The hardboiled, Southern Gothic horror tones resonate on every page and in each of Daniel Warren Johnson’s panels. There’s something romantic about it: bats flying across full moons, sweat-drenched dreams of lovers and werewolves, and gun-toting and crazed family members hiding behind children’s masks. A place where death isn’t the end, where there are dreams and nightmares even after, and I can only assume there are fates far worse. But, Kiernan doesn’t become self-absorbed in her Poe-like poetry. The rhythm of her writing flows, dancing through the comic book, leading the reader across the ballroom floor with a sharp verbal wit and empathy to spare.

And, the experience all begins with Greg Ruth’s sumptuous covers. Absolutely stunning work.

The horror tale invigorates and enthralls, taking tropes and weaving new patterns. Give it a read.