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The Nice House on the Lake
Todos los invitados a la casa conocen a Walter. O, al menos, lo conocen un poco. Tras el año más difícil de sus vidas, nadie iba a rechazar una invitación para disfrutar de una hermosa mansión en el bosque, con vistas a un enorme y precioso lago. Parecen las vacaciones soñadas, pero pronto se convertirán en la peor de sus pesadillas cuando un misterioso desastre asola el mundo. Si consiguen dejar a un lado sus miedos, dudas y diferencias, tal vez logren sobrevivir… Ganadora de los premios Eisner a la mejor serie nueva en 2022, al mejor guionista y a la mejor colorista en 2023 y nominada en las categorías de mejor serie regular y mejor dibujante/entintador ese mismo año, The Nice House on The Lake consagró al formado por James Tynion IV y Álvaro Martínez Bueno como uno de los grandes equipos creativos del cómic contemporáneo. Es el momento de descubrir una nueva manera de entender el cómic de terror moderno. De dejarse sorprender por la primera temporada de una serie en la que las grandes ansiedades del siglo XXI adquieren un nuevo y aterrador rostro… que bien podría ser el de la persona en la que más confías.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published December 14, 2023
68 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,645 books1,990 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
February 20, 2024
6.8/10
Walter invites his friends to a beautiful house for vacation. One way or another they all accept, as they need a break from the daily stressful life. Things are great at first, but very soon that changes.
They see through media that something terrible is going on in the world. Everything is on fire and people are dying in a horrible way. While they try to figure out what to do, Walter tells them that they can't leave....
A perfect escape turned into a prison, a dreamy holiday into a nightmare.
Very intriguing story, as you try to unravel the mystery, alongside the protagonists. My only issue is the pace. On each issue we see the past and Walter having conversations with someone from the group. It made sense at first. It makes you familiar with the character and it shows you about their relationship with Walter, which is crucial to the plot. After a while it didn't add anything, there wasn't any character development, it just cut the pace and it was getting in the way of what you really wanted to see.
The art does exactly what it needs. Creates an unease atmosphere but still remains pleasant to the eye.
Walter invites his friends to a beautiful house for vacation. One way or another they all accept, as they need a break from the daily stressful life. Things are great at first, but very soon that changes.
They see through media that something terrible is going on in the world. Everything is on fire and people are dying in a horrible way. While they try to figure out what to do, Walter tells them that they can't leave....
A perfect escape turned into a prison, a dreamy holiday into a nightmare.
Very intriguing story, as you try to unravel the mystery, alongside the protagonists. My only issue is the pace. On each issue we see the past and Walter having conversations with someone from the group. It made sense at first. It makes you familiar with the character and it shows you about their relationship with Walter, which is crucial to the plot. After a while it didn't add anything, there wasn't any character development, it just cut the pace and it was getting in the way of what you really wanted to see.
The art does exactly what it needs. Creates an unease atmosphere but still remains pleasant to the eye.
February 14, 2024
8'5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“¿Cómo crees que terminará el mundo?”
Díez invitados a una mansión en el bosque, con vistas a un enorme y precioso lago. Todos con un amigo en común: Walter. Quien les revela que un misterioso desastre ha asolado el mundo.
James Tynion IV trae un guión original, yo lo calificaría de terror paranormal y psicológico. Este integral reúne los doce números que componen el primer ciclo. Sí, la historia continuará. Como si de una serie por temporadas se tratase.
Álvaro Martínez Bueno da una clase de arte al dibujo. Viñetas de acabado cartoon se mezclan con otras hiperrealistas. Escenarios y arquitectura de diez, perfectos. Infinidad de recursos adaptándose a lo que requiere el guión en ese momento. Como una secuencia de viñetas donde predomina el color negro, una oscuridad que deja asomar parte de un rostro o una mirada que va cambiando con la conversación, reflejando la angustia o preocupación del personaje. Y todo esto con un color bien entendido de Jordie Bellaire.
“¿Cómo crees que terminará el mundo?”
Díez invitados a una mansión en el bosque, con vistas a un enorme y precioso lago. Todos con un amigo en común: Walter. Quien les revela que un misterioso desastre ha asolado el mundo.
James Tynion IV trae un guión original, yo lo calificaría de terror paranormal y psicológico. Este integral reúne los doce números que componen el primer ciclo. Sí, la historia continuará. Como si de una serie por temporadas se tratase.
Álvaro Martínez Bueno da una clase de arte al dibujo. Viñetas de acabado cartoon se mezclan con otras hiperrealistas. Escenarios y arquitectura de diez, perfectos. Infinidad de recursos adaptándose a lo que requiere el guión en ese momento. Como una secuencia de viñetas donde predomina el color negro, una oscuridad que deja asomar parte de un rostro o una mirada que va cambiando con la conversación, reflejando la angustia o preocupación del personaje. Y todo esto con un color bien entendido de Jordie Bellaire.
July 27, 2025
"The Nice House on the Lake" was a very interesting comic. 12 friends, from high school/college, meet up years later for a vacation with their friend Walter at his lake house. As the friends gather and catch up on old times, they find out that the world outside their Lake house has been destroyed. Walter appears to let them know that they can not leave. There is no world left for them to return to. When one of the upset guests attacks Walter, only to find that Walter is not human.
It turns out each guest fills an archetype- The Doctor, The Workaholic, The Pianist, The Artist, The Comedian, The Reporter, The Acupuncturist, The Lawyer, The Scientist, and The Writer. These friends must try to unravel the mystery of the house, Walter, and the mystery House. As the 12 test their prison's limits and setup, they will find out some strange secrets about Walter.
No more spoilers. This was an interesting story and I enjoyed trying to figure out what is going on. Walter is a very interesting character. The artwork, while not great, works well enough with this story. My volume also had some cool alternate covers and background notes.
It turns out each guest fills an archetype- The Doctor, The Workaholic, The Pianist, The Artist, The Comedian, The Reporter, The Acupuncturist, The Lawyer, The Scientist, and The Writer. These friends must try to unravel the mystery of the house, Walter, and the mystery House. As the 12 test their prison's limits and setup, they will find out some strange secrets about Walter.
No more spoilers. This was an interesting story and I enjoyed trying to figure out what is going on. Walter is a very interesting character. The artwork, while not great, works well enough with this story. My volume also had some cool alternate covers and background notes.
February 5, 2024
Another strong comic book series from Tynion. Intriguing conceptually, well-written, and I enjoyed the art. The characters could be more fleshed out, but I had a great time with it and I'll be there for the second cycle teased near the end.
April 26, 2025
I really wanted to like this... The covers screamed for my attention, as did the concept. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it very much either. The story is a slog, and the pacing is pretty bad. Every chapter follows the same structure, and the first part of each chapter doesn't really add anything to the overall story. I believe they're there to give more detail to the characters, but they're not long enough to do that at all, and are pretty much filled with uninteresting stuff.
The characters are boring to the point where I don't even remember the names of the majority of them. All of them are pretty devoid of personality - this is the downside of trying to focus on too many characters. Plus, too much time is spent on the details of some characters that add nothing to the story or their personalities (seriously, the personality of each character comes down to either their job, their sexuality, or both; there's really nothing else of interest).
The art, although really pretty to look at, doesn't really work well with this story BECAUSE it has so many characters. The drawings are "sloppy" (the good kind of sloppy, this is not a downside, I just can't think of another word for it) and although the scenery has a lot of detail here and there, sometimes the same characters are drawn 10 different ways, to the point where I can't recognize most of them in a drawing of the whole group. Plus, if one of them disappears for a while and shows up later in the book, I have no idea who they are anymore. I'd frame some of those pages, though.
I wouldn't call this horror at all - at most a thriller. There isn't anything creepy or scary about this. Wouldn't really call this a mystery either, because everything is pretty much revealed early on, and then it just seems to dwell on unnecessary details of what we pretty much already know for the rest of the story. Very disappointed... I have another James Tynion IV graphic novel to read (w0rldtr33), and I really hope I end up liking it way more than I did this.
The characters are boring to the point where I don't even remember the names of the majority of them. All of them are pretty devoid of personality - this is the downside of trying to focus on too many characters. Plus, too much time is spent on the details of some characters that add nothing to the story or their personalities (seriously, the personality of each character comes down to either their job, their sexuality, or both; there's really nothing else of interest).
The art, although really pretty to look at, doesn't really work well with this story BECAUSE it has so many characters. The drawings are "sloppy" (the good kind of sloppy, this is not a downside, I just can't think of another word for it) and although the scenery has a lot of detail here and there, sometimes the same characters are drawn 10 different ways, to the point where I can't recognize most of them in a drawing of the whole group. Plus, if one of them disappears for a while and shows up later in the book, I have no idea who they are anymore. I'd frame some of those pages, though.
I wouldn't call this horror at all - at most a thriller. There isn't anything creepy or scary about this. Wouldn't really call this a mystery either, because everything is pretty much revealed early on, and then it just seems to dwell on unnecessary details of what we pretty much already know for the rest of the story. Very disappointed... I have another James Tynion IV graphic novel to read (w0rldtr33), and I really hope I end up liking it way more than I did this.
October 8, 2024
WHOOOO this thing was GOOD!
I'm going to start by saying that I love a comic I can blow through and also enjoy as much as the next person but when it comes to The Nice House on the Lake you aren't going to get that. This comic is not a breeze, it is relatively complicated and needs to be read and examined with care but the payoff if read slowly and carefully is so satisfying.
I picked this up for the 2024 Halloween season as I kept seeing this being advertised as a horror book but really this is a sci-fi at it's core with some horror themes so this deluxe edition really didn't feel like it fit the mold for a spooky season read but nonetheless, it still blew me away. It's hard to discuss without giving too much away but I just want it to be known right away that this is very much more a sci-fi than a horror.
I decided to finally pick this up because we got the deluxe edition and it did not say Volume 1 so I assumed this was going to be a one-and-done deluxe edition. After getting to the end it is very obvious now that we are nowhere near the end. I fully believe this is going to be a many volumes long running series for it to really work and maintain the depth that this series has conjured within the first volume and I truly say the more the merrier.
There are a lot of characters in this installment and the character development we got in the time spent with each character was quite good. As the series goes on I could see this being one of the best comics in terms of character work that I will read. I don't want to blow Tynion's head up too big (lol) but for real, the characters were something else already in this installment and I want to get to know them more, I am ravenous for it. Unfortunately I believe this comic is currently on a hiatus so I will have to sit my sorry butt down and wait.
I'm going to start by saying that I love a comic I can blow through and also enjoy as much as the next person but when it comes to The Nice House on the Lake you aren't going to get that. This comic is not a breeze, it is relatively complicated and needs to be read and examined with care but the payoff if read slowly and carefully is so satisfying.
I picked this up for the 2024 Halloween season as I kept seeing this being advertised as a horror book but really this is a sci-fi at it's core with some horror themes so this deluxe edition really didn't feel like it fit the mold for a spooky season read but nonetheless, it still blew me away. It's hard to discuss without giving too much away but I just want it to be known right away that this is very much more a sci-fi than a horror.
I decided to finally pick this up because we got the deluxe edition and it did not say Volume 1 so I assumed this was going to be a one-and-done deluxe edition. After getting to the end it is very obvious now that we are nowhere near the end. I fully believe this is going to be a many volumes long running series for it to really work and maintain the depth that this series has conjured within the first volume and I truly say the more the merrier.
There are a lot of characters in this installment and the character development we got in the time spent with each character was quite good. As the series goes on I could see this being one of the best comics in terms of character work that I will read. I don't want to blow Tynion's head up too big (lol) but for real, the characters were something else already in this installment and I want to get to know them more, I am ravenous for it. Unfortunately I believe this comic is currently on a hiatus so I will have to sit my sorry butt down and wait.
September 15, 2025
Свого часу «Будинок на озері » заманив мене чи не з перших сторінок. Тайнін як сценарист та Альваро Мартінез на малюнку. Це звісно обіцяло бути захопливо, особливо після департаменту правди та ЩВД.
Чіпляє з перших сторінок. Сюжет, малюнок, ідеї, наратив. Навіть те як реалізовані деякі моменти в коміксі викликали захват. Звісно, десь після 6 номеру Тайнін трохи відійшов з крісла сценариста, і сюжет трохи просів. Не критично, але трохи відчутно.
Що якби ваш близький друг зібрав вас на вечірку в будинку на озері, а тим часом навколишній світ знищено. Це коротка зав’язка сюжету. Чим далі тим цікавіше друг — інопланетянин, будиночок своєрідне контрольоване середовище для експериментів, а 11 людей свого роду обрані для виживання за їхні навички.
І так, тут є де розгулятись фантазії, записуєш бажання в блокнотик, все з’являється на наступний день. Хочеш побачити що зараз із твоїм домом, доторкнись до монумента. Зміна погоди? Ізі. Намалюй будівлю, вона сама з’явиться.
Перша половина добре так наганяє містики навколо Айзена Волтера. Поступово знайомлять з усіма персонажами. Показують флешбеки як саме познайомились між собою та Волтером. Дослідження території та все таке. Друга частина зосереджується на групі як такій і подальшому розвитку подій в критичній ситуації.
І тут, повість наразі обривається. Безперечно неймовірна кількість ймовірних подій, теорій та можливостей розвитку прям підігріває інтерес. Тобто книга перша має цілком сформовану історію. Але куди рухатиметься сюжет далі на разі не відомо. Вже існує сиквел. І цікаво чи буде сиквел поєднуватись світи обох, як це вплине на загальний сюжет. Чекаємо новин від Тайніна. Бо ідея подана цікаво.
Також колись видавництво Vivat анонсувало вихід українською. Колись воно таки буде.
Чіпляє з перших сторінок. Сюжет, малюнок, ідеї, наратив. Навіть те як реалізовані деякі моменти в коміксі викликали захват. Звісно, десь після 6 номеру Тайнін трохи відійшов з крісла сценариста, і сюжет трохи просів. Не критично, але трохи відчутно.
Що якби ваш близький друг зібрав вас на вечірку в будинку на озері, а тим часом навколишній світ знищено. Це коротка зав’язка сюжету. Чим далі тим цікавіше друг — інопланетянин, будиночок своєрідне контрольоване середовище для експериментів, а 11 людей свого роду обрані для виживання за їхні навички.
І так, тут є де розгулятись фантазії, записуєш бажання в блокнотик, все з’являється на наступний день. Хочеш побачити що зараз із твоїм домом, доторкнись до монумента. Зміна погоди? Ізі. Намалюй будівлю, вона сама з’явиться.
Перша половина добре так наганяє містики навколо Айзена Волтера. Поступово знайомлять з усіма персонажами. Показують флешбеки як саме познайомились між собою та Волтером. Дослідження території та все таке. Друга частина зосереджується на групі як такій і подальшому розвитку подій в критичній ситуації.
І тут, повість наразі обривається. Безперечно неймовірна кількість ймовірних подій, теорій та можливостей розвитку прям підігріває інтерес. Тобто книга перша має цілком сформовану історію. Але куди рухатиметься сюжет далі на разі не відомо. Вже існує сиквел. І цікаво чи буде сиквел поєднуватись світи обох, як це вплине на загальний сюжет. Чекаємо новин від Тайніна. Бо ідея подана цікаво.
Також колись видавництво Vivat анонсувало вихід українською. Колись воно таки буде.
November 30, 2025
I don't know if it's a good friend to be favored by Walter or not.
This starts off as a collection of people who get an invitation to a "nice house on the lake" by their common friend Walter. They get there and it's more beautiful than anything they've imagined, and then discover that Walter gathered them there to spare them from being killed alongside the rest of humanity!
The thing is, I started reading this comic not knowing it's not finished, and when I got to thata final page and read those words "the end of cycle one", I was screaming!!! because no way you're leaving me hanging like this!!!
Each issue introduces us to one of the friends some time in the future after hell seemingly broke loose, as they remember how they got to know Walter and take us along t hose first few months at the house on the lake.
The psychological horror is real and the Walter manipulations are insane. I can't wait to read more in this series!
This starts off as a collection of people who get an invitation to a "nice house on the lake" by their common friend Walter. They get there and it's more beautiful than anything they've imagined, and then discover that Walter gathered them there to spare them from being killed alongside the rest of humanity!
The thing is, I started reading this comic not knowing it's not finished, and when I got to thata final page and read those words "the end of cycle one", I was screaming!!! because no way you're leaving me hanging like this!!!
Each issue introduces us to one of the friends some time in the future after hell seemingly broke loose, as they remember how they got to know Walter and take us along t hose first few months at the house on the lake.
The psychological horror is real and the Walter manipulations are insane. I can't wait to read more in this series!
June 22, 2025
Dejme bokem exkluzivní formu komiksu a vynalézavost výtvarné stránky (i když i zde mám výhrady k občas nepřehlednému panelování a nejasnému směru čtení) a pojďme si říct, že kniha zklamala: příběh je rozvláčný, postavy nezajímavé a bylo jich příliš mnoho. Odkazuji na anglické recenze s nízkým hodocením pro podrobnosti.
November 1, 2025
more like 1.5 stars but here we are. first of all, thought this was about ghosts and was deeply disappointed within the first 15 pages when the world ended. this had sooo many issues, the pacing was so off (why are there SO many flashbacks that don't actually add anything to the story/character development but then we have transcripts with tiny text describing actual important plot points??) so the ending felt so rushed and unfinished? like sloppily wrapped up?? and again all the important conversations between walter and norah were transcripts?? like no this is when you need images. also them constantly saying how much walter loves all of them, idk maybe show that? i didn't see that in a single flashback but i guess i'll just believe them.
also there were wayyyy too many characters and bc of that some character development was so shallow like they really did Naya so dirty by making her the cook?? like this woman has a full medical degree and you want me to believe she isn't curious about the circumstances around her? anyway i barely knew any of the characters by name or code name at the end of the book bc there were just too many of them. like who the FUCK is sarah?? when did she get there?? i also feel like they wanted the reader to believe ryan was so important but never showed it? they kept telling us and i was looking for the proof and it simply wasn't there. they gave my girl blue hair and said "look at that!! isn't that fun??"
this simply is not my preferred genre (definitely would categorize it under scifi and ditch the horror or mystery sub-categories) and they fooled me with the lake full of skeletons (usually implies ghosts). anyway the artwork was stunning and the coloring of the illustrations was so well-done. here's some random notes that don't fit in but i'm including:
Walter destroys the world bc of his unrequited crush? lame as fuck.
trans allegory?
ryan and norah should kiss (would save their characterization methinks)
also there were wayyyy too many characters and bc of that some character development was so shallow like they really did Naya so dirty by making her the cook?? like this woman has a full medical degree and you want me to believe she isn't curious about the circumstances around her? anyway i barely knew any of the characters by name or code name at the end of the book bc there were just too many of them. like who the FUCK is sarah?? when did she get there?? i also feel like they wanted the reader to believe ryan was so important but never showed it? they kept telling us and i was looking for the proof and it simply wasn't there. they gave my girl blue hair and said "look at that!! isn't that fun??"
this simply is not my preferred genre (definitely would categorize it under scifi and ditch the horror or mystery sub-categories) and they fooled me with the lake full of skeletons (usually implies ghosts). anyway the artwork was stunning and the coloring of the illustrations was so well-done. here's some random notes that don't fit in but i'm including:
Walter destroys the world bc of his unrequited crush? lame as fuck.
trans allegory?
ryan and norah should kiss (would save their characterization methinks)
January 20, 2025
If Tynion had mapped out the entire story before starting production, rather than simply setting a course and seeing where the characters would take him, it would have been perfect and perhaps eight issues would have sufficed. There are too many characters; some seem redundant or lack a distinctive voice. Not a huge fan of how Tynion writes dialogues. But I am nitpicking. The concept is intriguing, and the art is executed to perfection. It looks spectacular on a tablet (I found myself zooming in on every page). The facial expressions, the poses, the mise en scene, the Francis Bacon-inspired distortions... and Jordie Bellaire’s best coloring work, imo.
Story 4/5
Art 5/5
Story 4/5
Art 5/5
July 28, 2025
Why have I waited so long to read this?! What an incredibly intriguing and thrilling story!
I loved the way that each issue was formatted. A small monologue from a character relevant to that issue set after the story, some old email / text threads to give some deeper context, and then straight into the present time story. And it just gets creepier, weirder, more intriguing.
The pacing was fantastic and consistent all the way through. The way that the workings of the situation, and the plot twists, were developed into the story is nothing short of masterful.
Walter's emotional depth became more and more apparent as the story went on. I started off feeling detest and grossed out by what he had done and what he is capable of, but towards the end, and without spoiling anything, I felt like I understood him more and in a weird way, wanted everything to turn out well for him. That's a testaments to Tynions writing.
My only downside, and this is a me problem but it may affect others, is that too many characters were introduced too quickly at the start. This made it difficult for me to learn every character's names and even by the end of it, I struggled to put every name to a face.
The art was fantastic! It gives Department of Truth, but cleaner. It matched the tone of the writing perfectly.
I'm aware that The Nice House by the Sea is currently being released and I am all for it. When that comes out in HC, I'll be picking it up for sure!
I loved the way that each issue was formatted. A small monologue from a character relevant to that issue set after the story, some old email / text threads to give some deeper context, and then straight into the present time story. And it just gets creepier, weirder, more intriguing.
The pacing was fantastic and consistent all the way through. The way that the workings of the situation, and the plot twists, were developed into the story is nothing short of masterful.
Walter's emotional depth became more and more apparent as the story went on. I started off feeling detest and grossed out by what he had done and what he is capable of, but towards the end, and without spoiling anything, I felt like I understood him more and in a weird way, wanted everything to turn out well for him. That's a testaments to Tynions writing.
My only downside, and this is a me problem but it may affect others, is that too many characters were introduced too quickly at the start. This made it difficult for me to learn every character's names and even by the end of it, I struggled to put every name to a face.
The art was fantastic! It gives Department of Truth, but cleaner. It matched the tone of the writing perfectly.
I'm aware that The Nice House by the Sea is currently being released and I am all for it. When that comes out in HC, I'll be picking it up for sure!
October 12, 2025
The Nice House on the Lake was a great read. James Tynion lV is killing it, and the artwork by Alvaro Martinez Bueno is something else. Ten people get invited to spend a weekend at a beautifull house at a lake, and suddenly the world ends, except for these people. A real cool mystery unfolds, but alot still remains unclear. This was a very cool read, with a lovely vibe and style.
December 13, 2025
Mysterious. Maybe too mysterious? I got some big Lost vibes from this one, both in terms of an ensemble in a weird situation and in the occasionally obtuse storytelling. Great art though.
October 6, 2024
I loved this. The vibe is very reminiscent of The Cabin in the Woods - at least, that's the closest I can think to compare it to. I really enjoyed the art. I really enjoyed the story. I loved the concept. I did find it a bit confusing at times, but eventually, I caught onto what was confusing me. I would definitely read more.
May 23, 2025
Really enjoyed this!!!!
September 6, 2024
3.5 stars
I have loved some of Tynion's other works, and because of that I have been wanting to read as much as possible.
I know this is billed as horror, and while I do see some horrific things happening, this didn't feel like the right genre exactly. I was glad that I decided to read this in the deluxe edition because this is super slow to build up and I'm not too cure what I would have rated it in individual issues or even volumes.
I would be very interested to see where we will go next because I had so many questions left. I liked how each chapter started, but those were some of the parts that I wish we had more explanation for.
Also, while I do think that the art style first the book well, I did also find it a bit confusing to figure out who was who.
I have loved some of Tynion's other works, and because of that I have been wanting to read as much as possible.
I know this is billed as horror, and while I do see some horrific things happening, this didn't feel like the right genre exactly. I was glad that I decided to read this in the deluxe edition because this is super slow to build up and I'm not too cure what I would have rated it in individual issues or even volumes.
I would be very interested to see where we will go next because I had so many questions left. I liked how each chapter started, but those were some of the parts that I wish we had more explanation for.
Also, while I do think that the art style first the book well, I did also find it a bit confusing to figure out who was who.
January 12, 2024
I actually read the first of the two volumes here included about a month and a half ago... but went for this Deluxe Edition to be able to read volume 2, since that's what my library ended up purchasing (happy to say that by my own personal suggestion... benefits of working at the library).
And I am actually so glad I picked this particular edition to continue my reading, because the extras at the end of the volume are really superb, and they are a great aid when it comes to familiarize yourself better with the characters, or get a reminder on who is who.
But... surprise! Here I was naively thinking this was it, that the story was going to be closed and ended right here and now, when to my surprise, but also delight, I reached that last page and found out the 'End of Cycle 1' message. And I say delight, because this story is so big that the amount of volumes and pages that we have got so far are not nearly enough to give us the satisfying ending that we are all eagerly waiting... except not so eagerly, because this graphic novel is so eerie and addictive, that one can't help but want more, and then some more on top of that.
Twisty, thrilling, bone-chilling, in a psychological kind of way, one devores these pages immerse in a trance like state, where the surface level horror gets to you in more ways than expected, as this whole plot certainly poises a lot of moral dilemmas and questions, to the characters, sure, but not only to them.
Reading 'The Nice House on the Lake' is a whole 'nother experience, a trippy trip that won't let you indifferent; and as a good fix, it will leave you wanting more... so hurry up, Tynion and company, we are all waiting.
And I am actually so glad I picked this particular edition to continue my reading, because the extras at the end of the volume are really superb, and they are a great aid when it comes to familiarize yourself better with the characters, or get a reminder on who is who.
But... surprise! Here I was naively thinking this was it, that the story was going to be closed and ended right here and now, when to my surprise, but also delight, I reached that last page and found out the 'End of Cycle 1' message. And I say delight, because this story is so big that the amount of volumes and pages that we have got so far are not nearly enough to give us the satisfying ending that we are all eagerly waiting... except not so eagerly, because this graphic novel is so eerie and addictive, that one can't help but want more, and then some more on top of that.
Twisty, thrilling, bone-chilling, in a psychological kind of way, one devores these pages immerse in a trance like state, where the surface level horror gets to you in more ways than expected, as this whole plot certainly poises a lot of moral dilemmas and questions, to the characters, sure, but not only to them.
Reading 'The Nice House on the Lake' is a whole 'nother experience, a trippy trip that won't let you indifferent; and as a good fix, it will leave you wanting more... so hurry up, Tynion and company, we are all waiting.
October 30, 2025
The creepy covers of this comic book series suggest something dark, macabre and scary — perfect for spooky season. However, what we have is a Lost style mystery box where a group of 12 individuals are invited by their mutual friend, Walter, to a luxuriously nice house by the lake. It doesn’t take long before things take a turn for the weird, don’t quite add up, and everyone finds out that their fun, relaxing getaway is something much more bizarre than they could have imagined. The similarities to the TV series Lost are so strong that I expected the iconic line from that show, “Where are we?”, at the end of every chapter. Popular comic book writer James Tynion IV has packed-in a lot of fun story ideas and plot ideas to make for a cool, suspenseful sci-fi story. Unfortunately, I think the story also got too jumbled and I would have preferred more straightforward storytelling to let us enjoy all of head-scratching clues, the eerie mysteries, and the inventively-designed environments.
Similar to Lost, each chapter focuses on a particular character, who provides the opening prologue that seems to be from outside the main storyline. As well, we flash back to earlier scenes of interaction between each character and Walter. Unfortunately, there are a few too many characters, and individual stories were undercooked. Despite some well-written, dramatic scenes, there was usually not enough time given to allow us to fully understand the significance. Also, though Walter himself featured in every person’s flashback, it still felt like his character was poorly written. For the reader, it was perhaps supposed to be part of the enigma of Walter, who he actually is, and what his motives are for bringing everyone to the house. Sadly, when Walter’s secrets were gradually revealed, I found myself liking him less and less (and maybe that’s also intentional).
Though the art was good, and expressive, and the environments looked great. The visual style was also a bit too muddy and sketchy, and it was hard to really feel immersed. It always felt a bit uncomfortable to look at. There were some “effects” heavy scenes that were especially challenging, and they were somewhat disturbing (and again, I suppose that might be the point, but it didn’t feel fun to look at). The visuals also made it difficult to keep track of the characters. Granted, there is a wide variety of looks, and characters didn’t really resemble each other very much, because the same character kind of looked different with different expressions or angles, characters did start to blur a bit (or at least, my mind was a bit tired of trying to keep them straight). Hair colour and style, which could have been used to maintain a consistency for a character’s appearance between scenes from different moments, instead it varied. Blue hair could have been used as a clue that it’s the same character in the past, rather than force the reader to realize that the blue haired character had black hair in the flashback scene.
Non-linear storytelling was also challenging. There is a lot of jumping between different time periods, and even a fourth-wall-breaking opening scene at the start of each chapter. There’s also a big twist midway through the series that’s not easy to follow. Nevertheless, because of the chapter/issues follow a consistent format (which feels a lot like a TV episode), it was not as difficult to follow as I am suggesting. However, the net result is that readers probably need to concentrate harder in order to stay on track and not lose interest in the story. I had to read the series twice to pick up all the threads (but maybe that’s just me).
There are quite a few interesting sci-fi ideas thrown around in this series, but they were underused. Often the ramifications of some special technology or an alteration of reality was used more as a trigger or reason for the characters to argue and hash out interpersonal issues. Some cool new aspect to reality at the house would be introduced, then it would be quickly overlooked or no longer mentioned. I didn’t really enjoy the interpersonal dynamics or aspects to the story, so the tradeoff was not worth it for me. I kept wanting to learn more about the mysterious sculpture in the courtyard, or the effect that being at the house was having on their physical wellbeing, but instead the focus went back on to the characters and their conversations about each other. I wasn’t mad, just disappointed. Silver lining, I think that in they end, the story did also explore (albeit obliquely under the guise of sci-fi) some interesting philosophical conundrums, and some bigger-picture questions such as: Who is in control of human existence? Who should be? And what that means regarding human nature.
Though most of my comments have leaned negatively, I did find this series pretty intriguing — especially all the mysteries and twists. Even though I don’t think it ultimately succeeded with me, the series was quite ambitious. Its scope being somewhat contained, but in many ways it was far-reaching as well. I loved the series Lost (as I’ve already mentioned too often), so I was pre-disposed to love this series since it followed that blueprint in so many ways. However, the complexity of execution resulted in the story kind of stumbling upon itself and being more confounding than enjoyable. Maybe if The Nice House on the Lake is made into a TV series, it will have found its perfect medium.
3 stars
Similar to Lost, each chapter focuses on a particular character, who provides the opening prologue that seems to be from outside the main storyline. As well, we flash back to earlier scenes of interaction between each character and Walter. Unfortunately, there are a few too many characters, and individual stories were undercooked. Despite some well-written, dramatic scenes, there was usually not enough time given to allow us to fully understand the significance. Also, though Walter himself featured in every person’s flashback, it still felt like his character was poorly written. For the reader, it was perhaps supposed to be part of the enigma of Walter, who he actually is, and what his motives are for bringing everyone to the house. Sadly, when Walter’s secrets were gradually revealed, I found myself liking him less and less (and maybe that’s also intentional).
Though the art was good, and expressive, and the environments looked great. The visual style was also a bit too muddy and sketchy, and it was hard to really feel immersed. It always felt a bit uncomfortable to look at. There were some “effects” heavy scenes that were especially challenging, and they were somewhat disturbing (and again, I suppose that might be the point, but it didn’t feel fun to look at). The visuals also made it difficult to keep track of the characters. Granted, there is a wide variety of looks, and characters didn’t really resemble each other very much, because the same character kind of looked different with different expressions or angles, characters did start to blur a bit (or at least, my mind was a bit tired of trying to keep them straight). Hair colour and style, which could have been used to maintain a consistency for a character’s appearance between scenes from different moments, instead it varied. Blue hair could have been used as a clue that it’s the same character in the past, rather than force the reader to realize that the blue haired character had black hair in the flashback scene.
Non-linear storytelling was also challenging. There is a lot of jumping between different time periods, and even a fourth-wall-breaking opening scene at the start of each chapter. There’s also a big twist midway through the series that’s not easy to follow. Nevertheless, because of the chapter/issues follow a consistent format (which feels a lot like a TV episode), it was not as difficult to follow as I am suggesting. However, the net result is that readers probably need to concentrate harder in order to stay on track and not lose interest in the story. I had to read the series twice to pick up all the threads (but maybe that’s just me).
There are quite a few interesting sci-fi ideas thrown around in this series, but they were underused. Often the ramifications of some special technology or an alteration of reality was used more as a trigger or reason for the characters to argue and hash out interpersonal issues. Some cool new aspect to reality at the house would be introduced, then it would be quickly overlooked or no longer mentioned. I didn’t really enjoy the interpersonal dynamics or aspects to the story, so the tradeoff was not worth it for me. I kept wanting to learn more about the mysterious sculpture in the courtyard, or the effect that being at the house was having on their physical wellbeing, but instead the focus went back on to the characters and their conversations about each other. I wasn’t mad, just disappointed. Silver lining, I think that in they end, the story did also explore (albeit obliquely under the guise of sci-fi) some interesting philosophical conundrums, and some bigger-picture questions such as: Who is in control of human existence? Who should be? And what that means regarding human nature.
Though most of my comments have leaned negatively, I did find this series pretty intriguing — especially all the mysteries and twists. Even though I don’t think it ultimately succeeded with me, the series was quite ambitious. Its scope being somewhat contained, but in many ways it was far-reaching as well. I loved the series Lost (as I’ve already mentioned too often), so I was pre-disposed to love this series since it followed that blueprint in so many ways. However, the complexity of execution resulted in the story kind of stumbling upon itself and being more confounding than enjoyable. Maybe if The Nice House on the Lake is made into a TV series, it will have found its perfect medium.
3 stars
November 6, 2023
Favorite comic since debut of Saga. Absolutely horrifying, compelling characters, philosophically bent, and just next-level comics artwork.
August 26, 2025
The two Nice House on the Lake volumes deserve to be read together, especially in this handsome, oversized deluxe edition. They are essentially one chapter in the greater story, so it makes little sense to break them up.
The first half of the deluxe edition nicely introduces all the characters in the house, as well as their alien captor. The back half covers similar ground after Walter resets everyone's memories, but the outcome is different, leading directly into The Nice House on the Sea. (When read together, the two volumes feel less like slightly-shifted carbon copies, which I appreciated.) Overall, a thrilling, engrossing read that hits on multiple levels, including the stunning, ever-shifting artwork.
Individual reviews of volume one and volume two.
The first half of the deluxe edition nicely introduces all the characters in the house, as well as their alien captor. The back half covers similar ground after Walter resets everyone's memories, but the outcome is different, leading directly into The Nice House on the Sea. (When read together, the two volumes feel less like slightly-shifted carbon copies, which I appreciated.) Overall, a thrilling, engrossing read that hits on multiple levels, including the stunning, ever-shifting artwork.
Individual reviews of volume one and volume two.
January 29, 2024
Tynion gets humanity so damn well, his character work is second to none. The dialog and characterization drove the story just as much as the need to know what the hell is happening. Admittedly there were quite a few moments I had to back track to sort out what just happened and sometimes I still couldn't do so until much farther on. The cast is quite large which took some adjusting to at first but I read it so quickly it wasn't a long adjustment. There is absolutely no getting your footing with this book because it was constantly changing. Unpredictable and unprecedented storytelling. I cannot wait for more.
November 4, 2024
The Big Chill meets Lost... a high concept mashup which is enticing and foreboding in equal measure. Majestical artwork but the story barely gets off the ground before a honking great cliffhanger where many questions are left unanswered. Something to revisit -- maybe -- when the whole saga is complete.
December 1, 2025
The house was nice until it doesn't.
Thank goodness it's not a horror. It's The Good Place if it were a suspense thriller (with a lil bit of body horror thrown in) with a slightly shaky ending and a cliffhanger. It would be interesting to see a tv adaptation.
Thank goodness it's not a horror. It's The Good Place if it were a suspense thriller (with a lil bit of body horror thrown in) with a slightly shaky ending and a cliffhanger. It would be interesting to see a tv adaptation.
December 3, 2023
This might have been overhyped for me, and I was expecting a lot more from this book...it was good, although nothing spectacular that blew me away.
May 27, 2024
Oh, no! I thought this was a stand-alone series, so kind of bummed by the open ending. Good news, though, as I found out they’re putting out a sequel this year. Doesn’t really sound like an ending, though…
April 23, 2025
Started out very strong, with beautiful arwork, intriguing storytelling and great pacing. But I find that it is impossible to have a satisfying or good ending with these kind of stories. It's always a bit disapointing. Still enjoyed the read very much!
This author has a really good grasp of horror and thriller, but I believe his weekness is in paneling and... UX? It was hard to remember the names, symbols and nicknames of the people in each panel and kept going back to the first chapter for reference. This should have been repeated. Also the famous sneaky double pages where you can barely see the proper reading order. It feels avant-garde, but perhaps it's just because there is a reason why most author don't do that...
This author has a really good grasp of horror and thriller, but I believe his weekness is in paneling and... UX? It was hard to remember the names, symbols and nicknames of the people in each panel and kept going back to the first chapter for reference. This should have been repeated. Also the famous sneaky double pages where you can barely see the proper reading order. It feels avant-garde, but perhaps it's just because there is a reason why most author don't do that...
March 29, 2024
The art is gorgeous, and the concept is quite cool. However, in the end it just feels like an HBO remake of Lost: now with an A-List cast, an expensive set, and movie-level imagery. But the final reveal is still as unsatisfactory as the original Lost.
September 25, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5⭐️
The Nice House On The Lake: Deluxe Edition collects issues 1-12 of the DC Comics Black Label series written by James Tynion IV, art by Álvaro Martínez Bueno, & colors by Jordie Bellaire.
Walter has been in & out of people’s lives, collecting people & interfering as if they are his play things. He sends an invite to his 10 closest friends to spend a week in rural Wisconsin town at a beautiful lakeside mansion to catch up & enjoy each other’s presence. The guest list is kept a mystery from each other with the vague message that special surprises await each traveler. As they all arrive, they begin realizing they all pretty much know everybody from high school & college with the exception of Ryan who is a more recent addition to Walter’s life.
The first day is spent catching up with each other until that night when Ryan happens to check social media on her phone. The outside world is burning & mass casualties are being reported across the globe. Within about 12 hours civilization as we know it has largely collapsed. And that is when things get weird. There is a mysterious force field around the property preventing them from leaving, a bunker stocked with weapons and explosives is found in the basement, a statue outside the house shows visions of their hometowns on fire, & Walter is definitely not of this world.
TNHOTL is a mix of sci-fi & horror where the first 6 issues had me absolutely captivated as the story kept getting more & more bonkers. The story eventually plays out in a somewhat predictable manner, but I very much enjoyed the journey. The cast of characters may have been slightly too large which prevented very much character development, largely having to rely on character stereotypes to get by. In my opinion this all works but would have probably worked even better in a novel format. If I had one complaint it is that the art layout is a bit wonky & I often read panels out of order.
I believe it’s inevitable for this to be adapted to television & if so, we should be in for a treat. There would be so much potential for this to branch into an anthology series that could last for many years.
The Nice House On The Lake: Deluxe Edition collects issues 1-12 of the DC Comics Black Label series written by James Tynion IV, art by Álvaro Martínez Bueno, & colors by Jordie Bellaire.
Walter has been in & out of people’s lives, collecting people & interfering as if they are his play things. He sends an invite to his 10 closest friends to spend a week in rural Wisconsin town at a beautiful lakeside mansion to catch up & enjoy each other’s presence. The guest list is kept a mystery from each other with the vague message that special surprises await each traveler. As they all arrive, they begin realizing they all pretty much know everybody from high school & college with the exception of Ryan who is a more recent addition to Walter’s life.
The first day is spent catching up with each other until that night when Ryan happens to check social media on her phone. The outside world is burning & mass casualties are being reported across the globe. Within about 12 hours civilization as we know it has largely collapsed. And that is when things get weird. There is a mysterious force field around the property preventing them from leaving, a bunker stocked with weapons and explosives is found in the basement, a statue outside the house shows visions of their hometowns on fire, & Walter is definitely not of this world.
TNHOTL is a mix of sci-fi & horror where the first 6 issues had me absolutely captivated as the story kept getting more & more bonkers. The story eventually plays out in a somewhat predictable manner, but I very much enjoyed the journey. The cast of characters may have been slightly too large which prevented very much character development, largely having to rely on character stereotypes to get by. In my opinion this all works but would have probably worked even better in a novel format. If I had one complaint it is that the art layout is a bit wonky & I often read panels out of order.
I believe it’s inevitable for this to be adapted to television & if so, we should be in for a treat. There would be so much potential for this to branch into an anthology series that could last for many years.
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