DC-Universe - The Nice House by the Sea : a Riveting Sequel to the Award-Winning The Nice House on the Lake

By Mulder, 16 april 2024

Following the critical acclaim of The Nice House on the Lake, DC Comics is thrilled to announce its continuation with the new series, The Nice House by the Sea. Slated for release on July 24, this sequel will unravel over twelve issues, weaving a tale of psychological horror set in an eerily idyllic coastal retreat. This new chapter marks a significant expansion in the DC Universe, introducing a gripping storyline crafted by the acclaimed team of writer James Tynion IV and artist Álvaro Martínez Bueno, alongside colorist Jordie Bellaire and lettering by Andworld Design.

The Nice House by the Sea shifts the backdrop from the tranquil yet sinister lake of the first series to a secluded seaside house, where the characters’ paradise quickly reveals itself to be just as ominous. The series introduces a new cast of characters, each a master of their craft, including the Doctor, the Writer, the Historian, the Actor, the Artist, and the Scientist, invited by the mysterious hostess Max, who remains an enigma throughout the series.

James Tynion IV, in discussing the new series, highlighted the thematic shift and the evolving dynamics among the characters. Unlike the somewhat communal atmosphere of the lake house, here, the characters are stark strangers, each dealing with their own profound loneliness and guilt. They don’t form bonds of friendship but of necessity, creating a volatile mix of brilliant minds, said Tynion.

Álvaro Martínez Bueno’s artwork promises to be a standout feature of the series, enhancing the haunting themes with visceral visuals that capture the isolation and stark beauty of the coastal setting. Creating a new setting and cast has allowed us to push the boundaries of our storytelling. The sea is a symbol of the unknown, and it reflects the internal turmoil of the characters, Martínez Bueno explained.

The series opener shows characters grappling with the morality of their survival — having been chosen to continue humanity at the potential expense of others, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s societal context. The narrative explores their complex interactions, underscored by their awareness of the global catastrophe that has supposedly wiped out the rest of humanity.

The original series, The Nice House on the Lake, was celebrated for its innovative approach to horror and suspense, earning the Eisner Award for Best New Series and receiving accolades at the prestigious Angoulême International Comics Festival. Its success has set high expectations for the sequel, which promises to delve deeper into the psychological and ethical dilemmas introduced in the first series.

The anticipation for The Nice House by the Sea is immense. It’s not just a continuation but an expansion of the narrative and philosophical groundwork laid by the first series, added Martínez Bueno.

DC advises fans to revisit The Nice House on the Lake: The Deluxe Edition to refresh their memories of the intricate story and prepare for the new mysteries that The Nice House by the Sea will unveil. Preorders for the new series are already underway, with special variant covers designed to captivate and intrigue. The series is part of DC Black Label, an imprint dedicated to mature readers, and continues to carry the Ages 17+ content descriptor. This label ensures the creative team can explore complex themes and mature content, promising a profound narrative experience.

The Nice House by the Sea is poised to be a culturally significant release, combining compelling storytelling with breathtaking artwork. It invites readers to confront uncomfortable moral questions about society, isolation, and the survival of humanity, all set against the backdrop of a new mysterious apocalypse.

For updates on this chilling series, its release details, and more, visit DC Comics Official and follow the conversation on social media with hashtags #NiceHouseByTheSea and #DCBlackLabel.

(Source : press release)