In this episode of Collecting Issues, join us, Mick and Ben, as we dive into the 2021 DC Black Label series 'The Nice House on the Lake' by James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martínez Bueno. We take a look at the series' uniqueness and genre bending premise. The episode delves into themes like friend groups, nostalgia, and the complex character dynamics among former college friends. We unpack the enigmatic character of Walter, who may be an alien or may be a higher-dimensional being; either way, he's an emotionally damaged meddling manipulator.

We also explore the comic's meta-narrative techniques, post-apocalyptic setting, and pandemic-era reflections. The artistic strengths and narrative risks, such as resets and time jumps, are meticulously examined too.

00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues

02:18 Discussion on The Lake House Movie

03:17 Introduction to The Nice House on the Lake

04:11 Publication and Awards

05:14 DC Black Label and Vertigo

07:10 Genre and Influences

09:39 Character Dynamics and Friend Groups

14:19 Art Style and Character Design

17:51 Meta-Narrative and Plot Twists

31:31 Character Overload and Walter's Struggles

33:01 Walter's Console and Its Implications

39:59 Coping Mechanisms in the Apocalypse

42:18 Walter's Manipulative Nature

50:07 The Uncertain Reality of the Apocalypse

59:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Our November read is: Friday Books 1&2 by Ed Brubaker, Marcus Martín and Munisa Vicente

Join the Discord and read along

Join the Substack

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Tiktok

Watch us on Youtube

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.