The Nice House by the Sea #8 – James Tynion IV, Writer; Alvaro Martinez Bueno, Artist; Jordie Bellaire, Colorist
Ray – 10/10
Ray: James Tynion IV is undeniably one of the greatest comic horror writers of all time at this point, and this twisty apocalyptic sci-fi mystery might just be his crowning achievement. First we were introduced to the house designed to survive the apocalypse, and its twisted mastermind Walter, who gathered his close friends to survive the end and be immortal in paradise. Then the series came back, and we met a whole new house – one populated by the world’s elites, hand-picked by Walter’s rival Max, and filled with hedonists who viewed themselves as the Earth’s inheritors. Now they finally meet, and to no one’s surprise, it almost immediately descends into horrible violence as the second house decides they should be the only house. The first half of this issue plays out like a horror movie, with brutal ambush attacks – but one member of the other house may not be on board with the murder plan.
One of the best things about this title is the way it exists on different planes of existence. You have the action in the house, which is fast-paced and tense. And then you have things happening behind the scenes, as the architects jockey for control and reshape the playing fields in unique ways. This issue is narrated by Molly, one of Walter’s closest friends and one of the few people who saw him at his most vulnerable, and the opening segment is as usual one of the most effective. This series is one of the most unique I’ve read in a while in its depiction of the apocalypse and how humanity would coexist with eldritch beings. I’m not sure if we’re wrapping things up after this series ends at 12, but it does feel like an endgame is in sight. Still, with the reality-warping nature of this book, it’s impossible to tell – and no matter what the plan is, I’ll be seated for the next chapter.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
