What exactly is a ghost? This question has sparked numerous interpretations, even in comic books. Despite this, we continue asking because of our fear of the unknown after death. Ghosts are one of the longest-lasting supernatural creatures due to our struggle to accept that everything ends eventually.”
“Plague House #1, published by Oni Press, is another ghost story featuring a team of paranormal investigators exploring a haunted house. Although the theme has been extensively explored, Plague House still stands out because its author, Michael W. Conrad, understands the common tropes and uses them to enhance the story.
The initial commendable feature of ‘Plague House’ lies in its ability to swiftly develop the motivations and character traits of its trio of main characters within just a few pages. First, there’s Holland, who takes on a skeptical role, examining the supernatural from an atheistic perspective, scrutinizing the evidence presented by paranormal investigators. Holland decides to participate in the ghost-hunting expedition because they doubt the existence of ghosts, intending to apply scientific methods to decipher the mysterious occurrences they will encounter. In contrast, we have Jacob, who stands as Holland’s opposite. Raised within Christianity, Jacob firmly believes that demons inhabit the world and are responsible for all supernatural events. Holland and Jacob embody the two primary themes in ghost stories – one rooted in faith, while the other stems from disbelief.
Del, a believer in ghosts, serves as the glue for the group. Despite his faith, he’s not pretentious enough to claim mastery over the supernatural realm. Holland helps ground Del in reality, and Jacob often serves as a reminder that there are mysteries beyond our understanding lurking in shadows. As they explore supposedly haunted locations, they reveal the mundane explanations behind reported specters. On occasion, they discover undeniable signs of the uncanny.
In the first installment of “Plague House,” readers are gradually introduced to the main characters and the backstory, while simultaneously being drawn into the trio’s ongoing investigation. The story unfolds at the McCabe residence, a location tainted by a quadruple homicide that occurred 13 years prior. On an ordinary day, Orin McCabe brutally murdered his wife, two children, and father in a senseless act of violence he never explained. The house is undeniably haunted, as the remnants of Orin’s gruesome actions linger heavily throughout its corridors, creating an atmosphere of danger for anyone who dares to step inside.
In a fast-moving narrative and well-crafted dialogue, Conrad skillfully portrays Orin’s murder and offers individual mini-adventures for each paranormal investigator as they explore the McCabe residence. Dave Chisholm masterfully brings the chilling crime to reality with uncanny accuracy, judiciously deciding when to display graphic violence and when to hint at it, allowing readers to imagine the gruesome details. The ghosts in the first issue bear the mark of their violent past, and Chisholm uses a red color scheme to make the pages of “Plague House “#1 seem bloodstained.
Although only 21 pages long, Plague House #1 skillfully weaves its tale within the horror genre, introducing intriguing aspects of Del’s past with ghosts and how these experiences have shaped his understanding. This backstory alone piques the reader’s interest. The story quickly covers typical elements such as spooky mirror reflections and self-moving objects, but it concludes by hinting that not everything is as it appears. Readers will need to follow the usual path before uncovering the truth in future issues. In summary, Plague House #1 is a compelling first issue that should captivate horror enthusiasts.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Published by: Oni Press
On: April 2, 2025
Written by: Michael W. Conrad
Art, colors, and letters by: Dave Chisholm
How did you find the first part of “Plague House”? Are you planning on reading the entire series? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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2025-04-02 15:10