Dan Brereton’s Nocturnals: The Sinister Path #1 invites readers to a richly painted world where noir grit collides with supernatural horror. Originally released as a graphic novel in 2017, this issue is now available in single format for the first time, making it an ideal entry point for newcomers to Brereton’s haunted universe.
Set in the shadowy streets of Pacific City, the story begins with the mysterious death of Judge Hemlock, a figure whose passing creates a dangerous power vacuum in the city’s occult underworld. As darkness blankets the town, a hidden war brews beneath its quiet surface. The Nocturnals, a crew of misfit vigilantes led by the enigmatic Doc Horror and his daughter Evening, are the last line of defense against an ancient and sinister criminal network.
The plot unfolds slowly but deliberately, drawing readers into a spiraling descent of dark magic, betrayal, and monstrous power struggles. The team’s investigation of the eerie Hemlock estate sets the tone for a narrative steeped in mystery and dread. While the story leans on familiar tropes like the haunted house, the morally ambiguous hero, and the ragtag crew, it’s the execution and atmosphere that elevate it.
Brereton’s storytelling is complemented by short character profiles at the beginning of the issue, which help orient new readers. These introductions are more than just exposition; they hint at the deeper dysfunctions and motivations that drive each character. Raccoon, a genetic chimera with a mischievous streak; Starfish, a prehistoric sea creature with formidable strength; and Evening, a medium who communicates with netherworld entities and manipulates dolls.
Each cast member brings unique energy to the team. Their quirks and complexities suggest a group of outsiders bound together not just by mission, but by shared alienation.
Visually, Nocturnals: The Sinister Path #1 is where it stands out. Brereton’s art is lush and distinctive, with bold brushwork and saturated colors that evoke an oil-painted aesthetic. The Halloween-inspired palette, rich in autumnal tones and eerie motifs sets a mood that’s both nostalgic and unsettling. Characters are rendered with exaggerated features and dramatic expressions, enhancing the gothic tone of the narrative.
Panel compositions are traditional and static but effective, guiding the reader’s eye with clarity and purpose. The layouts never feel cluttered, allowing Brereton’s artwork to breathe and the story to unfold at its own pace. Even when the narrative slows, the visuals keep you engaged.
Adding to the appeal is a new variant cover by artist Sean Gordon Murphy, which offers a fresh interpretation of the Nocturnals world. It’s a nice touch for collectors and fans of Murphy’s dynamic style.
While the pacing may feel like a slow burn and the plot leans into familiar territory, Nocturnals: The Sinister Path #1 succeeds in crafting a visually atmospheric introduction to a world where noir and supernatural intrigue coexist. It’s a comic that rewards patience, inviting readers to linger in its moody settings and get to know its eccentric cast.
For fans of horror-noir, pulp fiction, or character-driven supernatural tales, this issue is a compelling gateway into Brereton’s dreamlike realm. It doesn’t just tell a story — it immerses you in a world where monsters walk among us.
