Double Walker is an all-new original graphic novel mind-bending tale of neurotic folk horror from Michael Conrad and Noah Bailey. The same creators who brought us Tremor Dose, the ComiXology Originals series will launch digitally on July 13, 2021, and get a physical release from Dark Horse Comics on November 30, 2021. The surreal, twisted, and terrifying story utilizes the idea of the doppelgänger.
As Conrad puts it, “Double Walker blends several genres together, but at its core the book is about one of our favorite elements of horror, the idea of the doppelgänger! Doppelgängers, oftentimes otherworldly doubles with nefarious intent have populated our nightmares for as long as humans have been able to communicate their fears. These dark twins often seek to kill and replace their human counterparts, but have also been portrayed as phantasmic omens of impending death, and even as extraterrestrial beings.”
What’s Double Walker about?
In Double Walker, Americans Cully and Gemma McCarthy decide to take one last trip before their carefree, childless days come to an end. Headed to the magical Scottish Highlands to hit up all the tourist locations, their romantic getaway soon spirals into a nightmare full of paranoia and violence. While staying at a B&B, the young couple soon find themselves at the local pub where they meet a barkeep who weaves tales of Scottish myths and legends and learn of a bizarre string of murders in the area. Haunted by the stories and their recent personal tragedy, their marriage is challenged, forcing them to confront their deepest, darkest fears.
Check out a preview below.
Conrad added, “Noah Bailey (artist/co-creator of Double Walker) and I both love the concept, and have selected 11 of our favorite doppelgänger films to share with you. There were so many to choose from, believe me, in preparation for our new graphic novel for comiXology Originals I watched all that I could find!”
Without further ado, here are Conrad’s favorites along with commentary, in no particular order:
Us (2019)
Jordan Peele is a genius, right? We knew we were in for a treat when we heard his follow-up to “Get Out” would be his take on the doppelgänger concept, but wow…
Doppelganger (1993)
This film starring Drew Barrymore is considered by many to be… well, it has a 24% on Rotten Tomatoes. Regardless, this is one of those movies I caught on cable as a youngster and it remains a bit of a comfort movie.
Image: Doppelganger (1993)
Everything David Lynch
I think David likes the idea of the doppelgänger as much as we do, the concept appears in nearly everything he has done. From “Lost Highway” to “Twin Peaks,” Lynch always finds a way to include a double, and it feels fresh every time.
Vertigo (1958)
While not a doppelgänger story in the strictest sense of the word, it does explore key elements of the concept. We can, and will, find a way to include this on every list… that is just our way.
Image: Vertigo (1958)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (all)
I read the novel shortly before penning Double Walker and was blown away by it. When Noah suggested we watch every version of the film together I realized that he truly is my brother.
Solaris (1972)
Tartovsky.
Dead Ringers (1988)
Again, this is a tiny stretch to include, but it’s Cronenberg so I’ll hear no complaints. Double Jeremy Irons playing gynecologist twins, I know, sign me up!
Perfect Blue (1997)
I had the opportunity to see this anime treasure on the big screen at Austin Film Society near where I live. I had missed this one when it first came out and went in cold. I highly suggest you track this down and enjoy it as I did.
Image: Perfect Blue (1997)
Moon (2009)
I first became aware of Sam Rockwell when many of my friends became obsessed with Stella Shorts in the early 2000’s. Moon scratches that doppelgänger itch in this charming science fiction offering.
Coherence (2013)
This film is a bit of a hidden gem, one that really rocked my world and has stuck with me. This is the first film directed by James Byrkit, who was apparently one of the concept artists for the Pirates of the Carribean franchise. We wonder if he got to design any of Johnny Depp’s hats?
Persona (1966)
This list wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of this Bergman masterpiece. Sure, it’s a stretch to call this a “doppelgänger” film, but we don’t care… you won’t either, and at a tight 84 minutes you have no excuses for not having seen this yet.
Image: Persona (1966)
So there it is, a list of awesome movies, each giving us unique visions of twisted twins, and diabolical doubles. Honestly, there are so many good films that we could have included like Kagemusha, The Double Life of Veronique, Adaptation, and The Parent Trap, but you’ll have to track those down on your own… we’ve got comic books to make!
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