Operation: Blind Bag

ARTIST VARIANT SUBSET

A curated line of artistic interpretations heralding Mind MGMT’s return, featuring Jenna Cha, Jeff Lemire, Jesse Lonergan, Fábio Moon, and David Rubín.

NOTE: These covers will be evenly divided across the print run once all rare and chase subset covers have been accounted for. 

“ERROR” EDITIONS BY MATT KINDT SUBSET 

In the process of manufacturing and distributing Matt Kindt‘s open-order, die-cut cover for Mind MGMT: New & Improved #1, it appears that some unfortunate errors accidentally made their way into the blind bagging process, including Korean import and 3-D versions never intended for commercial distribution.

CHASE FOIL SUBSET

Limited edition variants of Jesse Lonergan and J.H. Williams III cover art, reproduced without trade dress on foil stock. 

HYPER-RARE “U.S.S.A.” VARIANT SUBSET 

Featuring guest starring roles from Lee Harvey Oswald, Patty Hearst, Charles Manson, Richard Nixon, the command module of Apollo 11, and more, this hyper-rare variant subset consists of six covers unearthing America’s secret history of mind control and information warfare across the 20th Century, as rendered by artist and designer Scott Sugiuchi.

NOTE: One of these covers is a hallucination and will never actually exist. Sorry, and thank you for playing!

Preview: Dead Teenagers #1

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Dead Teenagers #1

(W)  Jude Ellison S. Doyle (A) Caitlin Yarsky 

Since 1997, five friends have been trapped in the ultimate nightmare as a mysterious entity forces them to relive their first prom night over and over again… and re-kills them in new and increasingly insane ways each time. They dress up. They party. They make out. And no matter what they try to change, they always die… until now. Something is about to break the cycle that has kept J.T., Ryder, Brandy, and their group of friends locked in a bizarre purgatory beyond all understanding… but what they find on the other side will be the most disturbing revelation of all.

Dead Teenagers #1

Superstar Creator Dustin Weaver Reveals the Tormentor’s Twisted Origin in Catacomb of Torment #11

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DISCOVER THE TANTALIZING, TERRIFYING TRUTH ABOUT THE TORMENTOR! Oni Press and William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. are proud to announce that the strange and sordid secret origin of the horror host known as The Tormentor will finally be revealed in all-new story by acclaimed writer/artist Dustin Weaver in EC Comics’ Catacomb of Torment #11 – on sale May 20th!

EC’s very own Mistress of Malice, the Tormentor, finally takes center stage to reveal her hopes (“to see your bone marrow!”), dreams (“slathering you in scalding oil!”), and aspirations (“finding excruciating new ways of using the ball peen hammer!”) in this VERY SPECIAL and EXTRA BLOODY tale of who she is and how she came to be! The issue “marks” the first time that EC Comics and Oni Press have divulged the bloody backstory of one of the three new EC horror hosts – The Grave-Digger, The Tormentor, and The Grim Inquisitor – with a tale both written and drawn by modern EC Comics master Dustin Weaver, who designed and co-created EC’s all-new masters of menace. The revelation of the Tormentor’s untold origin continues a frightening EC Comics tradition; the Crypt-Keeper’s origin was revealed in EC publisher and co-editor Bill Gaines, Al Feldstein and Jack Davis’s “Lower Berth” in Tales from the Crypt #33, and the Old Witch’s origin was revealed in “A Little Stranger” in The Haunt of Fear #14, written by Al Feldstein with art by Graham Ingels. 

In addition to this “all-scar” celebration of Her Royal Majesty of Pain, EC Catacomb of Torment #11 features more new tortuous tales from the depths of the Tormentor’s catacomb including “Type M for Murder,” written by Matt Bors and drawn by Fabiana Mascolo, and “Every Cut a Lie,” from writer Liam Johnson and artist Arjuna Susini. 

Don’t miss our most devilish ish yet—or The Tormentor will leave you for last! Catch the bizarre birth of the Catacomb’s very own hostess of horror in Catacomb of Torment #11, on sale May 20th and featuring cadaverous covers from Dustin Weaver, Jorge Fornés, Shawn McManus, and Patricia Martín!

Catacomb of Torment #11
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