"A chilling reflection on the cost of overreliance on technology and the seductive power of virtual realities to reshape our identities and relationships, sure to resonate with both horror and science fiction fans." —Library Journal

YOU'RE ONLY ALIVE IF YOU'RE ONLINE . . .

The twenty-first century sucks hard, but it's been made somewhat tolerable by the latest media innovation to finally unseat the iPhone. Enter the Dreamwave: the first gaming console played entirely while you sleep.

Now the obsession of millions around the globe, it's also the one point of solace for four friends whose lives have been marred by trauma and dysfunction. Together, this group of ultra-online "Cemetery Kids" spend their nights roaming the open world of the most immersive and brutal horror game ever created: "Nightmare Cemetery." Together they seek to dethrone an enigmatic humanoid monster known only as the "The King of Sleep."

Which was fun—until one of them doesn't wake up . . . and finds their consciousness locked inside a horror game that is anything but imaginary. Now, the three remaining Cemetery Kids must navigate the game's forbidden landscape to rescue their friend . . . and pray that the secret lurking at its center doesn't follow them home.

Experience an exhilarating, terrifying adventure downloading from the cortexes of critically acclaimed writer Zac Thompson (Hunt for the Skinwalker, The Dregs) and blockbuster artist Daniel Irizarri (XINO, Judge Dredd)!

Zac Thompson is a multidisciplinary writer from Prince Edward Island, Canada. He is best known for his work at Marvel Comics, including the eco-horror title Ka-Zar: Lord of the Savage Land and showrunning the Age of X-Man event. He has also written characters like Batman and Swamp Thing at DC Comics. In 2017, Zac released his critically acclaimed debut graphic novel, The Dregs. His 2018 follow up, Come Into Me, was named one of the Best 100 Horror Comics of All Time by Paste magazine. In 2021, his science-fiction horror series I Breathed A Body was called one of the best comics of the year by SYFY. In 2022, Thompson's original screenplay The Replacer was selected for production financing from Telefilm Canada. Zac has also written stories for Vice, Huff Post, IGN, Seraphim Films, Image Comics, and many other publications. When Zac's not out foraging for mushrooms or cycling, you can find him at the cinema or walking his dog, Astra.

Zac Thompson's profile page

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Daniel Irizarri has been illustrating or drawing comics for the majority of his life. His art can be found in various projects, including Cloudia and Rex published by Magnetic Press, Judge Dredd: The Blessed Earth and Star Trek Waypoint 2019 one-shot from IDW, and the Oni Press anthology XINO. Additionally, his art can be seen in the Kickstarter hit Holy West, and a variety of self-published efforts like his Otherworldly sci-fi and fantasy artbooks. He spends his days on the north coast of the island with his lovely girlfriend and their cats.

Daniel Irizarri's profile page

Gegê Schall's profile page

“Cemetery Kids Don’t Die dives right in, creating a vivid tangible world centered upon relatable characters who feel fleshed-out and real from the word go. A scary but emotionally powerful story full of artwork that hits the mark, making sure every emotion and beat is truly felt.”

Comiccon.com

"A stunning work of art.”

Gate Crashers

"A chilling reflection on the cost of overreliance on technology and the seductive power of virtual realities to reshape our identities and relationships, sure to resonate with both horror and science fiction fans."

<I><B>Library Journal</B></I>

“Dangerous hallucinatory states in the service of commercial entertainment, the blurring lines between dream and reality, the kids who can't turn away however much they know they must. Great stuff.”

Jed McKay

"a chilling tale sure to appeal to video game fans."

CBR

"Writer Thompson creates an interesting premise that mixes the ideas of Sword Art Online with the terror of Nightmare on Elm Street. [...] Irizarri and Peer's vibrantly colored artwork certainly makes the piece come to life by expertly switching from video-game-style gore and inventive monster design to full on body horror at the right moments. An interesting premise that will appeal to fans of horror and video games."

<B><I>Booklist</I></B>

“A blast. Touted as EXISTENZ meets A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, it delivers on that promise. Dream fantasy bleeds into twisted reality for a dark, disturbing ride that's terrifyingly fun.”

Chris Condon, <I>That Texas Blood</I>

“Nothing short of terrifying… a very rewarding read… Thompson [is] comics’ very own Cronenberg.”

<I>Comics Beat</I>

“Easily one of my most anticipated releases of 2024”

<I>Daily Dead</I>

"Cemetery Kids Don’t Die is the horror take on Ready Player One you’ve been waiting for.”

AIPT