The Nice House On The Lake

''The Nice House...'' is an horror comic book anthology series created by James Tynion IV and Álvaro Martínez Bueno, and published by DC Comics through their Black Label imprint. It debuted with ''The Nice House on the Lake'' on June 1, 2021 and concluded on 27 December 2022. It focuses on the mysterious Walter, who invites twelve of his friends to an idyllic house in the countryside, only for them to witness the end of the world and be told they are no longer allowed to leave. The series received critical acclaim, winning four Eisner Awards including the 2022 award for Best New Series.

A new iteration of the series, titled ''The Nice House by the Sea'', began on July 24, 2024.

Publication history

The series was announced in March 2021.

Plot

''The Nice House on the Lake''

Ten friends and acquaintances of the enigmatic Walter - the Artist, the Writer, the Comedian, the Accountant, the Scientist, the Reporter, the Acupuncturist, the Consultant, the Doctor, and the Pianist - are all invited to spend a week at Walter's opulent lake house. However, on the group's first night at the house, they discover to their horror that the outside world is ending.

Walter reveals that he is part of an alien species who intend to destroy the Earth and study the ten humans inside the house. He explains to the terrified group that they can live without want in this house forever, but they can never leave. As time passes, the group discovers that not only will anything they request on a piece of paper be delivered to them, but they can no longer die or even be injured. However, the group starts to see their idyllic existence as a gilded cage, and resolve to uncover the truth about Walter and the house - and maybe even save what's left of the world.

''The Nice House by the Sea''

The second "cycle" of ''The Nice House'' follows Max, another enigmatic figure who has handpicked a group to live in her beautiful house by the sea after the end of the world. However, this group doesn't know Max personally, let alone each other, and they will be forced to confront uncomfortable truths about their situation as their time in the house plays out.

Characters

The Nice House on the Lake

* Walter: no title. The orchestrator of the group coming to the house.
* Ryan Crane: "The Artist", a newer member of the group and the least familiar among the long time friends.
* Norah Jakobs: "The Writer", a trans woman, born Norman. Some of the people in the group have yet to fully embrace her transition.
* David Daye: "The Comedian", the life of the party and the least serious.
* Molly Reynolds: "The Accountant", the only member with a partner to be invited alone. She misses her husband, Cam. Molly is Ronnie's best friend.
* Veronica Wright: "The Scientist", one of the smartest among the group and the one who has known Walter the longest. She is Molly's best friend.
* Sam Nguyen : "The Reporter", came out as gay to Walter back in high school, they've been close since. Sam is Arturo's partner.
* Arturo Perez: "The Acupuncturist", Sam's partner.
* Sarah Radnitz: "The Consultant", with links to the Democratic National Committee.
* Naya Radia: "The Doctor", highly competent, compassionate and driven, also a good cook. Naya is Rick's wife.
* Rick MacEwan: "The Pianist", the one most loyal to Walter and Naya's husband.
* Reginald Madison: "The Painter", Walter's high school best friend, and the one that wasn't invited.

Reception

Awards and nominations

Collected editions

References

{{Reflist

American comics titles
DC Comics titles
DC Comics limited series
2021 comics debuts
2022 comics endings
2020s LGBT literature
Horror comics
Thriller comics
Mystery comics
Science fiction comics
Dystopian comics
LGBT-related comics
Mythology in comics