Comics
Go Into the Making of ‘Indoctrination’, a New Thriller Comic (Exclusive)
While people may be waiting with baited breath for news about the third season of HBO’s “True Detective”, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other avenues to get their investigative thriller fix. Case in point, Michael Moreci and Matt Battaglia have just released the first issue of their psychological thriller comic series “Indoctrination“, which should appeal to anyone who is interested in that show or movies like Seven, Suspect Zero, and the like.
“Across the dusty plains of America’s southwest, a deadly storm is brewing. A string of murders portend the sinister designs of an infamous terrorist to bring about the end times. Two FBI agents have heeded the signs, and only their rogue actions—aided by a potentially untrustworthy expatriate with deep ties to the terrorist—can push this darkness back.”
To give you a taste of the comic and what’s to come, we’ve got our hands on five in-process GIFs that show how a page goes from a sketch to having more detail to final product.
The first issue, which came out last Wednesday, can be ordered through Comixology. You can also pre-order the “Indoctrination” trade paperback, which comes out in October, via Amazon.
‘Indoctrination’, a new apocalyptic political thriller comic book series from comic book writer and novelist Michael Moreci (Roche Limit, Burning Fields) and political operative-turned-artist Matt Battaglia, delves into the powerful ideology that drives the terrifying underbelly of America.
The comic begins in the dusty southwest with a string of murders that portend the sinister designs of an infamous terrorist to bring about the end times. Only the rogue actions of two FBI agents, who must rely on a potentially untrustworthy expatriate with deep ties to the terrorist, can stop the darkness. ‘Indoctrination’ follows these two FBI agents as they develop a complicated relationship with an infamous terrorist, in an attempt to solve a string of grizzly, seemingly related murders.
About Michael Moreci:
Michael Moreci’s original comics works include Roche Limit (Image Comics), which is currently in development for television, and Burning Fields (BOOM! Studios). Moreci’s Curse (BOOM! Studios), a modern-day werewolf story, is in film development with Blumhouse Productions. His self-published series, ReincarNATE, has been optioned for television by Patrice Théroux and Buck Productions. Moreci has also written the in-canon comic series that bridges the gap between Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Also a novelist, Moreci recently signed a two-book publishing deal with St. Martin’s Press to write a space adventure series inspired by Star Wars. He is also currently writing the novel Spy Swap for Lawrence Gordon Productions, to be published by Thomas Dunne Books. Moreci lives in Chicago with his wife, two children, and his dog.
About Matt Battaglia:
Matt Battaglia is an illustrator and graphic designer, Indoctrination marks his first full length illustrated comics work. Prior to Indoctrination he colored the BOOM! title ‘Dead Letters’ and colors the Image Comics series ‘Roche Limit’ written by Michael Moreci. Outside of comics Matt is a graphic designer, he currently works at Hirepurpose. Previously Matt worked in DC during the last election cycle, where he worked for a C4 and a Super PAC.
Comics
‘Exhuma’ Prequel Spinoff Webtoon ‘Maengjong’ Debuts This Weekend
The supernatural world of Korean folk horror movie Exhuma grows larger with the arrival of prequel spinoff webtoon Maengjong this weekend, Variety reports today.
Naver Webtoon debuts Maengjong on May 30.
The series hails from Haemuri (Olgami) and will trace the high school origins of how shaman duo Hwarim and Bonggil, played by Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun in the 2024 film, came together to face occultish threats.
The story is set to begin when “Hwarim, who has been concealing her identity following a childhood encounter with a snake spirit called Jin, crosses paths with Bonggil at their school.”
Variety notes that Exhuma director Jang Jae-hyun participated in the project’s early concept stage.
“We are presenting ‘Maengjong,’ a new series capturing the appeal of the horror-occult genre, ahead of the full summer season,” said Lee Jeong-geun, Naver Webtoon’s Korea webtoon content leader. “With the high school story of Hwarim and Bonggil, who left a strong impression in the film ‘Exhuma,’ enhanced by Haemuri’s characteristic tense direction, we expect it will be a welcome work for genre fans.”
“It is meaningful that the spin-off story of ‘Exhuma,’ loved by many audiences, expands by meeting the new grammar of webtoon,” said Lee Hyeon-jeong, managing director of the film business division at Showbox, which distributed the film. “We hope it will be a fresh experience for both film fans and webtoon readers.”
Exhuma was a breakout hit in 2024, becoming the first Korean occult film to surpass 10 million ticket buyers and the country’s highest-grossing film of the year. I wrote in my review that “the intricately woven Exhuma delivers one of the year’s biggest surprises in horror so far.”
The bond between Hwarim and Bonggil was one of the film’s highlights, making this prequel webtoon a must for fans.

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