(June 23, 2026) There’s something about the festive holiday season that brings out the fear in every family…
Legendary writer Steve Niles and acclaimed artist Damien Worm are collaborating on an all-new graphic novel that puts a unique twist on a classic horror tradition: the holiday ghost story. Heartbreak Manor is an ambitious and artful horror story about a desperate young orphan who must uncover the deadly secret hidden that lurks within the walls of an old mansion. To bring this haunting, Gothic ghost story to life, Niles and Worm are headed to Zoop for the first time.
Sally Madison’s wealthy new parents appear eager to provide her with everything she could ever desire, when she first moves in. Sally’s grateful for being rescued from the orphanage, but she’s having a hard time being able to trust her adoptive family. It doesn’t help that her new home is a mysterious mansion, full of secrets and rooms that are strictly off limits. As she tries to navigate the peculiar place and her new life, Sally takes it upon herself to find out why so many doors are locked and why her new parents disappear at night… And as Christmas approaches, she realizes she must uncover the deadly secret of Heartbreak Manor before it’s too late.
“I began writing Heartbreak Manor a few years ago and my first thought was Damien for the art,” said Niles. “The story’s set in New York, 1912. It’s a time when the old and new worlds began to collide, and I wanted to go back in time, reduce the technology and make an old-fashioned ghost story. I’m working with Zoop as they’re a great alternative for comic creators to help raise money and crowdfund new books. We want to have fans who truly want a beautiful, hardcover artbook get involved and help us bring Heartbreak Manor to life.”
The 100 page hardcover book is written by Niles, illustrated and colored by Worm, and edited and lettered by goth icon Monica Richards (Faith and the Muse), who is also working with darkwave artist Anthony Roumanis to create a 30-minute Heartbreak Manor Original Soundtrack. The Zoop campaign for Heartbreak Manor features exclusive prints by Damien Worm; remarques by the artist; a copy of the soundtrack; signed books; and even a tier where fans can be drawn into the book to experience the horrors of the manor alongside Sally.
“I’m really thrilled to compose a soundtrack for Heartbreak Manor,” said Richards. “Much of my music is known as cinematic, so my fans know this is right in my wheelhouse. I work with darkwave artist Anthony Roumanis often. He has an Otherworldly flair that will really add beauty and depth to the ghostly world of Heartbreak Manor.”
Heartbreak Manor marks Steve Niles’s sixth collaboration with Damien Worm, whose hand-drawn and digital dark art style is distinctly recognizable. In addition to co-creating Monster & Madman and October Faction (which was also released on Netflix) with Niles, Worm has drawn the comic adaptations of numerous fan-favorite video games, including Titan Comics’ Dark Souls: Legends of the Flame, and Bloodborne: Lady of the Lanterns.
“Working with Steve is always a joy, because his scripts get straight to the point on every page and panel, and then he gives you total freedom to bring them to life in your own way.” says Damien Worm. “I’ve always loved the aesthetic of the early 1900s. I genuinely believe that, thanks to its atmosphere, artistic style, and stunning interior and exterior architecture, it’s one of the best periods for creating a horror story. For me, it will always have a certain magical stuff that the modern era simply doesn’t. That’s why I think Heartbreak Manor,is my personal homage to everything I’ve always loved about the previous century — gothic ghost novels, a disturbing yet beautiful and captivating atmosphere.It will capture the complete look and feel of a period mansion, where ghosts are woven into the decor like another element of the setting.”
The Zoop crowdfunding campaign is now live. To support the campaign, visit Zoop and be sure to follow Steve Niles on Bluesky, Instagram, and Facebook for more updates.
ABOUT THE WRITER: Steve Niles is a literary horror legend. The California-based writer is best known for the iconic 30 Days of Night series with acclaimed artist Ben Templesmith, which helped redefine the modern vampire. A prolific and popular writer, Niles has written many acclaimed storylines, starring characters as diverse as Batman, Kick-Ass, Kolchak, Red Sonja, Spawn and even Ash of the Army of Darkness. And he’s also adapted the works of horror icons Clive Barker, Richard Matheson, and Harlan Ellison into comic form. Niles has received the prestigious Inkpot Award and received multiple nominations for both the Will Eisner Award and the Bram Stoker Award. He’s worked with publishers including Storm King, IDW, Dark Horse, Image Comics and more.
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Damien Worm is an acclaimed horror comic artist and illustrator based in Spain. His style is distinctly recognizable, between hand-drawn and digital dark art. He is co-creator of IDW’s October Faction and Monster & Madman, and video game-based comics, including Titan Comics Dark Souls: Legends of the Flame, and Bloodborne: Lady of the Lanterns.
ABOUT ZOOP: Zoop is the new home for creator-owned crowdfunding. For publishers and creators, Zoop is an all-in-one pre-order, production, fulfillment, and marketing solution that connects them directly to their fans.
