Back in 2020, multi-award-winning publisher Storm King Comics launched a new line of graphic novels that are exclusively self-contained stories. The first release in the line was John Carpenter’s Night Terrors: Graveyard Moon which hits comic stores on September 9th. This full-color 72-page trade follows the crew of a cargo ship that transports the dead for burial on a designated Graveyard Moon who find themselves overwhelmed by unspeakable horror… surrounded by the ghosts of the dead they carry!
The next release from Storm King is going to be Hell–literally! Best of all, issue 1 in a series of 8 is already in stores now! For a taste of what it contains, check out the trailer below.
Synopsis: In New York City, a massive monster is destroyed by a subway train… and its surviving reptilian companion can speak English. In Columbia, a scientist crawls up from the depths of the Earth, bringing news of a miraculous new mineral power source… and demons below. In Texas, a convicted murderer is spared at the last minute by an international conglomerate… which wants to organize an expedition to the center of the Earth, with him as a guide. Because like the scientist, he’s been there. The whole team is headed straight to Hell.
All Storm King comics are based on stories from John Carpenter and also Sandy King. Hell #1 was written by David J. Schow with pencils & ink by Andres Esparza and also colors by Sergio Martinez. Janice Chiang also does the lettering and the cover art is provided by Tim Bradstreet.
Are you also a fan of horror comics and Storm King? Are you also excited to explore Hell? What do you think of the trailer and cover art for Issue #1? Let us know in the comments below or also on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
ComiXology, Amazon’s premier digital comics service, and Stout Club Entertainment present Hailstone. The horror comic set during the U.S. Civil War. Written by Rafael Scavone (A Study in Emerald, Hit-Girl and Funny Creek) and illustrated by Rafael de Latorre (SuperZero, Animosity and Black Widow). Colors by Wesllei Manoel, letters by Bernardo Brice, and edits by Bis Stringer Horne.
The 5-issue limited series horror comic will be released monthly beginning May 11th, 2021. Hailstoneissue #1 featuring a cover by Rafael De Latorre and Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire). Hailstone is part of the ComiXology Originals multi-book deal with Stout Club Entertainment. It will be available simultaneously in both English and Portuguese.
Synopsis: In this gripping and haunting series, the people of Hailstone, Montana are hungry and disappearing. Trapped by relentless snow, the remaining townspeople grow increasingly desperate and come into conflict with the well-stocked military factory in the area. The situation grows worse when a local girl named Mary disappears while searching for food with her mother. Sheriff Denton Ross and his deputy Tobias step in to keep the peace. But their efforts start them down a dangerous path. Their investigation into Mary’s disappearance reveals a mysterious and well-kept secret that will change their lives forever. . . . But only if they survive.
“Hailstone presents a story of mystery, mixed with historical, horror, and supernatural elements, all seasoned with good old western action,” says writer Rafael Scavone. “If I had to pick only one genre to define it, I’d definitely go for weird-fiction. The characters range from a traumatized Sheriff, unable to help his people, to an arrogant army officer running a military factory in a remote town. Art-wise Rafael de Latorre gave it a beautiful but uneasy atmosphere, his work is a perfect match for the story. The moody ambiance he created grows denser as the story goes on poking the characters’ fears with it. All of these elements allowed us to play with sequences and pacing. We hope the readers dig it as much as we did while creating this comic.”
Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content, Hailstone will be released monthly. Each issue will be available upon release, at no additional cost, for members of Amazon Prime, Kindle Unlimited, and comiXology Unlimited. And for purchase on the Amazon Kindle Store and comiXology. Prime Reading offers all Amazon Prime members a rotating selection of over a thousand top Kindle books, magazines, short works, comic books, children’s books, and more. All at no additional cost. Kindle Unlimited gives customers access to more than 1 million titles. Including thousands of audiobooks, and current magazines for just $9.99 a month with a 30-day free trial atamazon.com/kindleunlimited. ComiXology Unlimited offers over 30,000 comics, graphic novels, and also manga for just $5.99 a month. Start a 30-day free trial atcomixology.com/unlimited.
Are you also a fan of horror comics? Are you also excited to check out Hailstone? What do you think of the cover and preview pages? Let us know in the comments below or also on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
The folks at Dynamite Comics have been working on a big collaboration with Elvira to restore and reprint a massive tome of her classic comics, and they’re incredibly close to their latest stretch goal of $56,666! If met, all backers will receive a breathtaking mini print included in their haul.
Project Description: Turn back the clock to 1993… Bill Clinton was President, the Blue Jays won the World Series, and Jurassic Park ruled the box office. A young horror host (why barely out of puberty I believe) named Elvira ruled late-night television and became the Queen of Halloween. An independent comic book company began working with the Mistress of the Dark delivering some brilliantly funny and frisky comic stories. Creators from every corner of the industry contributed to her growing lore with stories and art celebrating the “sassy lassie with the classy chassis” including comic legends like Kurt Busiek, Paul Dini, Neil Vokes, Fred Hembeck, Dave Cockrum, and a host of others!
The Elvira Mistress of the Dark Classic Years Omnibus is the first volume kicking off reprinting the highly sought-after tales originally published by Claypool Comics. In these beloved adventures, Elvira must contend with teen werewolves, killer clowns, aliens, a high school reunion, pro wrestling, and more! Plus, special Halloween, Christmas, and Easter stories. The book is available in paperback or hardcover and covers 26 issues, rounding out to a massive 600-page tome. And for a special surprise Dynamite is sneaking in extra bonuses amounting to .666 of an issue. That’s right gals and ghouls, 26.666 comics in one massive book! Spooky!
If this sounds like a project you can get behind, visit thir Indiegogo page now, HERE.
Have you been on the fence? The paperback version is only $30. It compiles a whopping 600 freaking pages of beautiful black and white horror and also comedy capers. Published through the 1990s by top-tier creators of the era and even to this day. Such as Kurt Busiek (Marvels, Avengers), Paul Dini (Batman, Harley Quinn), and also Dave Cockrum (X-Men). Plus Richard Howell (Vision & the Scarlet Witch), and also many others.
For a taste of what awaits you, also check out some sample pages below.
Are you also a fan of Elvira? Does this classic comic collection sound like a project you can get behind? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
A couple of weeks ago, we reported that DC HORROR, a new 17+ imprint from DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, was gearing up to deliver a new level of suspense and terror guaranteed to have fans reading with the lights on, even in the daytime! This new, spine-tingling imprint is launching with a prelude to The Conjuring, the most successful horror movie franchise ever.
On June 1st, DC is launching its all-new DC HORROR imprint with The Conjuring: The Lover. It’s a five-issue monthly limited series. One that serves as a prelude to the highly anticipated New Line Cinema film, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, arriving in theatres and exclusively on HBO Max Friday, June 4th. This dark and haunting mystery is co-written by Daniel Johnson-McGoldrick (screenwriter, The Conjuring 2, Orphan) and Rex Ogle
Today, we have some awesome preview pages from The Conjuring: The Lover Issue #1 by series artist Garry Brown to share with you all! Check them out at the bottom of the article.
Synopsis: The prelude introduces college student Jessica, a freshman returning to campus after winter break, bringing with her the anxieties of last semester’s poor grades, the awkwardness of facing a boy she wishes she’d never slept with, and an undeniably unnerving feeling of being watched. Jessica soon comes to realize that something evil has made her its target, and it will not rest until it has her in its unholy grip. But why did this sinister presence set its sights on a seemingly normal college freshman?
“It’s something that is scary, something that is good fun and something that kind of leaves you really kind of crawling underneath your skin,” said co-writer Rex Ogle in an exclusive interview for SyFy.com.
The Conjuring: The Lover will also feature backup stories. Ones that further explore the mysteries of the dreaded artifact room of Ed and Lorraine Warren from The Conjuring Universe. Issue #1 contains a bloodcurdling story. It explores the frightening origin of one of the items from the Warrens’ haunted artifact room. Written by comics superstar and DARK NIGHTS: DEATH METAL mastermind Scott Snyder. With art by Denys Cowan (HARDWARE, THE QUESTION: THE DEATHS OF VIC SAGE).
Wanr more information on the DC HORROR imprint and The Conjuring: The Lover? Visit the website at www.dcomics.com and follow on social media @DCComicsand @thedcnation.
Are you a fan of horror comics? Are you excited to dive into The Conjuring: The Lover? What do you think of these preview pages? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
Heavy Metal is releasing an extended version of Dan Fogler’s horror anthology comic book Moon Lake: Midnight Munchies with Simon & Schuster on June 15th. This edition collects classic Moon Lake stories and features a new foreword by Kevin Smith, plus “Archives From The Vault” featuring series artwork that has never been shown before. It’s available for pre-order now, HERE.
Today, Dread Central is thrilled to offer an exclusive preview of Moon Lake: Midnight Munchies! Check it out and read more about the anthology below.
Our preview of exclusive artwork from “The Vault”, includes a pin-up by Alex Horley inspired by Cave Girl and The Ghoul Screamer posters, which advertises a new story written by Dan Fogler, Justin Mohlman, and Burney, and illustrated by Becky Cloonan (releasing in Moon Lake V3: Guide to the Dark Side in October). Also included: Fogler’s classic “The Moon Lake Scrolls: Gods and Science” story, illustrated by Scott Newman.
“MWAH-HAH-HAH! It’s all come full circle!” Fogler exudes. “If you traveled back in time and tapped 10-year-old me on the shoulder while I was in the midst of watching Heavy Metal the movie for the 1000th time and told me I’d have a graphic novel that was an homage to all things Heavy Metal in stores, published by Heavy Metal… well first I’d say, ‘SHHHH this is the best part!’ Then I’d say, ‘well that makes sense I’ve seen the movie a thousand times and I love the magazine. It helped me learn to like reading.’ Anyway, you get the point. I’m super excited that Moon Lake has found its perfect final resting place.”
Fogler has a number of titles coming out from Heavy Metal in the next half-year, including FishKill(released last week),Brooklyn Gladiator(arriving in July), Moon Lake V2: Tales of Lunacy(mix of classic and new Moon Lake stories slated for August), and Moon Lake V3: Guide to the Dark Side (completely new Moon Lake stories for the Halloween season arriving in October).
Are you a fan of Heavy Metal and/or Dan Fogler? Are you excited to dive into Moon Lake: Midnight Munchies later this month? What do you think of our exclusive preview? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican. Dread Central on Google News!
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan sure was something, wasn’t it? To most Jason fans out there, it was a disappointment. To a few others, it was “okay”. And I’m sure there’s a dedicated group somewhere that considers it as precious as Jason does Mom Voorhees’s head. I happen to fall into that first category, just to give you an idea of where my own head will be.
Jason in New York… sounds freaking rad, right? The hockey-masked killer stalking the streets and alleyways of the City That Never Sleeps in the dead of night, slashing up anyone unlucky enough to step in his machete’s way! So much potential, so much promise… instead, we got our boy on a boat for 90 minutes before having a criminally quick tour of downtown NYC (mostly the British Columbiaparts). Then he gets hit with toxic sewer waste and dies… the end. Yay.
I’m familiar with why they cut down on the New York scenes, but it still stings a bit. After this entry, the Friday the 13th series started to go downhill in “quality”, going from a body-possessing demon worm, to space, to getting the remake treatment. I left out his duel with one razor-gloved sandman because that crossover kicked ass, especially the last twenty minutes!
I’m rambling again. Point is, the idea of Jason Voorhees in New York is really neat. It’s a shame we didn’t see something better come out of it. Just imagine all the scenarios that could happen, the fun to be had, the blood to be spilled.
Well, Blood Babes, Gorehounds, Fright Fiends, and everything else that goes bump in the night… I have good news for you.
Great news, even, because by the eldritch powers that be, our prayers have been answered! A talented team of artists must have seen there was untapped merit as well, creating a comic based on the concept that is every bit as gorefully gleeful as I wanted it to be. The series is titled… Maniac of New York!
Maniac of New York
(Written by Elliott Kalan; Art by Andrea Mutti; Lettered by Taylor Esposito; Published by Aftershock Comics)
“Maniac Harry is inhuman, unkillable and unstoppable. Which is why the authorities’ solution has been to ignore him, and let New Yorkers adapt to a world where death can strike at any moment. When Maniac Harry starts killing his way through the subway system, trauma-haunted political aide Gina Greene and disgraced NYPD detective Zelda Pettibone becomedetermined to go rogue and destroy him. But how can they fight a monster when they can’t fight City Hall?” – via ComiXology.
Hey handsome.
For obvious reasons, Jason himself couldn’t be used for the story. Instead, we have “Maniac Harry”, who is every bit as tenacious as his more famous counterpart. His design is inspired by the Crystal Lake Slasher, but also manages to be very much his own. The mask, the winter jacket, the weird machete thing with the spikes; all are very rad and differentiate him enough while keeping the Voorhees spirit alive. He does his fair share of slashing as well, and it looks killer!
That’s a good point to talk about, actually. How it all looks. In short, this comic looks freaking fantastic! The art perfectly fits the story being told, being kind of a rough-yet-detailed sketch style with muted colors, which complements the wintry city setting. Then the killing starts, bathing the scenes in bright red blood that adds a brilliant touch of color to everything, all while being gloriously gruesome.
The premise is genuinely fun, being a more natural progression of where Jason’s story should have gone after Part VIII. The idea is that Maniac Harry showed up in New York three years prior, and after the initial shock of his appearance, is now treated like any other occurrence that happens in the Big Apple. Like the weather, except with more of a chance to brutally maim you. I mean, what can you do at that point? An undead slasher massacres hundreds over the past few years and all attempts to kill him have failed… guess we’ll put out “slasher warnings” in the news and hope for the best! Stay safe, folks! Another job well done! I love every bit of this narrative, and highly prefer it to any of the later F13 movies (save for Freddy vs. Jason, as previously stated).
What we have here is something special. Something I didn’t even know I wanted so badly until I just happened to scroll by a comment talking about the series. It’s a love letter to those Jason fans that were let down after watching Part VIII’s credits roll, let down by a film that promised so much, yet gave so little. Although its five-issue run just wrapped up a few days ago, I’m thrilled to say a second volume will come out next year, continuing the saga of Maniac Harry… the urban Jason Voorhees story we never got. I couldn’t be more excited to see where this all goes.
To support this series and read it for yourself, you can buy it digitally here, as well as pre-order the paperback copy here. It’s well worth a look.
DC announced yesterday the expansion of its horror imprint with DC HORROR PRESENTS: SOUL PLUMBER. A six issue comic series from Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, and Ben Kissel, the horror fanatical hosts of the popular The Last Podcast on the Left.
“My first comic book was Swamp Thing #32 when I was five years old,” said writer Marcus Parks. “So doing a gross, weird horror comic with DC, featuring art by John McCrea no less, is beyond my wildest fantasies.”
Writer Henry Zebrowski added, “My mom showed me a homework assignment I did in the first grade that asked, ‘what do you want to be when you grow up,’ and I wrote comic book writer. This is a dream come true and I can’t wait for you to see the gross story we are telling with DC.”
Soul Plumbersmarks the second title in the DC Horror imprint. “We want to create great stories for people to read, that are scary, creepy, and fun for fans of horror whether or not they’re already comics readers,” said DC Horror editor Katie Kubert. “We’re building on the legacy from classics like House of Secrets with something that’s gross, and scary, and just fantastic.”
Synopsis: Edgar Wiggins, a disgraced former seminary student, is desperate to find a way to answer what he believes is his higher calling. He thinks he’s found it in a seminar hosted in a hotel conference room by the Soul Plumbers, who have a machine that could be the secret to delivering souls from Satan. Edgar’s too broke to buy in, but that’s not enough to stop this true devotee: he steals the blueprints and builds a pirated version with what components he can afford on his gas station attendant salary. Then he goes after a demon, misses… and ends up pulling out something much worse.
Soul Plumber is written by Parks, Zebrowski and Kissel with Illustration, Ink and Cover Art by John McCrea (Hitman, Judge Dread)
Soul Plumber carries a CCA rating of 17+
Issue #1 will be available everywhere comics are sold on October 5, 2021.
If you have any thoughts and would like to continue the conversation, you can leave a comment below or on our Facebook page, Twitter, or Instagram. You can now find Dread Central on Google News or you can carry on the vibe with me personally on Twitter @psychobillychef.
They host an incredibly successful podcast. They wrote a book. Now, the boys from Last Podcast On The Left are writing a comic book. From DC Comics’ horror imprint, DC Horror, comes their series Soul Plumber.
Mary Beth McAndrews sat down with Henry Zebrowski and Marcus Parks to discuss Soul Plumber, their horror influences, why it’s easier to write a comic book, and, of course, whip-its.
Watch the full interview:
Soul Plumber follows Edgar Wiggins, a disgraced former seminary school student who loves God more than most. After attending a seminar hosted in a hotel conference room by a mysterious group called the Soul Plumbers, he discovers what he thinks is the secret to delivering souls from the thrall of Satan. But after stealing the blueprints and building the machine himself, out of whatever he can afford from his salary as a gas station attendant, Edgar misses the demon and instead pulls out an inter-dimensional alien with dire consequences for all of mankind.
Parks and Zebrowski got the idea for Soul Plumber from doing research for Last Podcast On The Left, which covers true crime, the paranormal, cryptids, and more. In particular, they were inspired by the Michael Taylor possession and the Andreasson Affair.
Michael Taylor was a man who was convinced he was possessed. He eventually brutally murdered his wife and blamed the demon inside of him. But, for Parks, it wasn’t that murder that lead to Soul Plumber.
“What we took from that story was the idea that a woman convinced him he was possessed by a demon,” Parks said. “She had learned everything that she knew from a four-day weekend exorcism course. it’s the idea of how something that small… that amount of power and the consequences of her meddling with something like that was dire for one person.”
Parks went on to add that, “The idea for this book is what if someone has that power, how bad can it go and how big could the consequences eventually be.”
Soul Plumber wasn’t just inspired by true crime. Parks and Zebrowski also credit grindhouse cinema and Troma as their sources of aesthetic inspiration. “80s and 90s exploitation horror films are a really big influence on us,” said Park. “I love the idea of these really gritty environments, movies like Basket Case and The New York Ripper, old Italian, gross horror films.”
Zebrowski also said, “I like it when you’re in a gross environment and people in that world live happily within it, like in Troma. This idea of the happy residents of Tromaville, I think, is really funny.”
They also looked to the work of Jon Waters when creating the nasty world of Soul Plumber and its delightfully deplorable characters. Parks specifically cited Desperate Living, which also features characters happily living in horrendous places.
“Jonn Water toes the line of horror sometimes,” said Parks. “He definitely loves the horror world a little bit more than he lets on.”
So how does writing a comic book stack up against hosting a podcast and writing a book? Watch the full interview to find out!
