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Published by Oni Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
"A chilling reflection on the cost of overreliance on technology and the seductive power of virtual realities to reshape our identities and relationships, sure to resonate with both horror and science fiction fans." —Library Journal
YOU'RE ONLY ALIVE IF YOU'RE ONLINE . . .
The twenty-first century sucks hard, but it's been made somewhat tolerable by the latest media innovation to finally unseat the iPhone. Enter the Dreamwave: the first gaming console played entirely while you sleep.
Now the obsession of millions around the globe, it's also the one point of solace for four friends whose lives have been marred by trauma and dysfunction. Together, this group of ultra-online "Cemetery Kids" spend their nights roaming the open world of the most immersive and brutal horror game ever created: "Nightmare Cemetery." Together they seek to dethrone an enigmatic humanoid monster known only as the "The King of Sleep."
Which was fun—until one of them doesn't wake up . . . and finds their consciousness locked inside a horror game that is anything but imaginary. Now, the three remaining Cemetery Kids must navigate the game's forbidden landscape to rescue their friend . . . and pray that the secret lurking at its center doesn't follow them home.
Experience an exhilarating, terrifying adventure downloading from the cortexes of critically acclaimed writer Zac Thompson (Hunt for the Skinwalker, The Dregs) and blockbuster artist Daniel Irizarri (XINO, Judge Dredd)!
YOU'RE ONLY ALIVE IF YOU'RE ONLINE . . .
The twenty-first century sucks hard, but it's been made somewhat tolerable by the latest media innovation to finally unseat the iPhone. Enter the Dreamwave: the first gaming console played entirely while you sleep.
Now the obsession of millions around the globe, it's also the one point of solace for four friends whose lives have been marred by trauma and dysfunction. Together, this group of ultra-online "Cemetery Kids" spend their nights roaming the open world of the most immersive and brutal horror game ever created: "Nightmare Cemetery." Together they seek to dethrone an enigmatic humanoid monster known only as the "The King of Sleep."
Which was fun—until one of them doesn't wake up . . . and finds their consciousness locked inside a horror game that is anything but imaginary. Now, the three remaining Cemetery Kids must navigate the game's forbidden landscape to rescue their friend . . . and pray that the secret lurking at its center doesn't follow them home.
Experience an exhilarating, terrifying adventure downloading from the cortexes of critically acclaimed writer Zac Thompson (Hunt for the Skinwalker, The Dregs) and blockbuster artist Daniel Irizarri (XINO, Judge Dredd)!
About The Illustrators
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Daniel Irizarri has been illustrating or drawing comics for the majority of his life. His art can be found in various projects, including Cloudia and Rex published by Magnetic Press, Judge Dredd: The Blessed Earth and Star Trek Waypoint 2019 one-shot from IDW, and the Oni Press anthology XINO. Additionally, his art can be seen in the Kickstarter hit Holy West, and a variety of self-published efforts like his Otherworldly sci-fi and fantasy artbooks. He spends his days on the north coast of the island with his lovely girlfriend and their cats.
Product Details
- Publisher: Oni Press (January 15, 2025)
- Length: 112 pages
- ISBN13: 9781637155202
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Raves and Reviews
"Writer Thompson creates an interesting premise that mixes the ideas of Sword Art Online with the terror of Nightmare on Elm Street. [...] Irizarri and Peer's vibrantly colored artwork certainly makes the piece come to life by expertly switching from video-game-style gore and inventive monster design to full on body horror at the right moments. An interesting premise that will appeal to fans of horror and video games."
– Booklist
"A chilling reflection on the cost of overreliance on technology and the seductive power of virtual realities to reshape our identities and relationships, sure to resonate with both horror and science fiction fans."
– Library Journal
“Cemetery Kids Don’t Die dives right in, creating a vivid tangible world centered upon relatable characters who feel fleshed-out and real from the word go. A scary but emotionally powerful story full of artwork that hits the mark, making sure every emotion and beat is truly felt.”
– Comiccon.com
"A stunning work of art.”
– Gate Crashers
"Cemetery Kids Don’t Die is the horror take on Ready Player One you’ve been waiting for.”
– AIPT
“Nothing short of terrifying… a very rewarding read… Thompson [is] comics’ very own Cronenberg.”
– Comics Beat
“Dangerous hallucinatory states in the service of commercial entertainment, the blurring lines between dream and reality, the kids who can't turn away however much they know they must. Great stuff.”
– Jed McKay
“A blast. Touted as EXISTENZ meets A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, it delivers on that promise. Dream fantasy bleeds into twisted reality for a dark, disturbing ride that's terrifyingly fun.”
– Chris Condon, That Texas Blood
“Easily one of my most anticipated releases of 2024”
– Daily Dead
"a chilling tale sure to appeal to video game fans."
– CBR
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Cemetery Kids Don't Die Vol. 1 Trade Paperback 9781637155202
