Those Not Afraid, penned by three-time Eisner nominee Kyle Starks and illustrated by Patrick Piazzalunga, is a terrifying new series where a competition between two serial killers takes center stage. As a huge fan of Starks, horror, and true crime…Those Not Afraid was a no-brainer read for me.

In Those Not Afraid, two serial killers discover they are within reach of the state record for kills and enter a terrible competition to see who gets there first.

Kyle Starks writing skills shine brightly in the debut issue of Those Not Afraid, where he continues his ability to blend horror with a touch of dark humor. The premise, which is simple yet enthralling, is one that makes the comic series standout from a crowd while also finding similarities with some of the best. Each page weaves together an atmospheric horror tale with elements of suspense and intrigue that kept me hooked from the first page.

The use of a true crime podcaster as a way to share a bit of backstory as well as provide a foundation for the story to build off is a perfect fit in this story. It brings real life elements together with the more fictional narrative being told. This is a more modern storytelling device that not only adds depth to the plot but also provided me with a relatable entry point to grab onto.

A horror comic is only as good as its illustrator. Patrick Piazzalunga elevates Starks’ narrative to another level entirely. His art captures the brutality and dark humor with striking imagery, offering panels that are creative as they are horrifying. The moments of simplicity alongside moments of visceral murder made for some truly shocking moments. Piazzalunga’s illustrations paired with Marco Brakko’s colors perfectly encapsulating the chaotic nature of a horror comic in a truly beautiful way.

While Those Not Afraid is unique in its own right, I couldn’t help but find style and horror comparisons to one of my favorite comics of all-time–Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson‘s Nailbiter. Both comics delve into psychological terror grounded within realistic settings while exploring themes surrounding obsession; yet still manage distinct voices all their own amidst shared genre territory! As someone who holds Nailbiter to a high standard, I found myself thrilled in another title capable of delivering similar feelings.

Those Not Afraid captures the horror and dark humor I have come to expect from the Kyle Starks, paired with outstanding and gruesome artwork from Patrick Piazzalunga. This debut issue is just what I needed to kick-off the year and while it is early 2025, this series has a real chance at being one of the best comics of the year.

Those Not Afraid #1 hits local comic shops on January 8, 2025 from Dark Horse.