Underheist: A Supernatural Twist on Classic Crime Comics

As a long-time fan of indie comics, I'm always on the lookout for something fresh that can twist familiar genres into exciting new shapes. That's why when I heard about BOOM! Studios' upcoming series Underheist, I knew I had to dive into the details. This supernatural crime comic promises to deliver exactly what I crave: a classic heist story injected with nightmarish, twisted elements that could only come from the minds of David and Maria Lapham. Their track record with Stray Bullets speaks for itself, and seeing them tackle a 'straightforward' heist tale—only to inevitably subvert it—has me counting down the days until December 13th.

Now, let's talk about the story itself. The premise hits you right in the gut. We follow David, a man who has lost everything—his money, his stability, his dignity—to a relentless gambling addiction. He's at rock bottom, watching the shattered pieces of his personal life litter the ground around him. We've all had those moments where we'd do anything for a clean slate, right? For David, that 'anything' manifests as a final, desperate gamble: one last heist. The twist? The job involves navigating a mysterious tunnel system, and as a former NYC subway veteran, David might just be the only man for the job. It's a classic setup: one last score and he's home free. But in the world of the Laphams, 'home free' is never that simple. The publisher's summary ends on that chilling note: "All he needs to do is make it out alive." You just know things are going to go horribly, wonderfully wrong.

What truly excites me is the creative team behind this. David Lapham isn't just dabbling in crime noir; he's a living legend of the genre. His iconic series, Stray Bullets, has been defining independent crime comics since 1995. It's raw, it's real, and it focuses on the messy, domestic lives of criminals and misfits. In his own words, he often calls them "domestic noirs." So, hearing him talk about Underheist is fascinating. He says they started with the idea of a more traditional heist story. But, as he admits, "we can’t do anything straightforward for more than five minutes." That's the magic! The promise is that this seemingly simple crime will quickly spiral into a flood of "twisted, nightmarish ideas." What does that mean? Are the tunnels haunted? Is the crew not what they seem? The supernatural element is the big, delicious mystery.

David Lapham's journey in comics is a testament to creator-owned passion. He and his wife Maria published Stray Bullets through their own imprint for years. After a hiatus where David worked on major titles for Marvel and DC (like Detective Comics), they brought their signature series back through Image Comics, where it thrives today. This history makes Underheist at BOOM! Studios feel like a special event. It's a return to a beloved genre, but with a new publisher and a terrifying new hook. Maria Lapham's involvement as part of the core Stray Bullets team ensures that the book's heart and gritty aesthetic will remain intact.

Here’s a quick look at why the Laphams are the perfect duo for this project:

• Genre Pedigree: Masters of crime/noir storytelling for nearly three decades.

• Character Focus: Experts at writing flawed, relatable "non-traditional noir protagonists."

• Twisted Vision: A proven ability to take simple premises and inject them with psychological horror and surreal twists.

• Artistic Consistency: David's distinct, expressive art style sets the perfect mood for tense, character-driven drama.

The supporting cast of creators is just as stellar. Colorist Hilary Jenkins, part of the Stray Bullets team, will undoubtedly use her palette to amplify the story's mood—shifting from the grimy, desperate reality of David's life to the eerie, unnatural horrors lurking in the tunnels. And the cover art lineup is a collector's dream! Alongside David Lapham's haunting main cover, we get variants from incredible artists like Dave Johnson and Goran Sudzuka. Each cover will offer a unique visual take on the series' ominous tone.

So, what can we expect from Underheist? It's more than just a comic about a heist. It's a deep dive into desperation. David isn't a slick master thief; he's a broken man seeing a tunnel—both literal and metaphorical—as his only way out. The supernatural twist promises to externalize his inner demons, turning a crime caper into a psychological horror story. Will it have the decades-long run of Stray Bullets? Only time will tell. But for fans of intelligent, character-driven comics that aren't afraid to get dark and weird, Underheist #1 is a must-buy on December 13th. I, for one, can't wait to see what nightmares the Laphams have dug up for us. This isn't just a new series; it feels like the start of a new, terrifying chapter in indie crime comics. If you're like me and love stories where the biggest threats aren't just the cops or rival gangs, but the unknown lurking in the shadows, then mark your calendar. This is the one to watch. 🔦