BOOM! Studios really know what they are doing when it comes to horror, fantasy, and mystery and it shows with the spine-tingling addition of Hello Darkness to their lineup of great comics.

Horror fans rejoice in cadaverous delight, because Hello Darkness is a new monthly anthology series featuring what BOOM! Studios is known for – the best in modern Horror, Fantasy, and Mystery, not to mention the darkest stories yet from an all-star cast of creators! With a spine-tingling lineup of industry legends, everything from primal fears to modern political horrors will be awakened, in the classic style of Creepy and Eerie and the contemporary chills of Black Mirror.

While anthologies are not typically my jam, I have always felt I needed more story to invest into, but Hello Darkness does something special here with some of the top names in comics. Each story is its own unique tale that packs a punch in a small number of pages. Stories include Contagious, Stay in Your Lane, The Foster, The War, a Something is Killing the Children tale and more.

“Contagious,” written by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and illustrated by Letizia Cadonici, kicks off the anthology with a graphic and violent tale that sets the tone for what’s to come. The story doesn’t really hold back and gives us exactly what us horror fans crave in just a few short pages. It’s a thrilling start to the anthology series that leaves us craving the next tale.

Writer Dave Cook is joined by artist David Cousens for “Stay in Your Lane,” a chilling bowling alley horror story that is as violent as it is captivating. Cousens brings the tale to life with some killer artwork that will send shivers down your spine. I don’t know what it is, but horror stories at a bowling alley always get me and this one is no different.

“The Foster,” penned by Steve Orlando and illustrated by A.L. Kaplan, is a creepy, eerie and disturbing story that lingers long after you are onto the next in the anthology. The tale is unique and original, like most other in Hello Darkness, perfect for the premiere issue of the series. The pairing of Orlando and Kaplan to co-create The Foster is one that will standout for most in this series.

Most of the stories in Hello Darkness are standalone stories, some are multipart tales that will span over many issue of the series. The first is “The War, Part One,” by writer Garth Ennis and artist Becky Cloonan. A a politically relevant tale that has a dark theme while building towards something epic. What should be no surprise, The War is truly top-notch with its thought-provoking narrative and stunning artwork, setting the stage for future installments.

Lastly, writer James Tynion IV and artist Wether Dell’edera bring us “Something is Killing the Children: A Monster Hunters Walking into a Bar, Part One.” While I will pickup any story that revolves around SIKTC, this was a wonderful new tale with a classic feel. The first part of this seven-part series sets the groundwork for the future while keeping the original SIKTC look while also offering a fresh new story with familiar characters. We simply cannot wait to see where this story goes.

Hello Darkness #1 is an outstanding premiere to what we hope is a long-running anthology series. The stellar lineup of comic creators and truly spine-tingling tales are what makes this comic standout in a crowd. Those craving a new horror series that will give you all the thrills and chills you have come to expect from BOOM! Studios will get a lot out of the first issue of Hello Darkness.

Hello Darkness #1 hits local comic shops on July 24, 2024 from BOOM! Studios.