Haunted City # 1 (Aspen Comics 2011)

Haunted City #1 (Aspen Comics, 2011)

New York City is full of urban legends, but some of them are starting to bite back.

Created by Chap Taylor (screenwriter of Changing Lanes) and Peter Johnson, Haunted City was part of Aspen Comics' ambitious expansion into supernatural noir. The story follows Detective Tomm Palladino, a cynical New York cop who is suddenly thrust into a secret world existing right beneath the city's surface. When a bizarre and gruesome murder defies every rational explanation, Palladino discovers that the "Five Boroughs" are home to ancient, mythological forces—and he’s the only one equipped to keep the peace between the mundane and the monstrous.

This debut issue perfectly blends the gritty atmosphere of a police procedural with the imaginative "Aspen look," providing a fresh take on the urban fantasy genre. It sets the stage for a sprawling mystery involving secret societies, hidden history, and the literal ghosts of Manhattan.

Issue Highlights:

• Urban Noir Meets Mythology: A grounded, hard-boiled detective story that isn't afraid to dive into the deep end of high-fantasy horror.

• Cinematic Storytelling: Written with a screenwriter's eye, the pacing and dialogue feel tight and ready for the big screen.

• Striking Visuals: Michael Ryan’s art captures the claustrophobic energy of NYC while delivering spectacular, otherworldly character designs.

Technical Specifications & Metadata:

• Publication Date: October 2011

• Page Count: 32 Pages

• Creative Team:

  • Creators: Chap Taylor & Peter Johnson

  • Writer: Chap Taylor

  • Artist: Michael Ryan

  • Colorist: Peter Steigerwald

  • Cover Artist: Michael Ryan

• Format: Full Color | Aspen Comics