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The Witness
On a sleepless night, Jonah Blake goes for a drive—and finds the world literally crashing down on him when a 757 drops out of the sky, exploding in the nearby woods.
Jonah, the lone witness to the event, soon finds himself engulfed in a maelstrom of voices and visions. Are these truly the souls of the 215 people who lost their lives aboard Flight 77—or is Jonah Blake losing his mind?
And if these are the spirits of the dead crying out to him— what do they want?
A note to the stunning illustrations which accompany the text are best viewed on a device that displays color.
About the Author
Eisner Award winner J. M. DeMatteis was a professional musician and rock music journalist, before launching a long career writing comic books, novels, television, and film.
About the illustrator
J. H. Williams III is a longtime veteran of the Arts and has created significant works for DC Comics, Image Comics, Amazon, and Marvel. His current work on Echolands from Image Comics has been met with critical acclaim. He’s garnered multiple awards, including Eagles, Eisners, GLAAD, Harveys, Inkwell, National Cartoonist Society, a coveted Nebula—for his contributions to The Sandman Overture , Promethea , Batwoman , Batman , Desolation Jones , and Where We Live . And has happily gained an honor award from the Grey School of Wizardry. Never one to settle for a single artistic vision, Williams has also branched out into arenas beyond the comics industry, illustrating album covers for legendary rock bands The Sword and Blondie, illustrations for Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel, and dabbling collaboratively in fashion. Beyond visual arts, his other creative endeavors include various writing roles, with Echolands and Batwoman being prominent examples. J. H. lives with his ever cherished wife and adorable cats in a land of desert mountains and valleys of sand, listening to music and collecting vinyl records
Jonah, the lone witness to the event, soon finds himself engulfed in a maelstrom of voices and visions. Are these truly the souls of the 215 people who lost their lives aboard Flight 77—or is Jonah Blake losing his mind?
And if these are the spirits of the dead crying out to him— what do they want?
A note to the stunning illustrations which accompany the text are best viewed on a device that displays color.
About the Author
Eisner Award winner J. M. DeMatteis was a professional musician and rock music journalist, before launching a long career writing comic books, novels, television, and film.
About the illustrator
J. H. Williams III is a longtime veteran of the Arts and has created significant works for DC Comics, Image Comics, Amazon, and Marvel. His current work on Echolands from Image Comics has been met with critical acclaim. He’s garnered multiple awards, including Eagles, Eisners, GLAAD, Harveys, Inkwell, National Cartoonist Society, a coveted Nebula—for his contributions to The Sandman Overture , Promethea , Batwoman , Batman , Desolation Jones , and Where We Live . And has happily gained an honor award from the Grey School of Wizardry. Never one to settle for a single artistic vision, Williams has also branched out into arenas beyond the comics industry, illustrating album covers for legendary rock bands The Sword and Blondie, illustrations for Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel, and dabbling collaboratively in fashion. Beyond visual arts, his other creative endeavors include various writing roles, with Echolands and Batwoman being prominent examples. J. H. lives with his ever cherished wife and adorable cats in a land of desert mountains and valleys of sand, listening to music and collecting vinyl records
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
J.M. DeMatteis
1,912 books233 followersAlso Credited As:
DeMatteis, John Marc
Ellis, Michael
Lombego, Wally
Bio:
J.M. DeMatteis was a professional musician/singer and rock music journalist before entering comics in the late 70's.
Credits include Spider-Man, Moonshadow, Brooklyn Dreams, Justice League, Abadazad, Hero Squared, the Life and Times of Savior 28.
Created I, Vampire , Creature Commandos, Moonshadow, Hero Squared (co-creator), Abadazad, Stardust Kid, Savior 28 and more.
DeMatteis, John Marc
Ellis, Michael
Lombego, Wally
Bio:
J.M. DeMatteis was a professional musician/singer and rock music journalist before entering comics in the late 70's.
Credits include Spider-Man, Moonshadow, Brooklyn Dreams, Justice League, Abadazad, Hero Squared, the Life and Times of Savior 28.
Created I, Vampire , Creature Commandos, Moonshadow, Hero Squared (co-creator), Abadazad, Stardust Kid, Savior 28 and more.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 11, 2023
"The Witness" is an electrifying thriller that takes the reader on a journey into a man's haunted soul, and the souls that haunt him.
Jonah Blake's life is changed irrevocably when he witnesses the crash of a 747. For immediately following the crash he starts to see the apparitions of the departed-who seem to be beckoning him for something. What do these spirits want? And why are they trying to communicate with Jonah?
This novella has all the trappings of a nightmarish Twilight Zone episode as it places an ordinary man in a harrowing situation; often leaving him to question his own sanity. The impact of this horrific event leaves many obstacles for Jonah to overcome, both personally and professionally.
Going on this journey with Jonah made for a very entertaining reading experience. It was fun piecing the plot together as it unfolded a piece at a time. This made me anticipate each page turn as the book progressed.
But what really sets this book apart from your average 'paranormal thriller' is its richly developed characters. Every player on the page is given the appropriate amount of depth and back story-which in turn made me more emotionally invested in the story and it's outcome.
I've only ever known author J.M. DeMatteis from his comic book writing and it was a delight to finally read a novella by him. Even more delightful is the fact that his talents as a storyteller have never been sharper. This book is a masterwork of fully developed characters, compelling story arcs, and hard-hitting subject matter. These elements combine for a very fulfilling reading experience.
This novella also features a series of amazing color illustrations by J.H. Williams III. These illustrations capture Jonah's ordeal in exquisite detail and are the perfect companion to J.M.'s words. I was impressed with the vivid colors in these pictures and found them to be a nice perk in an already fun read.
I was greatly impressed all-around by "The Witness ". It's terrific story, with great artwork, and made for a memorable reading experience.
Jonah Blake's life is changed irrevocably when he witnesses the crash of a 747. For immediately following the crash he starts to see the apparitions of the departed-who seem to be beckoning him for something. What do these spirits want? And why are they trying to communicate with Jonah?
This novella has all the trappings of a nightmarish Twilight Zone episode as it places an ordinary man in a harrowing situation; often leaving him to question his own sanity. The impact of this horrific event leaves many obstacles for Jonah to overcome, both personally and professionally.
Going on this journey with Jonah made for a very entertaining reading experience. It was fun piecing the plot together as it unfolded a piece at a time. This made me anticipate each page turn as the book progressed.
But what really sets this book apart from your average 'paranormal thriller' is its richly developed characters. Every player on the page is given the appropriate amount of depth and back story-which in turn made me more emotionally invested in the story and it's outcome.
I've only ever known author J.M. DeMatteis from his comic book writing and it was a delight to finally read a novella by him. Even more delightful is the fact that his talents as a storyteller have never been sharper. This book is a masterwork of fully developed characters, compelling story arcs, and hard-hitting subject matter. These elements combine for a very fulfilling reading experience.
This novella also features a series of amazing color illustrations by J.H. Williams III. These illustrations capture Jonah's ordeal in exquisite detail and are the perfect companion to J.M.'s words. I was impressed with the vivid colors in these pictures and found them to be a nice perk in an already fun read.
I was greatly impressed all-around by "The Witness ". It's terrific story, with great artwork, and made for a memorable reading experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2023
Life goes on
How much do we, living our ordinary lives, really pay attention to who we are and are willing to understand the full meaning of "being alive" and live full life?
DeMatteis, once again, with his quick yet profound way to write about topics that deal with who we are, finds a way to bring to the front, through fiction, a truth that has been told over and over, basically throughout all cultures around the world, the idea that we are not our body and that our body is not I. What should we do with this knowledge is up to us, but, as the Spider-Man saying goes, "with great powers come great responsibilities".
What are we doing with these powers that we have? Distorting and employing them for narcissistic or personal gain, or trying and using them for improving ourselves and the world around us?
And this is for all kinds of powers, from a simples smile to being a great writer, from knowing about movies to knowing about the spirit world!
Thanks DeMatteis, for such a wonderful tale!
How much do we, living our ordinary lives, really pay attention to who we are and are willing to understand the full meaning of "being alive" and live full life?
DeMatteis, once again, with his quick yet profound way to write about topics that deal with who we are, finds a way to bring to the front, through fiction, a truth that has been told over and over, basically throughout all cultures around the world, the idea that we are not our body and that our body is not I. What should we do with this knowledge is up to us, but, as the Spider-Man saying goes, "with great powers come great responsibilities".
What are we doing with these powers that we have? Distorting and employing them for narcissistic or personal gain, or trying and using them for improving ourselves and the world around us?
And this is for all kinds of powers, from a simples smile to being a great writer, from knowing about movies to knowing about the spirit world!
Thanks DeMatteis, for such a wonderful tale!
May 24, 2025
Compré esta novela ilustrada por el trabajo como guionista de su autor. ¿Cómo no hacerlo cuando estamos hablando del hombre tras "La última cacería de Kraven", una obra maestra del cómic?
Desde luego esta novela no llega a ese nivel, pero es correcta y entretenida. Destaca el desarrollo de los personajes, lo que no es nada nuevo en el autor (pocos se han metido en la cabeza de sus creaciones cómo él).
En la parte negativa pondría que la novela es algo plana y le falta algo de energía. Entiendo que es difícil cuando se trata de una historia intimista, nada que ver con los superhéroes. También he echado en falta algo de originalidad.
En resumen, un buen libro que merece la pena ser leído, pero que nadie espere acción a raudales.
Desde luego esta novela no llega a ese nivel, pero es correcta y entretenida. Destaca el desarrollo de los personajes, lo que no es nada nuevo en el autor (pocos se han metido en la cabeza de sus creaciones cómo él).
En la parte negativa pondría que la novela es algo plana y le falta algo de energía. Entiendo que es difícil cuando se trata de una historia intimista, nada que ver con los superhéroes. También he echado en falta algo de originalidad.
En resumen, un buen libro que merece la pena ser leído, pero que nadie espere acción a raudales.
June 20, 2025
3.5 stars!
I like JM so there’s some bias here but it’s a fun quick read. A man witnesses a plane crash and the spirits of the dead invade his mind. But why?
Feels like a set up for a series of stories. But the main character and his family are all fun.
There was a moment in the second half where he’s cured that didn’t work for me. I think it’s there to connect him further with the family he’s trying to help but it just didn’t quite work as we know he’s not cured.
Still other than that hiccups fun read.
I like JM so there’s some bias here but it’s a fun quick read. A man witnesses a plane crash and the spirits of the dead invade his mind. But why?
Feels like a set up for a series of stories. But the main character and his family are all fun.
There was a moment in the second half where he’s cured that didn’t work for me. I think it’s there to connect him further with the family he’s trying to help but it just didn’t quite work as we know he’s not cured.
Still other than that hiccups fun read.
August 12, 2024
Another wonderful novella from JM DeMatteis. It kept going to places I didn’t expect that were always completely logical in hindsight.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews