Tag Archives: steve niles

Exclusive: Steve Niles’ Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories gets Joe Jusko and Cat Stagg Lithographs and Stickers

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Legendary horror writer and 30 Days of Night co-creator Steve Niles’ iconic paranormal detective Cal McDonald’s hard boiled adventures have captivated fans since his first appearance in the 1990 story “Big Head.” Cal McDonald has seen it all. Vampires, werewolves, ghouls, demons, mutants, maniacs, and every other thing that crawls out of the dark. Niles is revisiting his gruesome gumshoe in Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories, a collection of short stories.

Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories features a foreword by acclaimed actor and horror creator David Dastmalchian and a stunning painted cover by master illustrator Joe Jusko. Published by Clover Press’ The Fourth Leaf, a new imprint for creator-owned comics, books and graphic novels, this 216-page hardcover will collect ten brand-new Cal McDonald stories, each with an illustration by a different beloved comic artist. Fans can support the project on Kickstarter.

In the tradition of Mickey Spillane and Rymond Chandler, Niles sends Cal and his undead sidekick on a strange journey through a Los Angeles populated by monsters, freaks, ghouls, and all kinds of new creatures hell-bent on causing chaos.

Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories will feature gorgeous chapter illustrations by an incredible lineup of artists, including Cat Staggs, Liam Sharp, Scott Morse, Christopher Mitten, Gyula Nemeth, Steven Russell Black, Francesco Francavilla, Alison Sampson, and Damien Worm, each adding their own signature style to Cal McDonald’s world of hard-boiled horror.

In addition to the illustrated hardcover book, the Kickstarter campaign for Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories, we can exclusively reveal that Clover Press is creating exclusive Lithographs and a sticker featuring Joe Jusko’s cover art and a beautiful colored version of Cat Staggs’ illustration from the book.

Check them out below and don’t miss Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories on Kickstarter!

  • A dramatic scene featuring a woman in a green dress sitting on a desk holding a vintage telephone, while a man in a white shirt points a gun and another man in a suit stands behind, with a spooky background visible through a large window.
  • A silhouette of a man lighting a cigarette in front of a large, intensely red skull illustration against a dark background.
  • A silhouette of a man lighting a cigarette in front of a large red skull, set against a black background with a circular red border.
  • Book cover illustration featuring a woman in a green dress sitting on a desk with a vintage telephone, a man in a suit standing beside her, and another man in casual attire seated, holding a bottle. The background shows eerie figures visible through a window.

Steve Niles and Brian Walsby team for Take It Back, a Graphic Memoir on DC Legends Gray Matter

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Revolution summer comes alive again just in time for fall in the new and deeply personal story of life on and off stage. Take It Back: Life, Anxiety, and Gray Matter is released this week through DiWulf Publishing!

The story of one of Washington, DC’s most beloved bands comes to the page in a brand new graphic novel written by Gray Matter bassist and celebrated horror writer Steve Niles, illustrated by Brian Walsby, and lettered by Monica Richards. It is the story of friendship and the strength needed to overcome personal challenges amidst the background of a vibrant DC music scene. 

Writer Steve Niles is best known for horror comics 30 Days of Night, The October Faction, Frankenstein Alive! Alive! as well as his notorious monster hunter detective, Cal McDonald. But before he found his voice on the page, Niles cut his creative teeth in the fertile and influential 1980s Washington DC punk rock scene, where he played bass for years with the legendary Dischord band, Gray Matter. This book not only delves into Steve’s formative years, providing a candid look into his personal struggles, it also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the original DIY culture that inspired the DC punk and hardcore scene.

Brian Walsby is best known for his eyecatching artwork on t-shirts and album covers, including work with 7 Seconds, Descendents, The Birthday Party, Melvins, Die Kruezen, Big Star as well as illustrations in the essential underground We Got Power magazine and more.

Take It Back: Life, Anxiety and Gray Matter is available now directly from the publisher for $20.00. Don’t miss this essential document of one of the world’s most influential music scenes; whose enduring influence can be felt in virtually every corner of culture.

Comic book cover featuring a group of young musicians, with titles 'Take It Back: Life, Anxiety and Gray Matter.' The illustration shows four characters: one with a guitar, another with a bass guitar, a third playing a drum set, and a fourth sitting with a tape recorder, surrounded by musical elements.

SDCC 2026: Clover Press Announces The Fourth Leaf, an All-New Creator Owned Imprint

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Clover Press has announced The Fourth Leaf, a new line of creator-owned comics and graphic novels. Clover Press’ creator-owned line will kick off later this year with all-new work from beloved duo Doug Wagner and Daniel Hillyard and horror legend Steve Niles, along with a deluxe, oversized new edition of Sean Lewis and Jonathan Marks Barravecchia‘s critically acclaimed Bear Pirate Viking Queen. 

The first round of the upcoming creator-owned comics are eclectic, exciting, and now on Kickstarter, where fans can sign up to be notified by email when the campaigns launch. The first three titles in the new Clover Press creator owned imprint are:

I LOVE APOCALYPTIC ZOMBIE MISFITS

by Doug Wagner and Daniel Hillyard 

From the creative team behind Image Comic’s PLASTIC, PLUSH, VINYL, I WAS A FASHION SCHOOL SERIAL KILLER, and NARCO comes a brand new graphic novel that blends the dark comedy and horror they’re known for with a wild supernatural twist, all delivered with their signature irreverent humor. 

Resurrected in a vat of holy motor oil, a nerdy pacifist finds himself trapped inside the hulking body of a supernatural slasher and forced to protect a psychic kid from the forces of Heaven, Hell, and everything in between. It’s a lot to process, but at least he’s got a Halloween mask and a squad of homicidal chickens!

Sign up for the Kickstarter prelaunch page here to receive an email when the campaign launches. 

I LOVE APOCALYPTIC ZOMBIE MISFITS

BEAR PIRATE VIKING QUEEN

by Sean Lewis and Jonathan Marks Barravecchia 

From writer Sean Lewis (King Spawn) and artist Jonathan Marks Barravecchia comes a dynamic, deluxe, and blood-splattered oversized hardcover of conquest and carnage. Rendered in stunning watercolor, BEAR PIRATE VIKING QUEEN is a gripping and gorgeous story of bloody battling bears, violent vikings, and the epic struggle for what the world will become. This publication marks the first time that the popular series has been published in hardcover.

Sign up for the Kickstarter prelaunch page here to receive an email when the campaign launches.

BEAR PIRATE VIKING QUEEN

CAL McDONALD: PLAGUE OF EVIL AND OTHER STORIES

by Steve Niles and a superstar line-up of international artists

From legendary horror writer Steve Niles, creator of 30 Days of Night, comes Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories, a new short story collection starring his cult-favorite paranormal detective, Cal McDonald. In the tradition of Mickey Spillane and Rymond Chandler, Niles sends Cal on a strange journey through a Los Angeles populated by monsters, freaks, ghouls, and all kinds of new creatures hell-bent on causing chaos.

CAL McDONALD: PLAGUE OF EVIL AND OTHER STORIES

Exclusive Preview: Gwendolyn Kriste’s Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror Short Story from Monstrous and Evoke Entertainment

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With its cutting-edge blend of horror and humor George A. Romero and Stephen King’s 1982 film Creepshow inspired generations of fans and launched a beloved horror franchise. Prolific special effects artist, director, and producer Greg Nicotero introduced a new generation of fans to Creepshow with the acclaimed 2018 Shudder TV Series. Bram Stoker Award-winning editor and writer James Aquilone’s Monstrous Books has launched Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror, the first-ever short story collection inspired by the acclaimed series.

This terrifying volume, licensed by Evoke Entertainment, brings together award-winning horror and speculative fiction authors to deliver an unforgettable reading experience that brings the series’ chilling tales to life in prose for the very first time.

Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror features original stories by James Aquilone, David Avallone, Simon Bestwick, Nancy A. Collins, Dennis Crosby, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Gwendolyn Kriste, Jonathan Maberry, Lisa Morton, Steve Niles, Nick Roberts,Thomas E. Sniegoski, and Tim Waggoner. Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror is a macabre celebration of the series’ legacy — twisting morality tales of terror, justice, and cosmic retribution, told through the Creep’s ghoulish grin.

Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror features a cover from Russ Braun, and each story is accompanied by a full-page piece of art featuring The Creep from EV Cantada.

We have an exclusive preview of Gwendolyn Kriste’s short story, the terrifying tale “Five is the Best Number.”

Creepshow: 13 Tales of Terror is available as an ebook, paperback, and hardcover, wherever books are sold, including Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and local independent retailers. The Creep invites you to turn the page… if you dare.

Preview: 30 Days of Night Deluxe Edition: Book Three

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30 Days of Night Deluxe Edition: Book Three

Authors Steve Niles, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Ben Templesmith
Illustrated by Justin Randall and Bill Sienkiewicz; Ben Bishop

In the waning moments of 30 Days of Night: Dark Days, Stella managed to bring her vampire husband Eben back from beyond…only he came back hungry. Now, for the first time, see what happened next in Eben and Stella, which fills in the black gaps between that tale and Return to Barrow. Written by co-creator Steve Niles and Kelly Sue DeConnick with art by Justin Randall.

Then, in Red Snow from co-creator Ben Templesmith, it’s 1941. Hitler’s Operation: Silver Fox has failed, but the war on the Eastern Front drags on as the Russian winter starts to bite. British military attaché Corporal Charlie Keating observes the war from the Soviet side, making sure crucial supplies get through to aid Stalin’s front in the battle against the Nazis. With luck, he too will survive to see the end of the war. But something else is out there, and it’s not the Nazis.

In the third story, Beyond Barrow from Steve Niles and Bill Sienkiewicz, after years of attacks and several without, the citizens of Barrow have become united against random attacks on their city by the undead. Unfortunately, the same does not apply outside the town throughout the rest of the mysterious Arctic Circle. Forget everything you ever thought you knew about 30 Days of Night and return to Barrow.

30 Days of Night Deluxe Edition: Book Three

Preview: 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #3

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30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #3

(W) Steve Niles, Rodney Barnes (A) Chris Shehan

Bullets and teeth all shred flesh the same in this final oversize issue — vampires and gangsters are all out for blood. As the people of Barrow face enemies on all fronts, it’s now that humanity, bravery, and sacrifice must burn brightest. Will Jalen be the torch that leads them out of the darkness? Or is he the spark that dooms them to hellfire? Join us for the shocking conclusion to this cult-classic revival. The night is always darkest just before dawn…

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #3

Preview: Red Sonja: Empire of the Damned

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Red Sonja: Empire of the Damned

writer: Steve Niles
artist: Alessandro Amoruso
cover: Joshua Middleton
FC | 128 pages | Sword & Sorcery | $19.99 | Teen+

After landing in jail following a night of drunken revelry, Red Sonja hears an outlandish story from a fellow inmate. Deep in the mountains lies a dead city in a valley with no name. Abandoned and forgotten, its fields and streets are littered with the bones of two armies, all destroyed by a curse from a warlock who has long since vanished, along with his vast treasure — untold riches just waiting to be taken.

At least that is the legend. But Sonja’s cellmate Morgo has more than a diverting tale — he’s also got a map that says this legend could well be reality. All they need to do is break out of lockup and hit the road — which may be easier said than done!

Written by horror legend STEVE NILES (30 Days of Night) with stunning art by ALESSANDRO AMORUSO, Red Sonja: Empire of the Damned collects all five issues of the acclaimed miniseries, together with a complete cover gallery!

Red Sonja: Empire of the Damned

Preview: 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2

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30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2

(S) Steve Niles (W) Rodney Barnes (A) Chris Shehan

The sun has set on Barrow. Vampires stalk the unsuspecting town for the first time in over two decades and nothing can stop their leader, Vladimir, from avenging his brother Vicente. Meanwhile, far south in sunny Los Angeles, Jalen’s old gang is on the hunt… and they’re just as hungry for vengeance. The dark of night can’t hide Jalen from his past, and he’s in for a rude, blood-soaked awakening. Writer Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia, Batman: Full Moon) and artist Chris Shehan (House of Slaughter, The Autumnal) dare you to survive Barrow after dark in the oversize second issue of this cult-classic revival.

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2

Preview: Frankenstein Alive, Alive: The Complete Collection

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Frankenstein Alive, Alive: The Complete Collection

Writer: Steve Niles
Art by Bernie Wrightson and Kelley Jones
October 28, 2025

This collection is a softcover reprint of the original hardcover collection that was published in 2018 from legendary horror comic artist Bernie Wrightson who passed away right before finishing the last issue, making this his final mark on comic history.

Inspired by Mary Shelley’s immortal gothic horror tale, Frankenstein Alive, Alive! brings new life to the Promethean monster, courtesy of Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) and Bernie Wrightson (Frankenstein, Swamp Thing). Victor Frankenstein’s cobbled-together creature continues his adventures, embarking on a journey to discover his own humanity.

Frankenstein Alive, Alive: The Complete Collection

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1 Brings the Vampires Back to Barrow for More Terror

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30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1

The town of Barrow has moved on. Those who remember the vampiric terror of two decades past would rather not talk about it. Those who don’t remember don’t believe the stories. Ignorance will be their downfall, because a dark memory is stirring in the heart of Romania and it has set its sights on Barrow, the death place of Vicente. While vampires seek revenge for their fallen leader in Alaska, troubled teen Jalen James seeks sanctuary. After fleeing gang violence in Los Angeles, Jalen needs a fresh start. But he’s unlikely to find it as the sun falls… 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1 kicks off a new chapter for the vampire series attempting to balance a story for new readers and long time fans.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen an original 30 Days of Night series. Launched in 2002 by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith, it took the novel idea of a vampire story taking place in Barrow, Alaska and advantage of the prolonged night, 30 days, that area experiences. It spawned multiple volumes, films, crossovers, and more building a cult fandom. It’s back with 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1, written by Rodney Barnes with Niles consulting on the story.

Barnes does a decent job of balancing a series with a lot of history so that it can be enjoyed by new readers while also playing to longtime fans of the series. For new readers, you just need to know there was a vampire attack on this town and there are some survivors. The new readers will be more into the villain and their motivation. It does a delicate balance between the two and pulls it off.

But, it’s the focus of Barnes’ story that really stands out. We’re introduced to Jalen who has experienced trauma in his hometown of LA and has run to Barrow to escape it. Mix that with the survivors still living in the town who have their own trauma to deal with. With what I understand of the villain as well, the story has a mix of individuals all haunted by their pasts and those pasts are driving their current reality.

The art by Chris Shehan is nice. With color by Xenon Honchar and lettering by Alex Ray, 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1 has a style that feels rough and nightmarish, a fitting style to the story. The comic has a dreamlike feel at times and has no problem dipping its toes into the blood and gore you’d expect from this type of story. There’s so minor issues for that as blood is drank from rather odd things and the flow of it doesn’t quite make sense. While not hurting the story, it could give readers pause. But, overall the art style matches the genre and story quite well.

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1 is one of the early titles for IDW’s horror line IDW Dark and should be a fun return for longtime fans of the property. It has a lot going for it with some nice underlying themes and a debut issue that new and longtime fans can both enjoy. If you want a vampire comic to dive into as the nights get longer and weather colder, 30 Days of Night has returned just in time.

Story: Rodney Barnes Story Consultant: Steve Niles Art: Chris Shehan
Color: Xenon Honchar Letterer: Alex Ray
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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