Mine is a Long, Lonesome Grave is an unforgettable journey of revenge horror written by Justin Jordan and brought to life through the illustrations of Chris Shehan. This new Oni Press series intertwines magic, murder, and raw emotion to craft an unforgettable experience.
Harley Creed is a bad man. He used to be worse. A violent ex-con with a string of brutal crimes in his past, he only wanted one thing when he finally walked free from prison: to leave Briar Falls, WV, behind and disappear forever. But Harley’s hometown has a strange way of swallowing people whole-call it a consequence of the low-level folk magic that has permeated its darker corners for generations. And now that Harley has returned, pent-up vengeance for his past crimes is about to come roaring back. Somebody has put a hex on him-and Harley has seven days before he dies in twisted, screaming agony.
To reverse it, Harley must find and kill his unseen enemy before their curse can reap its terrible end. But in Briar Falls, there’s no shortage of suspects-and Harley is coming for them all. If can’t have peace, at least he can have revenge.
Justin Jordan crafts a tale where folklore feels tangible and the danger of something otherworldly is lurking just out of sight. Through his words, Jordan captures not only the horror but also the humanity found within these tales of vengeance. His ability to tell a story of revenge-horror while mixing it with magic and raw emotion sets the tone from the very first page.
Chris Shehan’s illustrations complement Jordan’s storytelling beautifully. Their art style is perfectly suited for the dark tale that is Mine is a Long, Lonesome Grave. Each panel drips with atmosphere, pulling me into the unsettling world in the story at hand. Shehan masterfully balances the moments of brutal intensity with those filled with emotion and vulnerability. They bring to life characters where their emotions are palpable–whether it be rage-fueled determination or heart-wrenching sorrow—allowing me to connect deeply with their struggles.
Chris and Justin seamlessly blend elements of horror with heartfelt emotion. Where there are moments that are spine-chilling and brutal, there are also moments peppered throughout the debut issue that are rooted firmly in love lost and justice sought at any cost necessary. This duality makes for an engaging experience that pulls at my fears and my empathy simultaneously.
Mine is a Long, Lonesome Grave by Justin Jordan and Chris Shehan is a story rich with haunting imagery and gut-wrenching drama. From the very first page, I wanted to delve deeper into its mysterious world and know that we are only getting started on what should be a crazy journey in future issues.
Mine is a Long, Lonesome Grave #1 hits local comic shops on February 12, 2025 from Oni Press.