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Plague House #1
Plague House #1
HOUSES AREN'T THE ONLY THING THAT ARE HAUNTED. . . .
Architect of terror Michael W. Conrad (Wonder Woman, In Bloom) and 2024 Ringo Award winner Dave Chisholm (Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound) launch a deep and disturbing excursion into 21st century—horror with a new kind of tale that will rebuild the four walls of the American ghost story from the foundation up . . .
Thirteen years ago, Orin McCabe was a family man living a privileged life in the California suburbs. Today, he's condemned to death row for murdering his entire family in an unexpected fit of hammer-wielding brutality. In the aftermath of his heinous crime, it's fallen to a trio of eclectic, but dedicated, ghost hunters—Jacob, the holy man; Holland, the skeptic; and their leader, Del, a true believer in the occult and worlds beyond—to surveil the abandoned McCabe home in search of proof for the existence of the undead . . . and whatever supernatural source may have possibly fueled McCabe’s inhuman massacre. But this ill-matched and uneasy squad of investigators is about to discover something much more terrifying than any ordinary spirit. . . . Something much more pernicious, much more contagious, that if not contained, could take full advantage of America's unquenchable appetite for violence and deliver a plague of blood unto us all . . .
Architect of terror Michael W. Conrad (Wonder Woman, In Bloom) and 2024 Ringo Award winner Dave Chisholm (Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound) launch a deep and disturbing excursion into 21st century—horror with a new kind of tale that will rebuild the four walls of the American ghost story from the foundation up . . .
Thirteen years ago, Orin McCabe was a family man living a privileged life in the California suburbs. Today, he's condemned to death row for murdering his entire family in an unexpected fit of hammer-wielding brutality. In the aftermath of his heinous crime, it's fallen to a trio of eclectic, but dedicated, ghost hunters—Jacob, the holy man; Holland, the skeptic; and their leader, Del, a true believer in the occult and worlds beyond—to surveil the abandoned McCabe home in search of proof for the existence of the undead . . . and whatever supernatural source may have possibly fueled McCabe’s inhuman massacre. But this ill-matched and uneasy squad of investigators is about to discover something much more terrifying than any ordinary spirit. . . . Something much more pernicious, much more contagious, that if not contained, could take full advantage of America's unquenchable appetite for violence and deliver a plague of blood unto us all . . .
Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2025
About the author
Michael W. Conrad
113 books10 followersMichael W. Conrad is an American comic book writer.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 12, 2025
In this story we follow a team of paranormal investigators and their trip to a specific house.
After they visit the house one of the investigators starts doing his own form of justice.
This was a really good start to the series. I thought all the characters were super interesting. I liked the follow up on them throughout the story especially the girl in this one. It’s an interesting take I think this story is going to be a lot deeper the further it goes.
The art is the star of the show, it is absolutely stunning and the change in the colors and art when the ghosts are present is phenomenal.
After they visit the house one of the investigators starts doing his own form of justice.
This was a really good start to the series. I thought all the characters were super interesting. I liked the follow up on them throughout the story especially the girl in this one. It’s an interesting take I think this story is going to be a lot deeper the further it goes.
The art is the star of the show, it is absolutely stunning and the change in the colors and art when the ghosts are present is phenomenal.
April 10, 2025
Horrific 😱
June 6, 2026
Plague House #1 offers a chilling and character:driven start to a new horror series from Oni Press. It follows three paranormal investigators with starkly different perspectives as they explore the McCabe residence, the site of a brutal unsolved family annihilation.
What makes this first issue effective is its quick, compelling character work. In just a few pages, we are introduced to Del (the true believer), Holland (the skeptical streamer), and Jacob (a tormented exorcist). Writer Michael W. Conrad uses these archetypes to examine familiar horror tropes in a new light, while Dave Chisholm's art expertly blends graphic violence with suggestion, building a genuinely terrifying atmosphere and palpable sense of dread.
If you're looking for a horror comic with strong characters and a truly unsettling atmosphere, Plague House #1 is an excellent pick.
What makes this first issue effective is its quick, compelling character work. In just a few pages, we are introduced to Del (the true believer), Holland (the skeptical streamer), and Jacob (a tormented exorcist). Writer Michael W. Conrad uses these archetypes to examine familiar horror tropes in a new light, while Dave Chisholm's art expertly blends graphic violence with suggestion, building a genuinely terrifying atmosphere and palpable sense of dread.
If you're looking for a horror comic with strong characters and a truly unsettling atmosphere, Plague House #1 is an excellent pick.
May 24, 2025
Damn! This was pretty good! Kind of gives me preacher vibes. Really looking forward to continuing the series!
June 18, 2026
Decent. Was a bit violent and grisly for me, the supposed twist not much to peak my interest. Some of the art, however, was a showstopper.
April 2, 2025
Good start to the series. Very dark and very gory. It's not afraid to show death in full view. Which I love. It follows a team of ghost hunters searching a house where a family was murdered by their own father. Though the ending leads me to believe there's more to the story than just hunting ghosts. It hints at bad things and justice. So I'm very curious to see what else is to come from this one.
October 17, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me with an eARC of Plague House in exchange for my honest review!
This graphic novel pulls me into a grisly tale that viscerally shows the ways in which we might twist around our moral compass in the name of carrying out extrajudicial justice. Right from the start, this hangs a mood of thick grimness over the tale that lets me sense the cold otherworldliness of its supernatural entities and the stickiness of the bloody violence. This gets me invested in Del, Holland, and Jacob as they pursue their ghost-hunting investigations, making it all come across like this is a believable trio that's committing itself to these tasks for a reason. It helps that the illustrations from Dave Chisholm further flesh out the raw and cynical brutality that pulsates within this narrative. These elements serve a story that explores a path of what one may viciously do to eliminate rotten human beings from our world and the soul-sucking impact this can have on one's core as they stain themself with the expanding capacity of their own bloodthirsty desires. The pessimistic ending leaves us off on an appropriate note for this tale that's been doing a good job at giving us a peek into the relentlessly dark potential of humanity. Sure, I've seen a lot of these cliches and themes before in other stories that have achieved them in a more groundbreaking fashion, but that doesn't stop this graphic novel from carving out its own dread-inducing niche.
Overall, I'm officially rating Plague House 3.75 out of 5 stars, which I'm rounding up to 4 stars. If you're in the mood for what this is willing to palpably convey, then go ahead and dive in.
This graphic novel pulls me into a grisly tale that viscerally shows the ways in which we might twist around our moral compass in the name of carrying out extrajudicial justice. Right from the start, this hangs a mood of thick grimness over the tale that lets me sense the cold otherworldliness of its supernatural entities and the stickiness of the bloody violence. This gets me invested in Del, Holland, and Jacob as they pursue their ghost-hunting investigations, making it all come across like this is a believable trio that's committing itself to these tasks for a reason. It helps that the illustrations from Dave Chisholm further flesh out the raw and cynical brutality that pulsates within this narrative. These elements serve a story that explores a path of what one may viciously do to eliminate rotten human beings from our world and the soul-sucking impact this can have on one's core as they stain themself with the expanding capacity of their own bloodthirsty desires. The pessimistic ending leaves us off on an appropriate note for this tale that's been doing a good job at giving us a peek into the relentlessly dark potential of humanity. Sure, I've seen a lot of these cliches and themes before in other stories that have achieved them in a more groundbreaking fashion, but that doesn't stop this graphic novel from carving out its own dread-inducing niche.
Overall, I'm officially rating Plague House 3.75 out of 5 stars, which I'm rounding up to 4 stars. If you're in the mood for what this is willing to palpably convey, then go ahead and dive in.
November 2, 2025
Plague House, scheduled to release January 10, 2026, highly recommend this horror graphic novel.
What a story! Such a great twist on the ghost story/haunted house vibes. Not going to lie this cover drew me in and was my sole request for picking this book.
I love the POV and how this story unfolds. It takes off right from the start, then gives the insight to what it is that is going on. I did not read the synopsis and thoroughly enjoyed the surprise.
We follow a team of ghost hunters Jacob (holy man), Holland (the skeptic) and Del (true believer) as they make their way through different haunted places. Madness unfolds and darkness takes over. What will come of the ghost stories these 3 seek to answer?
This story had great pace and kept me intrigued with the story. I really enjoyed the plot and how well it was executed. It felt like it had more depth than most graphic novels I read. Horror graphic novels are one of my favorite and this had all the elements I enjoy. Gory scenes, haunted places/stories, and a madness.
Really enjoyed the artwork as well, the way the words were displayed felt fresh.
Thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for this advanced e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What a story! Such a great twist on the ghost story/haunted house vibes. Not going to lie this cover drew me in and was my sole request for picking this book.
I love the POV and how this story unfolds. It takes off right from the start, then gives the insight to what it is that is going on. I did not read the synopsis and thoroughly enjoyed the surprise.
We follow a team of ghost hunters Jacob (holy man), Holland (the skeptic) and Del (true believer) as they make their way through different haunted places. Madness unfolds and darkness takes over. What will come of the ghost stories these 3 seek to answer?
This story had great pace and kept me intrigued with the story. I really enjoyed the plot and how well it was executed. It felt like it had more depth than most graphic novels I read. Horror graphic novels are one of my favorite and this had all the elements I enjoy. Gory scenes, haunted places/stories, and a madness.
Really enjoyed the artwork as well, the way the words were displayed felt fresh.
Thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for this advanced e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press as well as the authors for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#PlagueHouse #OniPress #MichaelConrad #DaveChisholm #Horror #Graphicnovel #Reviews
Title: Plague House
Authors: Michael Conrad. Dave Chisholm
Format: eBook
Publisher: Oni Press
Publication Date: January 20, 2026
Rating: 4 Stars
This was my very first graphic novel, unless you count Archie comic books when I was ten. This installment tells the story of Orin McCabe who murdered his entire family due to a supernatural force. In the aftermath, three ghost hunters visit the abandoned house where the crimes took place to prove the existence of the outside force that’s truly responsible for this despicable crime.
The artwork was beautiful in this book. It was easily the best part. The story was fun, but the art was really the success here. The characters were interesting and likable. However, this is not the medium for me. I enjoyed the art a lot, but I do feel that I would have enjoyed the story more if it had been in novel format. This is my own issue, obviously, and isn’t a reflection on artists and authors involved. I recommend this to any fan of graphic horror novels.
#PlagueHouse #OniPress #MichaelConrad #DaveChisholm #Horror #Graphicnovel #Reviews
Title: Plague House
Authors: Michael Conrad. Dave Chisholm
Format: eBook
Publisher: Oni Press
Publication Date: January 20, 2026
Rating: 4 Stars
This was my very first graphic novel, unless you count Archie comic books when I was ten. This installment tells the story of Orin McCabe who murdered his entire family due to a supernatural force. In the aftermath, three ghost hunters visit the abandoned house where the crimes took place to prove the existence of the outside force that’s truly responsible for this despicable crime.
The artwork was beautiful in this book. It was easily the best part. The story was fun, but the art was really the success here. The characters were interesting and likable. However, this is not the medium for me. I enjoyed the art a lot, but I do feel that I would have enjoyed the story more if it had been in novel format. This is my own issue, obviously, and isn’t a reflection on artists and authors involved. I recommend this to any fan of graphic horror novels.
November 13, 2025
Is a place haunted—or is it a person? What leaves behind the dark, lingering imprints that follow tragedy?
Three ghost hunters set out to uncover the truth behind reported hauntings. A believer, a skeptic, and a man of faith form what seems, on paper, to be a balanced investigative team. In practice, however, their opposing worldviews spark tension and discord.
Del, the believer, is driven to purge the darkness they encounter—but are his attempts to “heal” these places helping or making things worse? And why can’t his teammates see it his way?
The artwork is rich and meticulous, adding both atmosphere and emotional depth. This story is a haunting exploration of belief, morality, and the shadows—both supernatural and human—that we all carry within.
Three ghost hunters set out to uncover the truth behind reported hauntings. A believer, a skeptic, and a man of faith form what seems, on paper, to be a balanced investigative team. In practice, however, their opposing worldviews spark tension and discord.
Del, the believer, is driven to purge the darkness they encounter—but are his attempts to “heal” these places helping or making things worse? And why can’t his teammates see it his way?
The artwork is rich and meticulous, adding both atmosphere and emotional depth. This story is a haunting exploration of belief, morality, and the shadows—both supernatural and human—that we all carry within.
January 12, 2026
A team of ghost hunters led by Del, Holland and Jacob seek out answers at haunted places. One is an occult believer, the other a skeptic and finally a man of faith. They go to a house where thirteen years ago a man killed his entire family. They are going to find out if the house is haunted or if a supernatural beings forced the man to commit such heinous crimes.
I enjoyed the graphics in this story. It was definitely dark and gory but tolerable. I was very invested in the trio as supernatural seekers and in their own personal beliefs. The plot was perfect and it kept me intrigued until the end. The pacing was perfect and overall everything was executed nicely. I loved the end!
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for this eArc. All opinions are entirely my own.
I enjoyed the graphics in this story. It was definitely dark and gory but tolerable. I was very invested in the trio as supernatural seekers and in their own personal beliefs. The plot was perfect and it kept me intrigued until the end. The pacing was perfect and overall everything was executed nicely. I loved the end!
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for this eArc. All opinions are entirely my own.
December 16, 2025
Plague House by Michael W. Conrad is a horror graphic novel filled with explicit and intense visuals. I went in expecting a classic haunted house story, but the plot felt confusing right from the beginning. The narrative jumps around too much, making it hard to stay invested or connect with the characters. Although the artwork is undeniably striking and the graphic details are impressive, the overall story didn’t meet my expectations. It had the potential to be eerie and engaging, but the execution fell short for me. Despite its strong visuals, it simply doesn’t live up to the standards I look for in horror.
October 7, 2025
"Plague House" by Micheal W. Conrad and Dave Chisholm is a dark, twisted, unsettling comic about a group of ghost hunters investigating a house where horrific murders took place.
The story is thrilling, and the artwork is bold and adds to the story. The comic was also gory and suspenseful. I highly recommend this comic for people who love fast-paced horror comics!
Thank you, NetGalley, and Oni Press for sending me an ARC of this amazing comic!This comic will be released 01/20/2026.
The story is thrilling, and the artwork is bold and adds to the story. The comic was also gory and suspenseful. I highly recommend this comic for people who love fast-paced horror comics!
Thank you, NetGalley, and Oni Press for sending me an ARC of this amazing comic!This comic will be released 01/20/2026.
October 8, 2025
I'm really sad that I have to wait for the rest of the series, because I'd love to binge it.
I love the concepts and where the story is going so far. This one is dark and gritty, with death around every corner.
The art style is fantastic, both in how the characters are depicted and the colouring. The red hue and the bold colours really tie things together, giving it this eerie vibe. Great start to a series!
Thank you, NetGalley and Oni Press for this advanced copy for review.
I love the concepts and where the story is going so far. This one is dark and gritty, with death around every corner.
The art style is fantastic, both in how the characters are depicted and the colouring. The red hue and the bold colours really tie things together, giving it this eerie vibe. Great start to a series!
Thank you, NetGalley and Oni Press for this advanced copy for review.
October 13, 2025
My first ever ARC from NetGalley!
I don't read a ton of graphic novels, but I enjoyed this and sort of gave me Joker-meets-paranormal-investigator vibes. I like the vengeful vigilante angle a lot, but I felt the quick mention of "plague house" was a bit brief for it to all come together for me in the end.
The artwork and flow of the book were both incredible. I'll probably read the next in the series!
I don't read a ton of graphic novels, but I enjoyed this and sort of gave me Joker-meets-paranormal-investigator vibes. I like the vengeful vigilante angle a lot, but I felt the quick mention of "plague house" was a bit brief for it to all come together for me in the end.
The artwork and flow of the book were both incredible. I'll probably read the next in the series!
October 19, 2025
3.5
This was an interesting start to a new graphic horror novel series. It was interesting to learn of the background of the house and how it affected both the family previously and the ghost crew. I wish there was a little more explanation of what's going on in regards to the spirits in the house, you think you understand what's going on but things happen to raise some questions. The illustrations were gorey and creepy which was great. I'm definitely interested to see where the story leads.
This was an interesting start to a new graphic horror novel series. It was interesting to learn of the background of the house and how it affected both the family previously and the ghost crew. I wish there was a little more explanation of what's going on in regards to the spirits in the house, you think you understand what's going on but things happen to raise some questions. The illustrations were gorey and creepy which was great. I'm definitely interested to see where the story leads.
January 7, 2026
80/100 or 4.0 stars
This was an amazing series. I enjoyed this so much. The artwork is amazing, of course, but the story is also very compelling. It is brutal and gruesome, but in the best way. It is a little diffucult to say too much without giving anything away, as it is quite a short graphic novel. I did not realize at first it is all four parts in one. I would like to see more by these authors.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an amazing series. I enjoyed this so much. The artwork is amazing, of course, but the story is also very compelling. It is brutal and gruesome, but in the best way. It is a little diffucult to say too much without giving anything away, as it is quite a short graphic novel. I did not realize at first it is all four parts in one. I would like to see more by these authors.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2026
uhmm maybe if twilight zone and junji ito had a baby, but with the child doesn’t look like any of the parents, its not bad but I wasn’t that invested in the art.
Its more in the gore department than in psychological horror, so keep that in mind if you chose to read this comic.
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Its more in the gore department than in psychological horror, so keep that in mind if you chose to read this comic.
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.
June 2, 2025
Very good
I am definitely coming back for issue #2. Super creepy. The art is really good as well. So cool. Check it out!
I am definitely coming back for issue #2. Super creepy. The art is really good as well. So cool. Check it out!
June 3, 2025
What a great start! Very gory, very dark, very violent, but really good storyline!!! I can’t wait for more! Bring it on!
February 2, 2026
incredibly violent and incredibly strange. kept me on the edge of my seat. fantastic illustrations/art style. it felt almost nostalgic; something familiar about it. i’m super interested to see where the series goes.
☆ thank you oni press for my gifted advanced book copy. all my reviews are my own opinion.
cw/tw: blasphemy, blood, child murder, death, gore, injury (detailed), murder, violence, transphobia/enbyphobia, misgendering
☆ thank you oni press for my gifted advanced book copy. all my reviews are my own opinion.
cw/tw: blasphemy, blood, child murder, death, gore, injury (detailed), murder, violence, transphobia/enbyphobia, misgendering
October 9, 2025
This story is insane, and the amazing graphics bring it to life.
13 years ago, Orin McCabe murdered his entire family in an unexpected brutal event. Now, a group of ghost hunters (A holy man, a skeptic, and the head honcho) go to the house to try to figure out what could have caused this. As the team breaks up in the aftermath, all of their lives begin to fall apart, one potentially jumps from a window, another gets institutionalized and the third begins seeking vengeance, mirroring the real-life violence seen in America nowadays. How can they try to fix things, and are things capable of being fixed?
Thank you to NetGalley.
13 years ago, Orin McCabe murdered his entire family in an unexpected brutal event. Now, a group of ghost hunters (A holy man, a skeptic, and the head honcho) go to the house to try to figure out what could have caused this. As the team breaks up in the aftermath, all of their lives begin to fall apart, one potentially jumps from a window, another gets institutionalized and the third begins seeking vengeance, mirroring the real-life violence seen in America nowadays. How can they try to fix things, and are things capable of being fixed?
Thank you to NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews