The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #1
/1.webp "The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #1")
| Writer | Chris Condon |
| Artist | Jacob Phillips |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
New York City, 1941. Ezra Cain is a private investigator with a reputation for taking it on the chin if it means solving a case. But it's his former life as an archaeology student that makes him the only man to track down an artifact that’s gone missing from the Museum of Natural History…an ancient anvil said to hold the power of the Greek god Hephaestus. If someone could harness that power, they could bend nations to their will. Science fiction quickly becomes Cain's reality when a shadowy sect calling themselves the Brutal Dark appears in the city wielding resources that defy human logic. Now Ezra is the only thing that stands between them more
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Kabooooom - Matt Morrison
Feb 26, 2026It is rare for a new comic series to grab my attention immediately and leave me anxious for the next issue. The Peril of the Brutal Dark has done that. Hopefully this will be the first of many Ezra Cain mysteries to come. Read Full Review
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10
Comic Book Clique - Abel Loza
Mar 03, 2026The team of Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips will have a set of eyes on them from one of the big publishers. If the start of The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #1 is any indication of what a first impression might be for first-time readers, Condon and Phillips will be writing for DC and Vertigo for a while. Read Full Review
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9.5
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
This issue is a classic slow-burn noir, but there’s a supernatural edge to everything surrounding it that makes it feel new despite how many influences it skillfully pulls from. Read Full Review
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9.5
AIPT - Jonathan Waugh
Feb 25, 2026A fantastic introduction to the world of Ezra Cain, Peril of the Brutal Dark #1 mixes Indiana Jones, Sandman Mystery Theater, and Dick Tracy into a compelling new series. Read Full Review
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9.0
Nerd Initiative - Megan Nichole
Feb 25, 2026I found The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Story #1 to be a breath of fresh air amongst all the superhero hype in the comic book world. I am very excited to see where this story goes! Read Full Review
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9.0
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Feb 25, 2026A theft of a mythical artifact draws the attention of a determined Private Investigator in a thrilling mystery. Condon crafts a timeless tale of wonder and grit with the writing. Phillips swings big with spectacular art. This debut will have fans wanting more with how impressive the storytelling is. Read Full Review
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9.0
Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez
Feb 26, 2026The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #1 nails the pulp-noir sweet spot, blending Cain's gritty hustle with anvil-fueled myth in a package that punches above its page count. In a limited stack, it earns prime slot for its sharp execution and hook-laden promise, rewarding fans of Condon and Phillips' mature grit without demanding prior reads. Straight fire for noir adventurers; your pull list just got tougher.9/10We hope you found this article interesting. Come back for more reviews, previews, and opinions on comics, and don’t forget to follow us on social media: Read Full Review
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8.9
Comic Watch - Lillian Hochwender
Feb 25, 2026The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #1 asks what would happen if Indiana Jones became a detective instead of a professor. The result is thirty-odd pages of nostalgic pulp and gorgeous noir. Read Full Review
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6.8
Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton
Feb 25, 2026The Peril of the Brutal Dark #1 finds its sea legs in the third act, and the cliffhanger and supplemental material are what make it a "Read" Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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10
Off to an intriguing start, to what I’m sure will be an entertaining cat-and-mouse-game. Condon and Phillips establish a politically tense world in the midst of World War II, while still keeping the mystery breezy and entertaining.
+ Like • Comment -
9.0
The slow lazy style of the story blended in perfectly with the grimy noir style art. It reminded me of an old 60's detective story with a modern Occult twist. In truth, I found this opening issue charming and nostalgic and for that alone i will be back for issue 2. DC are really upping the game lately......Jonn
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8.0
A pretty solid start here. Condon provides just enough for this to stay interesting throughout, and I really enjoyed the art from Phillips here. This did a really nice job establishing everything before getting into the meat & potatoes. Love that this has to do with Greek Mythology, also, as I've always had an interest in it since I was younger (thanks Poptropica).
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9.5
2025 In Review:
