The Nice House by the Sea #1 is written by James Tynion IV and published by DC. Artwork and cover are by Alvaro Martinez Bueno and colours by Jordie Bellaire.
The Nice House by the Sea #1 is available now, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Comixology UK here.
Synopsis
No one who was invited to the House knew Max—but she knew each and every one of them. Masters of their fields, titans of industry and knowledge, they all represented the best and brightest of humanity. So when Max whispered to each of them the truth of what they deserved—to be saved from disaster, to carry on the flame of civilization in a paradise built just for them—they all leaped at the chance. Why not? Why shouldn’t they be the ones to live forever? Isn’t it their destiny to survive the culling of the lesser herd? Wouldn’t being named the future of humanity be…nice? With the Eisner Award-winning The Nice House on the Lake, honored as Best New Series by the prestigious Angoulême International Comics Festival, James Tynion IV and Álvaro Martínez Bueno shocked the comics industry and unleashed a classic of contemporary horror…and no matter what you might think is coming, you aren’t ready for their second act!
Review
If you knew when the world was going to end, what would you do with your final moments? From the mastermind behind the captivating stories of Something is Killing the Children, The Department of Truth, and House of Slaughter, comes a brand-new saga that is not to be missed. Following on from The Nice House by the Lake comes The Nice House by the Sea, James Tynion IV’s latest creation, which is a unique blend of mystery, drama, and intrigue that promises to thrill readers from start to finish.
Kicking off with its inaugural issue, The Nice House by the Sea catapults readers into an enthralling, post-apocalyptic landscape meticulously woven with strands of horror and thrilling suspense. At the heart of this mystifying tale is Walter and his eclectic crew of 10, who together seek solace in a secluded house amidst the countryside, serving as the backdrop to humanity’s eerie curtain call. With its provocative storyline and rich, compelling narrative, this series is not just another addition to the genre, but a unique and innovative storytelling experience.
The first issue of the series makes a dramatic entrance, sparking curiosity and posing many questions, yet it offers few answers – which is to be expected. Admittedly, I found myself yearning for just a bit more meat on the bones of the story to sink my teeth into, to fully envelop myself in the unfolding drama and immerse myself in the world. Personal proclivities aside, it’s undeniable that the series masterfully lays down the gauntlet, inviting us into what is bound to be a richly woven tapestry of intrigue and adventure. It sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling saga.
The first issue of the series does more than introduce us to the idyllic, seemingly tranquil house by the sea; it establishes itself as a gripping thriller that isn’t to be missed. James Tynion IV has not merely contributed to the comic book horror genre; he has revolutionised it, crafting a new era of storytelling that thrills and terrifies in equal measure. His work, evident in masterpieces like Something is Killing the Children and The House of Slaughter ,has set a new benchmark for horror, redefining what to expect. With the launch of The Nice House by the Sea, Tynion IV proves once again that we are witnessing an extraordinary evolution in horror narratives.
Verdict
It’s clear we stand on the brink of a groundbreaking shift in storytelling, where conventional boundaries are shattered, and the genre is redefined for a new generation of readers. This is not just storytelling; this is horror reimagined. With its diverse cast of quirky characters, striking visuals, and a plot that promises to be as intriguing as it is slightly perplexing, The Nice House by the Sea may have a few stumbling blocks at the start, but it’s clearly on the verge of blossoming into an unmissable series.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐