Plague House - by Michael W Conrad (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

HOUSES AREN'T THE ONLY THING THAT ARE HAUNTED. . . . Architect of terror Michael W. Conrad (Wonder Woman, In Bloom) and 2024 Ringo Award winner Dave Chisholm (Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound) launch a deep and disturbing excursion into 21st century--horror with a new kind of tale that will rebuild the four walls of the American ghost story from the foundation up . . .

Thirteen years ago, Orin McCabe was a family man living a privileged life in the California suburbs. Today, he's condemned to death row for murdering his entire family in an unexpected fit of hammer-wielding brutality. In the aftermath of his heinous crime, it's fallen to a trio of eclectic, but dedicated, ghost hunters--Jacob, the holy man; Holland, the skeptic; and their leader, Del, a true believer in the occult and worlds beyond--to surveil the abandoned McCabe home in search of proof for the existence of the undead . . . and whatever supernatural source may have possibly fueled McCabe's inhuman massacre. But this ill-matched and uneasy squad of investigators is about to discover something much more terrifying than any ordinary spirit. . . . Something much more pernicious, much more contagious, that if not contained, could take full advantage of America's unquenchable appetite for violence and deliver a plague of blood unto us all . . .

Collects issues #1-4 of Plague House in a twisting tale of horror that's as blood-soaked as the ground you stand on.

Review Quotes

"Humor quickly becomes horror, then a mischievous mix as needed and appropriate... There's appeal here for those who enjoy ghost hunting and paranormal investigation in any form, as well as readers who love a chill-worthy haunting. If you fit into either category or both, you should launch your own investigation and explore Plague House."-- "Comics Beat"

"Praiseworthy... With a tight pacing and a sleek script, Conrad manages to show Orin's murder and give each of the paranormal investigators their own mini-adventures while roaming through the McCabe's house. Artist Dave Chisholm brings the horrifying crime to life with unnerving precision, knowing exactly when to depict the graphic violence and when just to suggest it and leave readers' minds to fill the gruesome picture... Plague House is well worthy of the attention of horror aficionados."-- "Comicbook.com"

"The artwork is dark and visceral. The intensity in the violence radiates off of the panels through shocking imagery and perfect color choices. Chisholm brings a raw and grounded design and vibe to the story that makes it feel even more intense... Plague House is a deadly good time." -- "Nerd Initiative"

"There are surprises and then there are shockers. [Plague House] delivers a true shocker than should reward readers ... an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise in every sense."-- "Comiccon.com"

About the Author

Michael W. Conrad is a writer currently living in Portland, Oregon. Michael has worked on a number of books at DC Comics including Wonder Woman, Batgirls, Nightwing, and more. Elsewhere, Michael has written stories for iconic characters including Godzilla, Dracula, and Boris Karloff. Michael's creator-owned work such as Tremor Dose, Double

Walker, and Neptune have revealed a level of oddity that has captivated audiences looking for experiences unlike anything else on the shelves today. You can find Michael on Instagram and Twitter at @michaelwconrad

Hailed by ComicsBeat as "one of the most exciting comic auteurs working in comics today," Dave Chisholm is a graphic novelist and musician currently living in Rochester, New York, where he received his doctorate in jazz trumpet from the Eastman School of Music in 2013. His expertise in music as well as his formal inventiveness within the comics medium has resulted in a string of critically acclaimed music-centric comics and graphic novels including Spectrum (2024-25, Mad Cave Studios, made in collaboration with Rick Quinn), Miles Davis & the Search for the Sound (2023, Z2 Comics), Enter the Blue (2022, Z2 Comics), Chasin' the Bird: Charlie Parker in California (2020, Z2 Comics), and the groundbreaking graphic novel + original soundtrack Instrumental (2017, Z2 Comics). In collaboration with writer Michael Conrad on Plague House (Oni Press, 2025), he's bringing that same formal inventiveness to the horror genre. Chisholm also has a passion for education and teaches comics and music at the Hochstein School and the Rochester Institute of Technology. In his free time, Dave enjoys spending time with his family and his cats.