Illustrator: Álvaro Martínez Bueno
Publisher: DC Comics
Like the cover? Then my friend, you will love this story. “The Nice House on the Lake” kicks off with seven people, chosen by their mutual friend Walter to spend the weekend at a gorgeous home. As they arrive, we’re introduced to their code names: The Artist, The Doctor, The Scientist, and others. Walter even has them organized by when they met, how they know them, and gives each a symbol. Totally normal.
Moments after they arrive, a global catastrophe wipes out the human race in a matter of hours by fire. Those at the house want to leave to find family and friends, but then Walter appears and reveals that they can’t leave and they were collected for a reason. Since leaving isn’t an option, they decide to find out just what Walter is and why they were chosen.
I’m a fan of a good apocalyptic story, but some wind up being pretty formulaic. Not so with NHOTL. This one is carefully planned and paced well, with a gripping plot that has a strong emotional feeling. Even though the cast is sizable, it doesn’t feel too big, and everyone has a place. The intros for each issue when the characters appear much older than they are in the main story is a great touch, as they reflect on their time with Walter. James Tynion IV has crafted a really immersive tale and I am loving it.
The art by Álvaro Martínez Bueno I found to have a barely restrained energy to it. The scene when Walter is attacked only to have his body dissolve and reform is a good example of this, and really trippy to see. From the scenes of the fiery cataclysm to the house to all the discoveries, Bueno brings something different each time.
This one is a must-read, and having already read it once and then again for this review, I found there was a lot to discover that I missed the first time around. It didn’t feel stale at all, which for me is a strong component for whether I’ll add this to my shelf.
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