James Tynion IV, the acclaimed comic book writer behind “Something is Killing the Children” and “Batman: Hush,” is making a chilling return to the world he created in 2021’s breakout horror hit, “The Nice House on the Lake.” This new iteration, titled “The Nice House by the Sea,” launches in July 2024 from DC Comics’ Black Label imprint, promising a fresh wave of terror for fans.
A Return to Isolation and Horror
“The Nice House on the Lake” arrived at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The story resonated deeply with readers seeking an outlet for the anxieties of isolation and a world seemingly on the brink of collapse. It centered around 10 people, brought together by the enigmatic Walter, who invited them to a secluded house in the woods. What began as a seemingly ordinary gathering soon turned nightmarish as Walter’s true, horrifying nature was revealed.
A New Cast, a New Location, New Chills
“The Nice House by the Sea” picks up where its predecessor left off, offering a chilling “second cycle.” Writer James Tynion IV reunites with artist Álvaro Martínez Bueno to deliver a 12-issue miniseries that, like the first, will feature a mid-series break. This time, however, the setting shifts from a secluded cabin to a luxurious villa perched along the picturesque Mediterranean Sea.
The narrative focuses on a new cast of ten strangers, each with a distinct profession – a doctor, a writer, a historian, and more. Unlike the first group, these individuals have deliberately chosen to isolate themselves in this opulent coastal retreat. They believe themselves to be the last remaining humans on a dying Earth.
But of course, in Tynion’s world, things are rarely as they seem. A new entity, a woman named Max, emerges as the enigmatic host, orchestrating this gathering. The idyllic facade of the seaside escape quickly crumbles, replaced by a creeping sense of dread.
Exploring the Darkness Within
For Tynion, “The Nice House by the Lake” was a profoundly personal exploration of adult friendships and the anxieties of isolation. “The Nice House by the Sea” delves even deeper, confronting the human tendency to seek comfort in the face of global suffering, even if it means turning a blind eye to the outside world.
Tynion reflects on his role in this dynamic, admitting, “This is a story that allows me to explore the ugliest moments of myself.” He emphasizes the importance of confronting personal flaws when crafting horror, stating, “When you’re writing horror, you can’t be afraid to poke directly the things you don’t like about yourself.”
This introspective approach has been a hallmark of Tynion’s horror work. DC executive editor Chris Conroy echoes this sentiment, praising Tynion’s ability to weave personal experiences into universally relatable narratives. “James is unafraid of writing from his point of view,” says Conroy. “That’s what makes his horror stories so intimate and involving.”
The Art of Horror: Detailed Landscapes and Monstrous Beauty
A significant aspect of “The Nice House on the Lake’s” success was the hauntingly beautiful artwork by Álvaro Martínez Bueno. Bueno excelled in capturing the distinct personalities of the characters and the unsettling atmosphere of the secluded house. This signature style returns in “The Nice House by the Sea.”
Initially, Tynion envisioned a Caribbean setting. However, Bueno’s inspiration, drawn from real estate listings on Zillow, nudged the narrative towards the Mediterranean coast. This shift not only influenced the story’s atmosphere but also pushed Bueno’s artistic boundaries, allowing him to explore the beauty and potential menace of the coastal landscape.
