“The Nice House On The Lake” – Book Nine
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Álvaro Martínez Bueno
Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Reviewed by Steve J. Ray
Summary
History begins to repeat itself in The Nice House On The Lake #9, as the housemates slowly discover the truth about their circumstances, and Norah attempts to reveal all about Walter and the fate of the world.
Positives
We’re three-quarters through this series, and all I have is positive comments. The tale that’s being woven in these pages is deep, rich, thought-provoking, and chilling.
Walter has replaced Norah in the house after wiping every other house-mates minds of the knowledge that life on Earth has been extinguished, and they are the only human beings left alive. Just like in the first volume of this series, even though they don’t know that their loved ones outside the Lake area have all perished, the occupants of the house are discovering their new physical abilities, and those with suspicions are following them.
The last few pages of this issue are mind-blowing, and the tumultuous relationship between Norah, Walter and the other housemates feels like it’s going to reach boiling point.
The way this sublime horror story is tapping into human nature and the fears all of us have is beautifully handled. No one likes to be kept in the dark or lied to, even when the truth can be extremely painful. Walter has quelled a rebellion before, but the personalities of the people he has saved are too strong to be held back. As every adult alive will agree, eventually the truth will come out, and the bigger the lie, the more destructive the consequences.
Month after month, after month, I sing the praises of artists Álvaro Martínez Bueno and Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Deron Bennett. With every issue, they provide examples of teamwork rarely matched in this medium. From steamed-up mirrors with hidden messages, to sublime vistas, and some of the most human of human beings, this series is a pure delight. Saying that about a horror story may sound odd, but the storytelling genius of every creative talent working on this book makes me proud to be a grown man who’s still reading comics.
Negatives
I don’t have any, save the fact that we only have three issues left to read. I have no clue how this series will end, and no desire to see it do so.
Verdict
The Nice House On The Lake #9 is an essay on the human condition and also proves the old adage that history repeats itself. From cover to cover (and look at those covers!) this series is sure to be held in very high regard in the months, years, and decades to come.
Do not sleep on this series just because of the title. Shout about it, spread the joy and the terror. Neither you nor any new reader you bring to the fold will regret it.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
