The Thing on the Doorstep is a 2026 horror comic series published by Image Comics, written by Simon Birks and illustrated by Willi Roberts. Released as a five-issue limited series, the comic launched with issue #1 on February 11, 2026, featuring 32 full-color pages and a cover price of $3.99. Image Comics describes the series as a chilling tale based on H.P. Lovecraft’s terrifying story, brought to life by Birks and Roberts, who previously collaborated on titles such as ANTARCTICA.
This dark and atmospheric comic follows Daniel Upton and Edward Derby, two lifelong friends whose bond ends in a shocking act of violence. Daniel shoots Edward dead inside the Arkham Sanitorium, yet he insists he did not truly commit the crime. Even though the evidence points directly at him, Daniel’s claim opens the door to a disturbing mystery filled with madness, possession, occult dread, and psychological horror.
At its heart, The Thing on the Doorstep by Image Comics is not just a murder story. It is a slow-burning descent into fear, identity, and the unknown. The comic explores what happens when friendship is twisted by forces beyond human understanding. Edward Derby’s gradual collapse into a horrifying world beyond his control gives the story a tragic emotional weight, while Daniel’s desperate search for truth makes the mystery even more gripping.
Fans of Lovecraftian horror comics will find plenty to enjoy here. The series uses familiar elements of cosmic terror, Arkham’s cursed atmosphere, hidden knowledge, and the terrifying idea that the mind and body may not be as secure as they seem. Rather than relying only on monsters or gore, the story builds tension through paranoia, doomed relationships, and the fear that something unnatural may be wearing a familiar face.
Willi Roberts’ artwork is a major part of the comic’s appeal. His illustrations help create a mood that feels cold, eerie, and unstable, matching the tragic breakdown of Edward Derby and the growing horror surrounding Daniel Upton. The visuals support the story’s psychological edge, making each scene feel heavy with suspicion and dread.
Issue #1 includes Cover A by Willi Roberts, along with variant covers by Lyndon White, while later issues continue the five-part release schedule into June 2026.