With their series House of Penance, Peter Tomasi and Ian Bertram wove a macabre tale of guilt, ghosts, and guns, in a fictionalized account of Sarah Winchester’s descent into madness. Now, Dark Horse is releasing a deluxe library edition collecting all six issues of House of Penance in an oversized hardcover format with new cover art, sketchbook extras, and more.
House of Penance is a horrific tale of how fortune brings misfortune, as a grim and determined woman oversees the construction of a house twenty-four hours a day for twenty years mission to wash away the blood curse of her husband’s invention, the Winchester rifle, from claiming her own life and soul.
House of Penance Library Edition HC goes on sale March 27, 2019. This 176-page volume retails for $34.99.
Warren Peck is surprised to discover how far he is willing to go to protect the tormented widow. Their connection deepens as Peck contemplates his bloody past and Sarah grows more determined than ever to atone for her family’s sins.
With only one more issue left of House of Penance, the end begins to crack through, both literally and figuratively, as madness seems to infect the mansion. This causes fights, racial tension, and violence as an unexpected guest arrives to attempt to stop it all. Peck is given the reason Ms. Winchester decided to build the mansion and reveals how he became who is he. There’s a lot revealed here by writer Peter Tomasi.
The art style by Ian Bertram gets a little explosive as a sea of red begins to worm its way into place. I will admit the odd dream scene widow Winchester has stands out in this issue. It shows her descent into madness as she attempts to get her family back. While I wish I could share it, the one large vertical panel in this issue is one that should get attention. The attention to detail in that panel is well done, showcasing the sheer size of the house.
Story: Peter Tomasi Art: Ian Bertram Story: 8.5 Art: 9 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
The chaotic construction is no longer enough to keep Sarah’s ghosts at bay, so she tries something more extreme to ease her conscience. Peck’s nightmares are growing worse, too. Brought together by their dark visions, the heiress and the outlaw are getting closer, but Sarah’s sister doesn’t like it one bit.
IT’S NOT JUST THE HOUSE THAT’S HAUNTED . . .
In House of Penance #4 the past returns to haunt the house, as more Sarah’s ghosts haunt her. Both physically and emotionally things get strange, with only two issues left. I will admit I’m curious to see if more of Sarah’s family visits to see if they try to stop her descent to into madness.
Sarah’s descent into madness manages to influence the art, as it gets darker, and a little gruesome at times. While it may not all be dark, there are a few bleak spots of light. They are spread out throughout the comic which manages to give the issue a sense of balance.
Story: Peter Tomasi Art: Ian Bertram Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Alex
Top Pick: The Paybacks #1 (Heavy Metal Magazine) – The first four-issue arc was superb, blending the feeling of overwhelming debt with superpowers and the humour that results from such an outrageous pairing turned into one of the best series I’d ever read from then publisher Dark Horse. Now that the Paybacks are back with Heavy Metal, I’m beyond excited to get my grubby mitts on them again.
Conan The Slayer #1 (Dark Horse) – I always get excited whenever a new Conan comic (or movie, but those are far fewer in frequency), but I inevitably stop reading them at some point – and usually I have no idea why, but a new Conan series is exactly what I want right now.
Nightwing Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – I was never keen on the idea of Dick Grayson as a spy, and by not continuing to read his solo series post-Nightwing, apparently I missed out on a great series. But my dislike of spy heavy stories kept me away from the former Boy Wonder at first, and then there was a general reluctance to dive in after eight-plus missed issues. Now that the issue numbers are restarting, and the mask is back?
Old Man Logan #8 (Marvel) – After the last three issues left me barefoot (that’s a pretentious way of saying they blew my socks off), I have high hopes for the next arc. If it’s half as good as the last one, I’ll be happy.
Wrath Of the Eternal Warrior #9 (Valiant) – The Eternal Warrior is free from the Labyrinth and wants vengeance. I’m just happy to get another issue of my favourite series.
Javier
Top Pick: Nightwing Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – Dick Grayson finally returns as one of my favorite characters, together with Tim Seeley rightfully taking back his writing duties. Looking forward to both.
Ragnarok #9 (IDW Publishing) – Walter Simonson’s latest take on Thor’s post-apocalyptic mythology is amazing. Yes, it’s old-school eighties comic book storytelling, but it’s also a pleasant escape to Valhalla—what’s left of it.
The Vision #9 (Marvel) – It’s been on my pull list since the beginning, and I’ve been raving about it since it came out. It’s now near its conclusion, and if King’s ‘Omega Men’ is a harbinger of things to come, we are in for a hell of an ending within the few remaining issues.
House of Penance #4 (Dark Horse) – Tomasi and Bertram have drafted a horror tale around the legendary Winchester House and its builders. This nightmarish western, with and without guns, has me gasping for air.
Wacky Raceland #2 (DC Comics) – This was one of my favorite Saturday morning cartoons back in the day. It was a goofy cartoon, but this most recent updated iteration is anything but. The writing is a bit rough, but the artwork is gritty and realistic, with well-drawn characters more representative of today’s diversity.
Anthony
Top Pick: Monstress Vol.1 TP(Image Comics) – If you missed out, now is your chance to catch up and devour one of the best titles released by anyone in 2016. Marjorie Liu has a firm, confident grasp on world-building, establishing quite a bit without feeling overburdened. The array of characters are all so well fleshed out and especially stand out from the insanely detailed artwork of Sana Takeda. Takeda’s designs are just dazzling. From the interior and exterior environments to the clothes being worn, Takeda’s illustrations never wane…you just may cry from how stunning this series is.
Kabuki Library HC Vol.3 (Dark Horse) – David Mack’s Kabuki is a very special series. Combining all sorts of art styles (watercolours, pencils, collage, etc.), Mack weaves in and out of them with a confident ease that never feels pretentious, just plain and simply amazing. These oversized ‘Library’ editions that Dark Horse has been releasing are truly the way to absorb this futuristic tale of an assassin that has been wronged. Words cannot really do justice to Kabuki. Each page is like a treasure beholden to the eye, sometimes requiring a closer examination for the full effect of its use of text (and a very interesting use of comic lettering) and image.
Descender#13 (Image Comics) – Tim-22 and Tim-21 are not getting along. Last issued revealed some backstory from Tim-22, putting some possible reasoning behind his violent tendencies compared to the doughy innocence of Tim-21. Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen have been painting a wonderful sci-fi series so far that has yet to lose any steam.
Mirror#5 (Image Comics) – Mirror has been one of the most beautifully composed titles that Image has released this year. Emma Rios’s emotional script with Hwei Lim’s gorgeous, playful layouts make every single issue a treat for the eyes and mind. Every issue evokes a floating dream type of feeling that works quite well with its fantasy-like setting. A rising tension has been building from the first issue between the Synchronia and the animals of Irzah that is sure to come to a head in this final issue of the first arc.
Bloodshot Reborn#15 (Valiant Entertainment) – The first part of ‘Bloodshot Island’ was a Doctor Moreau-esque introduction to this mysterious place that Bloodshot has found himself in. With a cast of other Bloodshots that appear to have come from other eras and other specific wars all being hunted by a mysterious, powerful being, this looks to be another intriguing storyline crafted by Jeff Lemire. Plus, getting to see Mico Suayan’s incredibly detailed artwork is always a very, very good thing.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – The return of Ethan Van Sciver to the GL books is such a welcome one for me. While I am not the biggest fan of Robert Vendetti’s writing the return of Ethan overshadows that for me. Plus Hal vs. Sinestro. Give me a ring and a charge, I’m going in!
Nightwing Rebirth # 1 (DC Comics) – Sad to see Grayson go, but Dick returns to the front lines again. I love the creative team on this book. Seeley and Pacquette make this a can’t miss for me. While we have the Bat Trainees going on in Detective Comics, I have a feeling Nightwing will show us why he is the first and greatest to graduate from Bat – U.Civil War II #3 (Marvel Comics) The specter of death looms high here. I have big fears that it’s going to be Tony Stark that bites the big one. However being the wrestling fan that I am and how unpredictable Marvel has been of late, I’m not ruling out the swerve here. So far the Civil War sequel has been good. I just want something to really ramp it up. Can’t have a war without deaths. Sprinkle a few Marvel!
Civil War II #3 (Marvel Comics) – The specter of death looms high here. I have big fears that it’s going to be Tony Stark that bites the big one. However being the wrestling fan that I am and how unpredictable Marvel has been of late, I’m not ruling out the swerve here. So far the Civil War sequel has been good. I just want something to really ramp it up. Can’t have a war without deaths. Sprinkle a few Marvel!Conan the Slayer #1 (Dark Horse Comics) I’ve always been a big fan of Conan both the character and late night talk show. (If they make a Conan the Slayer with the Flaming C I’d be all over it) So a new start and number one, makes this a
Conan the Slayer #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – I’ve always been a big fan of Conan both the character and late night talk show. (If they make a Conan the Slayer with the Flaming C I’d be all over it) So a new start and number one, makes this a no-brainer for me. Going to pick this one up and enjoy with some ale.
Action Comics # 959 (DC Comics) – This one just edged out this weeks Detective Comics for me, as I need to know what the heck is the deal with the 3rd Clark Kent? It he a time wraith (left over from the flash TV show) or an impostor or what? Plus my Superman’s return has been a joy and I’m always down for a tussle with Doomsday. Hope Metropolis is current on their insurance payments.
Brett
Top Pick: The Paybacks #1 (Heavy Metal Comics) – This was one of my favorite comic miniseries of recent years. It’s a combination of humor, action, and superheroes was beyond entertaining. The fact we’re getting more makes me jump for joy and hopefully others pick it up and find out what they’re missing. This is a series that deserves a wider audience and if you’re into superheroes with a great mix of humor, this is a series that’s a must get.
Aspen Universe Revelations #1 (Aspen Comics) – An Aspen book on my list?! Aspen is converging a few of their comic worlds into one cohesive universe and that begins here. Normally that happens on days ending with y in comics, but the fact that Josh Fialkov and JT Krul are writing it has me super stoked. Fialkov’s involvement is a coup for Aspen.
Horizon #1 (Skybound/Image Comics) – A new sci-fi series from Skybound/Image has me intrigued. That fact that it seems to be an allegory towards war and the current quagmire in the Middle East has me excited.
New Super Man #1 (DC Comics) – I’ve read the first issue and while it doesn’t completely blow me away, there’s a chance this series may be a brilliant dissection of copyright/intellectual property and the appropriation of it that goes on in China known as Shanzhai. If that’s the intention, I have no idea, but that’s how I’m reading it right now.
Rough Riders #4 (Aftershock Comics) – Just an amazing mix of history and utter weirdness.
Paul
Top Pick: Old Man Logan #8 (Marvel) – I have really been enjoying his book. Wolverine was never one of my favorite characters, and not being familiar with the original Old Man Logan story, I didn’t really know what to expect from this book. But wow, is there some good stuff going on in here. Loving the journey Logan is on, the darker art, the grit…if you’re not reading this book, you are missing out.
Civil War II Choosing Sides #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was a lighter read, but it is an interesting point of view to see the lesser known players in the MU taking their positions in this civil war. I do hope it gets a little deeper though, with more thought on the characters and not just a passing glance.
New Avengers #13 (Marvel) – This title has been a let down from the get go (for me anyway). A few characters I was excited to see really got lost in this book, and this Maker big bad hasn’t been that big a threat. However, things have turned around with the new civil war making waves. The team has been divided on the issue and now things are getting interesting. The Maker is unleashing his New Revengers in this issue, so I’m looking forward to that; plus Songbird just looks kick ass on the cover, so I haven’t totally given up on this yet.
Wacky Raceland #2 (DC Comics) – The first issue was indeed a wacky ride…and I liked it! This adaptation of an old kids cartoon is definitely more grown up; apocalyptic waste land, racers driving for their lives… and cars that talk! I’m looking forward to the next lap of this race.
A visitor from Winchester’s past stirs up old demons, and she must find new ways to keep them out of her unearthly mansion. Meanwhile, Warren Peck comes face to face with specters from his own past and learns that he has more in common with her than he’d thought . . .
Edgar Allen Poe would be proud of this mix of horror and the occult written by Peter Tomasi. While the occult maybe a little subtle at times, there is a clear point of it. The incredibly graphic pseudo-flashback also give the readers a peek at Mr Peck’s violent past.
The flashback of Mr Peck is a gorgeous blend of art and story by artist Ian Bertram. I will admit the subtle use of interwoven black lines around every panel leaves one wondering what they are. Are they hair from Mrs Winchester, or are they something much more sinister?
Story: Peter Tomasi Art: Ian Bertram Story: 8.5 Art: 9 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Blindbox Comics is a new monthly comic book subscription box that includes five regular monthly releases and one exclusive variant cover. Or, you can order just the variant. Or, you can order just the comics.
We open up and show off the sixth box released, going over the comics plus a variant! Find out what’s inside!
Sarah Winchester’s house is always under construction—the banging of hammers keeps her demons at bay. Her construction crew of vagrants and murderers build, tear down, and rebuild the mansion according to her visions. But her newest employee, Warren Peck, has brought some demons of his own . . .
A historical tale of horror from creator Peter Tomasi!
House of Penance is strange, addicting, and enthralling. This second issue continues the strange vein of creepy places, strange blood red worms, and odd flashbacks courtesy of Warren Peck. Even the sea of worms seems to grow as it comes and goes. Which makes me curious as to why it is growing, along the creepy forger person who makes a brief appearance.
I will admit the more the artist zooms up on Sarah Winchester’s eyes, it makes me wonder why. There is something creepy about that vacant blue eyed stare. The last few pages artwork is stunning and creepy. I won’t spoil what happens in those pages, but be warned it is graphic.
Story: Peter Tomasi Art: Ian Bertram Story: 8.5 Art: 9 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
