Advance Review: "The Thing on the Doorstep," #1

"The Thing on the Doorstep," is an upcoming comic series published by Top Cow (an imprint of Image). I had a chance to read an advance copy of the first issue--technically for a second time. You see, when it was independently published on a previous occasion, I reviewed it and loved it, but why not revisit it and share how much fun it was to read again with some tweaks for this new release from Top Cow? Described as drawing from HP Lovecraft and featuring a, "...haunting mystery of friendship, madness, and the horrifying," this comic is written by the talented Simon Birks and is a great first issue!

Illustrated by Willi Roberts with letters by Rob Jones, the entire creative team does a stellar job opening in a, "Present," of sorts, where a shocking act of sudden violence occurs, and then we move back in time to start puzzling together just how things got to the point they did. There are hints of the supernatural in this first issue, with it clear that something dark and twisted is creeping into the minds of various characters. It doesn't appear anyone will emerge unscathed, with the question moreso being who will go utterly mad and who will maintain at least a semblance of sanity? The creepy vibe is superb thanks to Birks, Roberts, and Jones keeping us on our toes and ill-at-ease as the tension increases with every jump forward in time to near where everything starts/ends quite brutally.

"The Thing on the Doorstep,"  #1 releases in comic shops on February 11th, 2026. I encourage everyone to ask their shops to get them a copy and to then read the upcoming issues--as it is with Top Cow instead of being done on a smaller-scale this time, it'll be much easier for folks to buy and enjoy!

5 out of 5 Stars.

"The Thing on the Doorstep Part One," Advance Review

I have enjoyed a number of titles from Blue Fox Publishing so when they asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing, "The Thing on the Doorstep Part One," I eagerly accepted the opportunity to post my thoughts. Having now read this first issue, I can say I quite enjoyed it and am intrigued to see what happens next.

The comic opens in the, "Present," as it were of 1933 with Daniel Upton shooting his (clearly former) friend, Edward Derby, who is currently in a mental institution. From there we jump back to the true start of the story as two adolescents become big friends even as one (Derby) seems to become increasingly off and fall in with a crowd interested in seemingly dangerous magical-type arts. A slow sense of horror creeps in throughout the comic with little moments of terrifying imagery keeping us readers on our toes and delightfully ill-at-ease. Simon Briks writes the tale and Willi Roberts does a fantastic job at illustrating it with Rob Jones lettering. They all make a fantastic team.

I found myself enjoying, "The Thing on the Doorstep Part One," very much and was drawn into its eerie World by the superb writing and art. I would recommend checking it out as the Kickstarter for it actually just started a smidgen ago and is already fully funded. You can add your support and get a copy to enjoy by following this link!

5 out of 5 stars.