Sometimes there are multiple reasons to read a comic, one being the creators behind the story, another is the genre, maybe a character featured in the story. Well lucky for me, Clayface: Celebrity Dirt is all of the aforementioned. Writer Jude Ellison S. Doyle takes his horror scribing talents to craft a story centered around Clayface just in time for us to head to the theaters to see a move based on the character. Celebrity Dirt is the terrifying take on the DC character horror fans will love.
Before he was Clayface, Basil Karlo was one of the hottest stars in Hollywood. As he breaks out of Arkham once again, he’s ready to stage his comeback, but there’s just one problem: Someone already beat him to it, and Basil Karlo is already a massive star. But if that’s true, what’s next for the real Basil? And what does his predicament have to do with young women disappearing in Los Angeles and a new supplement causing hideous transformations in its users?
I have been a fan of Doyle’s horror stories over the years, but was super intrigued to see him tackle the likes of a DC character. What better character to take on but Clayface, brining the horror vibes to the big-two. Dolye writes a story where those who are longtime fans of the Basil Karlo will find something to like, while us fans who only fringley know the character can jump in and enjoy the ride. Jude introduces enough of the character without overdoing it and annoying those who are well versed in Clayface history.
Clayface: Celebrity Dirt falls directly into the blend of superhero and horror, but while the horror is present it doesn’t take over the entire story. Yes, the pages of body horror delight us horror fans, but there is a deeper story in the works here and shouldn’t let the terrifying element shy away the typical DC reader. The creeping sense of unease is something I felt worked well, but shouldn’t frightening anyone away. Doyle does a fantastic job blending superhero (well villain) and horror to give us a well-rounded story of fame and a struggle for identity. But the horror moments are stellar.
Artist Fran Galán understood their duties and illustrated a comic that fits into the big-two vibe, while also giving us tremendously horrifying moments that hade me elated. As a big fan of Doyle’s writing, it pains me a second to say that the artwork might actually steal the show here. Detailed and impactful, Galán gives us just what Clayface deserves while also giving us horror fans something the cheer for.
Clayface: Celebrity Dirt hits hard for those looking for a different side of the DC Universe. Jude Ellison S. Doyle brings his horror writing talents, while Fran Galán illustrates the heck out of Basil Karlo’s story. Clayface: Celebrity Dirt is a wonderful balance of superhero storytelling and unsettling body horror with an identity-driven mystery that is a fresh take on what you’d expect from a DC Comic. Creepy and surprising, Celebrity Dirt is accessible to a wide range of comic readers.
Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1 hits local comic shops on July 8, 2026 from DC Comics.
Clayface: Celebrity Dirt #1 Preview
