Renowned horror writer Steve Niles, famous for his work on classics like 30 Days of Night, has teamed up with artist Damien Worm to create Brynmore, a chilling new title published by IDW Publishing. The first issue of Brynmore sets the stage for an intriguing exploration of family trauma, a recurring theme in Niles’ work, and promises to be another success for the horror maestro.
Niles’ breakthrough in the comics industry came in 2002 with 30 Days of Night, a comic book adaptation of his rejected screenplay, illustrated by Ben Templesmith. The unexpected success of this vampire tale propelled Niles into the spotlight and launched Templesmith’s career. Since then, Niles has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best horror writers in the medium, with notable works such as Criminal Macabre and Simon Dark. Now, he returns to IDW with Brynmore, ready to captivate readers with his unique vision of horror.
Teamed with artist Damien Worm, as well as art assistant Alyzia Zherno and letterer Taylor Esposito, Niles introduces us to the protagonist of Brynmore, Mark Turner. Recently divorced and recovering from alcoholism, Mark returns to his family’s ancestral island off the coast of North Carolina. However, he is met with hostility and opposition from the island’s inhabitants, raising questions about the island’s troubled past and the “Turner Curse” that seems to haunt his family. The first issue leaves readers on the edge of their seats as Mark uncovers a mysterious object in the basement of an old chapel, marked with occult symbols, leaving them eager to discover its significance.
While the mysteries drive the narrative, Brynmore delves deep into the exploration of family trauma. Mark’s absence from his family’s home and the fractured relationships within his immediate family set the stage for a compelling examination of generational wounds. The “Turner Curse” becomes a metaphor for the lasting effects of family trauma, and its impact on Mark and the Turner clan will undoubtedly shape the story as it unfolds.
With Brynmore, Steve Niles once again demonstrates his mastery of horror comics. IDW Publishing has provided a platform for Niles to showcase his talent, and this new series promises to be another triumph for the horror genre. Brynmore #1 is currently available for purchase, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the dark and suspenseful world created by Niles and Worm.