Veteran storyteller Joseph Schmalke steps outside the world of pure horror to craft a sci-fi, cyberpunk noir with artist J.K. Woodward in One Last Trick. Coming from Schmalke’s Midnight Factory, One Last Trick is tale of debt and inevitable payback which feels familiar yet fresh, thanks to Schmalke’s outstanding ability to craft a unique story. This premiere issue is both dark and dazzling while setting a great foundation.
Julie Bennings is a cybernetic escort. Indebted to the Chambers Corporation for their life saving augments, she has one last job and then her debt is paid. But everyone knows the Chambers Corporation never lets anyone go. Julie soon will discover the truth about the company that dominates mankind.
Many already know I’m always on board for a new Joseph Schmalke series, but One Last Trick takes him in an exciting direction. It’s refreshing to see him dive into a more sci-fi–focused story, still with a dash of his signature horror, of course. Midnight Factory has been billed as a home for horror, sci-fi, and the bizarre, but I have always been around for the more horror. So while not overly surprised this book is far more sci-fi than horror, it was a welcome change of pace.
We’ve all seen stories about someone indebted to a greedy corporation or mob-like group for some life-altering favor. However, what Schmalke and Woodward do in One Last Trick feels more refreshing and exciting than repetitive. The pair take a familiar premise and push it further, reminding us that in these situations that full repayment is never truly an option, and the chaos that follows is truly exhilarating. As with most Midnight Factory titles, this one isn’t for those faint of heart.
As someone who first fell in love with Joseph Schmalke’s work because of his incredible artwork, I want to feel let down when someone else is set to handle the artwork for his stories. Lately, though, that’s been so far from the case. Prophets of Doom is masterfully illustrated by Amanda Kahl, and now Woodward brings his years of experience to One Last Trick with outstanding results. Best known for his work on Star Trek, Woodward is the perfect match for this story, taking Schmalke’s tale in bringing it to new heights.
One Last Trick is yet another fantastic release from Joseph Schmalke and Midnight Factory. With J.K. Woodward’s gorgeous artwork and Schmalke’s imaginative storytelling, this new series is not to be missed. A definite pull list candidate, that’s for sure.
One Last Trick #1 hits local comic shops on October 15, 2025 from Midnight Factory.
One Last Trick #1 Covers
