Nothing truly compares to the experience of watching episodes of The Twilight Zone for the first time, but writer Dan Watters and artist Morgan Beem come remarkably close with The Blanks, their story in the premiere issue of The Twilight Zone at IDW Publishing.
A terrified citizen regales a detective with a story about people suddenly frozen like statues. A once-bustling metropolis becomes quieter by the minute as people are replaced by featureless versions of themselves. Where one would have found hopes, laughter, tears, and struggles, one can now only find blanks… here in The Twilight Zone.
This new anthology series, a nod to the original television series, features new creatives telling unique tales. The first issue features the team of Dan Watters and Morgan Beem craft a tale about human ambition and the desperate drive to outrun death. Watters digs deep to not only homage the original series, but also add his own distinct voice to it.
Beyond the jump scares, eerie twists, and unique premise, The Blanks also touches on what happens when we push science too far for selfish reasons. A rich billionaire trying to convince scientists that what they are creating is good for the world, when in truth, it’s all about preserving his own health. The age-old tale of the powerful claiming to act for others while serving only themselves. This is horrifying enough, not to mention experiment’s terrifying consequences.
Presented in black and white, yet another clear nod to the original series, The Twilight Zone #1 is just as mind-blowing as always. The unique illustration style of Morgan Beem, plus using elongated fingers and off-kilter angles adds to the presentation. The premiere story is unsettling with a sense of unease that reaches amazing heights.
The Twilight Zone #1 does everything that I hoped it would, it captures the spirit of the 1959 television series while giving it a modern touch. Dan Watters crafts a terrifying tale with a human connection, while Morgan Beem adds the unsettling story with their unique art style. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise you will find something to love about this new series. The Twilight Zone hits all the right notes, paying homage to the original while standing firmly on its own.
Twilight Zone #1 hit local comic shops on September 24, 2025 from IDW Publishing as part of IDW Dark.
Twilight Zone #1 Preview
