MY WEEK IN COMICS - - - for the week ending Sunday, JULY 12 2026
#251 - #253 = THE NICE HOUSE BY THE SEA #1 - #3 by James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez Bueno (DC Comics/Black Label, September-November 2024)
In the first cycle of this science-fiction/horror series, THE NICE HOUSE BY THE LAKE, there was an element of mystery and discovery that the second cycle doesn’t have since readers know the premise in total. For that reason, Tynion dispenses with the mystery about the end of the world and focuses on characterization, returning to the original cast and what has happened since TNHBTL ended as well as introducing an entire new set of characters.
So far, I’m enjoying this but not quite as much as TNHBTL. There are some interesting plot threads being sewn and I expect them to develop further in engaging ways. However, without the mystery behind the whole set-up - I’m a little less interested in this than the first series. Still, if you are a fan of rich characterization in comics story-telling - then this is worth sticking around for. We shall see.
In the first series, alien Walter brought together the people he loved most to be saved from the end of the world. As the series progressed we learned that Walter broke the rules he was given by his alien supervisors. It was also learned that there were other “nice houses” with other humans who were spared, and that a judgment day would come when those numbers would be whittled down.
In THE NICE HOUSE BY THE SEA we meet alien Max and his group of assembled survivors. Unlike Walter, Max followed the rules and chose people at the top of various professions. Like the first group, there is a Doctor, Writer, and Artist and new skills from a Historian, Actor, Priest, Scientist, Singer, Senator, and Mathematician. Unlike Walter’s group, these individuals are not necessarily friends and may not like each other. Most were total strangers until they assembled together.
In Issue #1, the first spotlight is on House By The Sea member 33-year old Oliver Landon Clay (The Actor). Despite winning Tony and Screen Actors Guild Awards he feels inferior to the other residents, and almost declined Max’s offer to be saved at the end of the world. Unlike the way Walter handled things, Max told all the residents beforehand who he was and what he wanted to do for them. Walter also lets some of the residents handle various functions of the control center, like scheduled weather and body modification (a sensitive subject with The Priest).
The weather gets violently out of control, catching Oliver in its grasp as he takes a late night walk, apparently pushing him through a portal where he connects with some wanderers from The Lake House (Reggie, Ryan, Norah) who seem to know him.
Issue #2 takes us back to The Lake House. In the opening spotlight Ryan (The Artist) confides that she felt like a second-placer after learning that she was Walter’s replacement for Oliver (a former friend of Walter’s). In the daily drop-off of supplies, a dog shows up (apparently ordered by David/The Comedian). It soon becomes apparent that the cute and friendly dog (border collie mix) is Walter in disguise.
Issue #3 continues at The Lake House. Norah (The Writer) in her spotlight relates the story of the relationship between Walter and Oliver and her involvement with both.
Oliver brings the three members of The Lake House he ran into in Issue #1 back to a separate building ( a giant pub) created on The Sea House property. He lectures them on their responsibilities, arguments ensue, and Oliver makes the statement that Max is the one controlling all, including Walter.
Max shows up to escort the trio back to their system, stating that he’ll visit soon to meet with Walter and “make certain this sort of thing does’t happen again.” FOUR STARS for now, with the potential to go higher.
#254 = CONCRETE: STARS OVER SAND #1of 5. Story and art by Paul Chadwick (Dark Horse Comics, June 2026) I find the distinctive yet simplistic art style of Chadwick to be calming and eye-catching. It’s been so long since I’ve read anything by him that I can’t relate to this new adventure featuring Concrete.
Concrete is heading with Larry, Ron, Maureen and baby Concrete through the desert highways on the way to Denver, where he will make a speech. Baby Concrete is on some kind of life support and needs constant vigilance by Maureen.
Concrete gets reflective after the others have gone to bed and wanders off into the desert for a walk, where he gets struck by lightning which wipes his memories. When the group wake up the feeling is that he needed some quiet time to himself and should return shortly.
While I love the art, the slowly-developing story is not catching on with me. THREE STARS.
#255 = ONLY THE SAVAGE ARE LEFT #1 by Zack Kaplan and Stefano Raffaele (Dark Horse Comics, June 2026) Some dynamic art and page-wide panels give this a cinematic feel. It’s another post-apocalypse saga with familiar beserker, zombie-like threats but with a few twists to help it stand out.
The tetra virus turned people into raging monsters with an appetite for human flesh. The militant government took over and herded civilians into fenced-in encampments to weed out the healthy from the unhealthy/infected. in a cruel ironic twist, it turns out that burning the remains of the infected and inhaling the smoke provides a vaccine of sorts.
The main story centers around a young couple in love who become separated as civilization breaks down and pocket settlements crop up, some friendly and some cruel. Ryan goes out in search of the lost Oaklynn and learns the only way to survive creates its own set of problems.
Fast-paced, engaging story with some promise. For me, I’ve just read too much of this genre to want to get involved further. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#256 = THE NICE HOUSE BY THE SEA #4 by James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez Bueno (DC Comics/Vertigo, December 2024)
First thing I noticed was the Vertigo Logo on the cover, presumably since DC started putting out Vertigo titles again. I guess they will reserve the Black Label logo for just superhero mini-series now - when the story gets darker and/or more mature/adult.
So far the action seems to revolve around what is happening at the Lake House rather than the Sea House, but it’s about a 50/50 balance this issue. David (The Comedian) relates a tale of Walter struggling after the break-up with Oliver. Some inserted video testimony shows Walter having a melt-down when Oliver withdrew from Sarah Lawrence University without notifying him.
In present time, back at the Sea House, Oliver’s inviting Lake House members over (via portal) has been found out by several of his co-residents and they don’t take kindly to it. Oliver is definitely on the hot seat, as back at the Lake House members are talking about how he may be responsible for the separation of alien Walter from alien Max - and they worry that judgement day may be coming now rather than hundreds of years in their future. (I also learn this issue that Max is female - - the way she is drawn by Bueno is not conclusive).
Oliver is brutally punished by a trio of residents at Sea House. Meanwhile at the Lake House - - David believes Walter left the door open between the houses “because he wants us to save Oliver . . . He wants Oliver to finally choose him. To Say that he ws right.” Of course, the adopted dog approves and gratefully licks David. FOUR STARS.
#257 - #261 = SHADOW SERVICE, VOLUME 1: DARK ARTS graphic novel by Cavan Scott and Corin Howell (Vault Comics, April 2021) Collects SHADOW SERVICE #1 - #5 . . .
Not only is exploring the clearance/bargain bins of local comic shops a lot of exploratory fun, it also rewards by uncovering previously unknown gems like this title. Anytime you can pick up an entertaining trade paperback for between $3-$5 is a reward, which makes up for the ones you took a chance on and ending up not liking.
It's not like we haven't seen these situations and themes before. It's the way the creators mix them together to create something that feels more original and fresh. What impressed me about this title was the world-building, the characterization, and the art. It's fast paced and well-done escapist entertainment. Like a good action movie, it's not going to win any awards - - but you appreciate it and consider your time and money well spent. There's also some humor and nods to familiar pop culture favorites (like Doctor Who, the Umbrella Academy, etc.) There's a cool mystery behind everything going on that unravels as the story progresses, and kept me engaged throughout.
Gina Meyer is a private detective operating in London, with a special skill. She's a witch, but with a heart and empathy for her clients. Turns out one of them is more than he seems. Of course, it's her biggest customer. Gina often encounters demons and monsters, and has to employ black magic to survive some of the things she uncovers. This catches the attention of M.I.-666, a shadowy government agency countering occult and supernatural threats. After keeping them at bay, Gina ends up (coerced is more like it) working with them.
The story wraps up, but not all plot threads are completely resolved. The story continues in two more volumes, and I'm tempted to keep going.
There's some welcome back-story regarding Gina's unsettling childhood and the discovery of her powers, as well as details on the spy agency she ends up working with. Not everything gets answered, so there's another tempting reason to continue. FOUR STARS.
#262 - #264 = THE CREEPS #6 magazine by various creators (Warrant Publishing, Summer 2016) Somehow this respectful homage to the glory days of CREEPY and EERIE black & white horror magazines doesn’t resonate with me the same way the originals did. Same goes for SHUDDER magazine, which followed THE CREEPS a few years later. Maybe because when I read the originals I was still in elementary school and hadn’t been exposed to as much as years later. For my money, the various Oni EC reboots (EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS, CATACOMB OF TORMENT, CRUEL UNIVERSE, etc.) and HELLO DARKNESS from Boom! Studios are the current cream of the crop.
The best story this issue is an adaptation of a pulp classic, “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs. The comics version here by Artie Goodwin and Reno Marquis is a straightforward re-telling. Short and Blunt. Cruel and Concise. Still disturbing no matter how many times I’ve read or seen it. I won’t spoil it.
The other favorites from the eight stories here, a deft blend of science fiction, fantasy and horror, are “Foxy Lady” by Don Glut and Mansyur Daman - a Chinese twist on the werewolf legend; “Dead Ride” by Ernie Magnotta and Artie Godwin with art by Peter Cacho - about a small town sheriff who thinks he’s framed a biker gang he’s killed; and “My Pal Lucifer” by Nicola Cuti and Jason Paulos - a dark humor about a philanderer’s friendship with the devil. The art throughout the issue is equal to the quality of those 1960’s and 1970’s treasures. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#265 - #267 = ALL-NEW POPULAR COMICS #2 comics anthology by various creators (Amazing Things Press, May 2018)
An interesting mix of illustrated short stories and text fiction from various creators. This particular issue was spotlighting the Wild West, although there are also science fiction and super-hero tales and humor comic strips.
The two best stories are both western-themed.
"Showdown" by Dan Johnson and Marvin Mann tells the tale of a notorious gunslinger who heads to a small town for a gunfight with his arch nemesis.
"The Day The Hangman Cried" by local Chester County, PA author Dan Smeddy and Kent Clark spotlights a hardware store owner in a small Texas town who also doubles as the local hooded hangman. Trouble is that in a small town you end up knowing the people you are executing. THREE STARS.
#268 - #270 = ACTION 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL magazine (Rebellion Publishing, 2026)
Back before 2000AD there were other notable UK comics being published. ACTION was one of them, and earned some notoriety in the 1970's for graphic violence until a censorship crackdown in 1976, when it merged with BATTLE to become a toned-down BATTLE ACTION.
This 50th anniversary tribute contains four complete stories featuring some of the most popular series - - my favorite being Hook Jaw, the great white shark that helped earn ACTION that reputation. In "Necromone" by Steve White and Staz Johnson, Hook Jaw takes on the Venezuelan drug cartel as they try to recover their boatload of drugs (sunk by U.S. forces).
Hellman was an unusual character for a war comic - - the commander of a Nazi Panzer tank division in WWII. In "A Winter's Tale" by Garth Ennis and Mike Dorey a tank gets stuck in an icy river bank just as Russian forces move after the division.
Lookout For Lefty was a football-centered series (soccer, for U.S. readers). Surprise! "Arise, Sir Lefty" by Rob Williams and Patrick Goddard is well-written and quite amusing.
"After The Action" by Garth Ennis and John Higgins features Dredger, and is my second favorite here. Dredger is a hard-nosed, brutal, vicious agent for a spy organization and very self-centered. He is more upset over damage to material things than he is to fatal injuries to his associates.
THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS for the issue.
