Written By: Brad Bruce
Some horror comics have faint whispers of their dread. Others scream it into the void. "SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS" does both, and effortlessly. It weaves love, murder, and redemption into an arcane tale that feels as if it were torn from the lost pages of a long-forgotten Dickens novel...
Set within THE REALM, the story follows Erik Leroux as he struggles to uncover the truth of
what happened to him and who he truly is. What already feels like an impossible journey is
thrown into complete chaos when his solemn oath is disrupted by a mysterious, unsettling
creature, forcing Erik to confront forces far beyond his understanding.
The artwork by Nick Cagnetti is nothing short of phenomenal. There’s a nostalgic, "Scooby Doo" era charm to the character designs, but it’s layered with heavy blacks and vibrant, lurid colors that give the book a distinctly EC Comics vibe. Modern panel layouts keep everything moving at a cinematic pace, blending old school horror aesthetics with contemporary storytelling flair.
The writing by Daniel Ziegler strikes an impressive balance, allowing quiet, atmospheric moments to breathe before landing its shocks with precision. The dialogue is purposeful and sharp, never wasted, never overwritten, and each line pushes characters or tension forward.
At its core, "SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS" is a story about relationships, isolation, and facing the
unknown when help never comes. Fans of "Tales From the Crypt"–style morality tales will feel
instantly at home.
"SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS" is a confident, masterful read that proves you don’t need cheap
jump scares to leave a lasting mark. This is the kind of horror comic that sticks with you, long
after the final page is turned.
"SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS" hits comic shop shelves on January 28th, 2026 from Oni Press.
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