Good Bones & Other Sordid Tales #1 is a spine-tingling special that horror fans simply cannot afford to miss. Stemming from the acclaimed Hello Darkness anthology, this one-shot issue from BOOM! Studios brings a curated collection of grimy, gritty, and gory grotesqueries to the forefront. Bestselling writer Steve Orlando leads a “rogue’s gallery” of incredible artists to explore the darkest corners of human desire and the supernatural.
For those who have followed the pages of Hello Darkness, this release builds significant authority by expanding on the brand’s reputation for high-concept horror. Steve Orlando has a proven track record of weaving complex narratives with visceral scares, and this special issue is no exception. Meanwhile, the inclusion of the brand-new story “Good Bones” ensures that even the most dedicated anthology readers have something fresh to sink their teeth into.
What to Expect in Good Bones & Other Sordid Tales #1
If you are looking for a cohesive descent into madness, Good Bones & Other Sordid Tales #1 delivers exactly that. The issue is divided into several haunting segments, each with its own unique visual identity and psychological hook. The lead story, “Good Bones,” introduces us to a house of forbidden love that harbors a grudge as strong as the passion that built it. However, the horror isn’t just limited to architecture; it extends into technology, childhood fears, and ancient traditions.
The creative team across this issue is truly impressive:
Kill Screen
- Writer: Steve Orlando
- Artist: Federico Sorressa
- Colorist: Lauren Affe
- Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
The Foster
- Writer: Steve Orlando
- Artist: A.L. Kaplan
- Colorist: Marissa Louise
- Letterer: Jodie Troutman
The Christmas Log
- Writer: Steve Orlando
- Artist: Adam Gorham
- Colorist: Francesco Segala
- Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Good Bones
- Writer: Steve Orlando
- Artist: Dillon Snook
- Colorist: Brad Simpson
- Letterer: Jodie Troutman
Editorial Team
- Editors: Sebastian Girner & Bryce Carlson
- Assistant Editor: Maya Bollinger
- Editor-in-Chief: Andy Schmidt
A Masterclass in Curated Horror
The transition between these stories is handled with a steady hand, ensuring that the reader stays immersed in the grotesque world Orlando has built. In addition to the writing, the art in “Good Bones” by Dillon Snook is particularly noteworthy for its ability to make the environment feel like a character in its own right. As you flip through the new comics hitting the shelves this week, this special stands out for its variety.
In “Kill Screen,” we see a digital nightmare that challenges our relationship with technology, while “The Foster” takes a more intimate, disturbing look at family dynamics. Meanwhile, “The Christmas Log” offers a seasonal terror that subverts holiday cheer. Each of these stories has previously appeared in the anthology format, but seeing them collected here alongside the new lead story provides a much more potent reading experience.
Collectors will also want to keep an eye on the striking comic book covers available for this issue. The main cover by Rebeca Puebla perfectly encapsulates the “sordid” nature of the tales within, and the variants by Isaac Goodhart and Liana Kangas offer even more reasons to add this to your vault.
The active voice throughout these stories keeps the tension high, moving from one shocking revelation to the next without wasting a single panel. In other words, Steve Orlando understands that in horror, the pacing is just as important as the payload. He uses transition words to guide the reader through the shifting tones of each segment, moving from the tech-heavy dread of “Kill Screen” to the atmospheric haunting of the titular “Good Bones.”
In conclusion, Good Bones & Other Sordid Tales #1 is a triumphant return to the grimy aesthetics of the Hello Darkness brand. It serves as a perfect entry point for those new to BOOM! Studios’ horror output while rewarding longtime fans with a deeper look at Orlando’s twisted imagination. Restating our Focus Keyphrase one last time, this issue is a must-have for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, gory anthology that isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty.
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