The Nice House By The Sea #2 – James Tynion IV, Writer; Alvaro Martinez Bueno, Colorist; Jordie Bellaire, Colorist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: The last issue of this brilliant post-apocalyptic cosmic suspense thriller threw us for a loop by introducing us to a whole new cast of survivors – this one created by another being from the same species as Walter, and chosen not for their connection to the disguised alien but for their unique minds and their worth to the future. These people were all in on the secret of the house from the start, and had used it to its fullest – with many creating their ideal bodies and embracing immortality in unique ways. Some were fascinating, some were unlikable, and I couldn’t wait to learn more. So naturally, Tynion and Martinez Bueno swerve us – and take us right back to the original crew, showing us where they are almost two years later. They’re still in the house, slowly getting used to the madness they find themselves in, with one big exception – Walter is no longer with them, having sacrificed himself in a shocking twist at the end of the first mini.
It’s clear that this crew has moved from active madness to the strange sense of resigned and almost comic acceptance that comes with absurdity, albeit tinged with sadness over the two losses they suffered. And then something happens that shouldn’t be possible – a new arrival, in the form of a friendly dog. One of the very few rules of the house’s AI system was that it couldn’t create anything alive, so this naturally causes confusion – around the same time as a massive storm threatens the house, one that seems out of control. This issue builds and builds in intensity until a last page with only dialogue reveals a major change is coming. This is just a fantastic book, packed with so many layers of suspense and mystery as these cosmic beings find new ways to play with the humans in their houses. Another massive win for a guy who virtually never misses no matter how many books he puts out.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
