From 1996 to 1999, DC revived the House of Secrets for 25 issues. I tried to get the House of Secrets Omnibus, but ILL couldn't procure it, so I had to settle for this, which collects just the first five issues. It's a very different House of Secrets than we've seen before (and since); the House is located in Seattle, and it attracts to it those who possess "secrets," who are tried by a group of ancient ghosts. Into all this enters Rain, a damaged, defensive young woman who ends up serving as the court's "witness." What could easily be a cliche character is really quite interesting-- her hard edges feel real, not like stock traits, as she's genuinely hurtful sometimes. The prose and dialogue are great, and this is probably the best artwork of Teddy Kristiansen's (considerable) career. There's something of a self-contained story here, but I'm disappointed I'll never know what happens to these guys next.

The Houses of Mystery and Secrets: « Previous in sequence | Next in sequence »

A refreshing take on the run-of-the-mill haunted house theme often used for horror fiction: this time around, the spirits that haunt the place are still the vengeful type, but not for personal reasons.

The spirits compose the members of the court, for trials of different people who are tried for keeping terrible secrets that has caused harm to themselves & to others (whether directly or indirectly). Watch out for the twist at the end.

Book Details:

Title House of Secrets: Foundation
Author Steven Seagle & Teddy Kristiansen
Reviewed By Purplycookie ( )

One of my personal top five comic series of all time, abet one that has no connection to Ables home from 'The Sandman', instead we are treated to a huanted house tale with a twist that features one of the best female leads in comics in the form of Rain Harper. Writen by Steven Seagle one half of the Sandman Mystery Theatre writing team and later writer of Vertigo's cult hit American Virgin), the smart dialouge is a joy to read and Teddy Kristiansen's art is absolutly beautiful! A highly recomended read but the problem is the series got better and better as it went along, and Vertigo still hasn't reprinted any of it beyound the debut arc. ( )