The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 1

“How do you think the world will end?” asks a pivotal character in this instantly addictive otherworldly page-turner from Tynion (the Something Is Killing the Children series) and Bueno (the Justice League Dark series). All too soon the rest of the cast learn whether their answers were right. Twelve people are invited to a swanky modernist lake house in Wisconsin by their mutual friend Walter. Walter isn’t there, but the airy house is packed with amenities, including a spa, a library, and a boat, as well as enigmas like a set of strange sculptures corresponding to the cryptic symbols each guest has been assigned. Then disaster strikes and the group is hit by two revelations: they may be the last human beings left on Earth, and Walter may never have been human at all. Each chapter focuses on a different character as they adjust to their baffling situation and investigate their architecturally breathtaking and increasingly sinister abode. Bueno’s photorealistic yet expressive artwork, drenched in alternately warm and chilling colors by Jordie Bellaire, is perfectly suited to creeping paranormal horror in an initially prosaic setting. As the Lost-like mysteries pile up, the biggest question is whether the creators can follow through to a satisfying resolution. From this initial volume, readers will be hooked on this series that’s a pleasure to puzzle over. (Mar.)