If you’ve ever visited Disneyland and wondered why every ride couldn’t be like the Haunted Mansion, then have we got a book for you! From the fan-favorite team of writer Joshua Williamson (G.I. Joe) and artist Andrei Bressan (the upcoming Destro), Dark Ride was recently named as one of the “Best Horror Comics of 2023” by The Beat. With the first issue now free to read on Skybound Insiders, here are five reasons to check it out… 

It Wears Its Fandom on Its Sleeve 

Centered on a horror theme park named Devil Land that’s run by an extremely dysfunctional family, Dark Ride is clearly a labor of love for its creators, with nods galore to both horror and theme park fandoms. Williamson and Bressan have filled their park with rides like Murder Mountain, Zombie Zone, and the Tunnel of Lovecraft. In issue #1 they even provide a handy map of these attractions. Oh, how we wish they were real! 

Its Characters 

 The prolific Williamson has written another winner here, as his story focuses on twin siblings Samhain and Halloween, the adult children of Devil Land’s founder/designer Arthur Dante, and their conflict over the park’s future. Finding himself in the center of this war is Owen Seasons, Devil Land’s biggest fan and its newest employee. In classic horror tradition, Owen has a tragic backstory he must confront within the dark heart of the real Devil Land. 

Its Art 

Bressan’s art is the perfect blend of detailed realism and larger-than-life cartooning, superbly supported by Adriano Lucas’s eye-popping colors. It’s not easy crafting an entire theme park and its diabolical denizens, but these folks are more than up to the task.  

Its Creepy-Cute Mascots

Cut from the same cloth as the Gremlins, Chucky, and the Leprechaun are Devil Land’s mascots Danny D. Evil, Old Nick, and the Fun. We think each of them is deserving of as much merch as Mickey Mouse. 

No Homework Required   

Unlike some of the most popular comics these days, the 12-issue Dark Ride doesn’t require any prior knowledge of its subject. So whether you’ve seen every Nightmare on Elm Street movie or you’re a horror newbie, you’re got the perfect entry point to this twisted tale of terror and madness with issue #1. Enjoy!