Comics
Review: ‘Ghosted’ #2
There is a methodical framework that is generally adhered to when establishing heist oriented storylines, but this systematic form of procedure usually breeds predictability in the narrative. In Joshua Williamson’s “Ghosted”, he incorporates themes of supernatural-horror to challenge this formula-bound genre, and manages to deliver a little unconventionality in what is a predominantly rigid design.
WRITTEN BY: Joshua Williamson
ART BY: Goran Sudzuka
PUBLISHER: Image Comics / Skybound Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: August 14, 2013
Typically, heist storylines give focus to the impeding forces and unexpected problems that pose a threat to the mission objective. But when the operation involves capturing and stealing a ghost from an infamous haunted mansion, the inevitable interferences are much more sinister, and virtually difficult to prepare for. The general assumption is that Williamson’s cast of characters are going to be put through the supernatural wringer as the series progresses, ultimately falling prey to the very location they are trying to infiltrate. Descriptively, they are the greatest team of paranormal experts in the world. But whether or not they can live up to their diverse talents and work together in order to successfully accomplish their ambitious goal, that is still to be determined.
In “Ghosted” #2, Williamson spends more time introducing protagonist Jackson T. Winters’ team, and essentially validates their role in the heist. By providing just enough character details, withholding information about the job, and alluding to potential ulterior motives, Williamson succeeds in preserving the mysterious nature of the story. It has only just been announced that “Ghosted” has moved from a mini-series to an on-going, so the narrative is most likely going to progress at a slow and steady pace, without revealing too much too soon.
That said, the author has a keen sense of timing and an authentic feel for dramatic composition. He allows the story to lull readers into a relaxed state, then swiftly, with the help of series artist Goran Sudzuka, deliver some fantastically eerie moments that command the immediate attention of the audience. Both Williamson and Sudzuka give readers a taste of the supernatural horrors the Trask Mansion has to offer, delving into the history of the deceased family, and presenting some creepy imagery to do so. They are doing a commendable job establishing the haunted house as a significant character in the series, as opposed to just a backdrop for illegal activity; and demonstrate that the mansion’s nefarious role will only grow more volatile as the story progresses.
Sudzuka shows his most expressive work when illustrating the highly distinguishable faces of each individual character. His knack for capturing an array of different emotions through perfectly rendered facial expressions makes it possible for readers to genuinely experience the tone of the scene. He incorporates a lot of detail in the construction of the Trask Mansion, effectively depicting its abandoned and unlived in environment. There is nothing confusing about his visual storytelling. He is as descriptive and revealing with events as he is with characters. Somewhat on the fence about his take on ghosts and spirits though.
Overall, “Ghosted” #2 is a fun book that plays into the main elements of the heist genre, but brings something different to the table as well. The twist on the last page will solidify reader investment in the series. If Williamson and Sudzuka end each chapter as epically as they did the first two, readers are in for an awesome treat.
4/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – ShadowJayd
Comics
‘You’ll Never Leave This Place Alive’ – IDW Dark’s Next Horror Comic Will Make You Question Reality
Five friends. Four houses. One perfect life. Bloody Disgusting is excited to exclusively announce You’ll Never Leave This Place Alive, a brand new horror comic from IDW Dark.
From Eisner-Nominated writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, and rising horror artist Heather Vaughan, You’ll Never Leave This Place Alive is described as a “paranoia-laced, socially-conscious, horror mystery that will leave you questioning reality, and reveal that this crafted world is more of a nightmare than the idealistic dream they were expecting.”
Phoebe Joplin has never questioned the world her parents built: a secluded community where she and her friends were raised to be smarter, stronger, and better than anyone else. No distractions. No dangers. No secrets. Until the night of their graduation.
When one of them dies under impossible circumstances, Phee starts to pull at the edges of her perfect life—and what she finds is something far more terrifying than she ever imagined.
Because this place isn’t a sanctuary. It’s a cage. And no one who discovers the truth ever leaves it alive.
Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing (Batman – One Bad Day: Clayface, Star Trek: The Last Starship) co-write the upcoming IDW Dark horror comic, featuring art by Heather Vaughan.
Jackson Lanzing said in a statement to Bloody Disgusting, “You’ll Never Leave This Place Alive is in many ways a spiritual successor to our last creator-owned horror, The Principles of Necromancy – a dive into the promise and consequence of playing god with the blood of innocents. But the Hivemind book this reminds me of most is Clayface: One Bad Day. This is a deeply human story with intensely raw emotions – five best friends and their five mysterious parents, tearing one another apart for the promise of some impossible glory that’s waiting just beyond their darkest actions. We’re thrilled to be bringing this story to life with our long-time partner in crime, editor Heather Antos, at IDW Dark – and we’re particularly excited to give our Clayface fans a new, brutal and emotional horror made just for them.”
Adds Collin Kelly, “We’re deconstructing a feeling that seems universal these days; our elders have a death grip on their power, without any intention of giving it up to the generations that come next. YNLTPA is about growing up with the limitless potential of the future… and realizing how much it’s a lie we’ve been fed to keep us under the yoke of the past. Bringing this brutal experience to life is our artist and co-creator, Heather Vaughan, who brings an incredible amount of humanity to our cast. But it’s in our youthful leads that Heather’s art really shines – you are going to fall in love with these young people, even as they go through the worst experience of their lives. What we’ve all crafted together is going to be tragic, painful, but above all else, sincere – with a future so uncertain, there’s only one thing we can trust: you’ll never leave this place alive.”
“Some horror stories are about monsters in the dark. YNLTPA is about realizing the monsters raised you,” previews Senior Group Editor Heather Antos. “Working with Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly on this series has been a dream in the darkest possible way. They’ve built a story that’s layered, brutal, and deeply emotional, and every issue gives artist Heather Vaughan opportunities to push the art into places that feel both haunting and deeply personal. Some horror comics will keep you up at night…this is one that will stick with you for years to come.”
The first issue of You’ll Never Leave This Place Alive goes on sale October 14, 2026! Make sure to pre-order at your local comic shop by September to guarantee a copy.
Exclusively check out the various covers for Issue #1 down below.
IDW Publishing’s horror imprint IDW DARK features comics like A Quiet Place: Storm Warning, Smile: For the Camera, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees, The Twilight Zone, Event Horizon: Dark Descent & Event Horizon: Inferno, and more.
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