Get Lost in a Dream (or is it a Nightmare?) in This Early Look at the Eerie and Electrifying Second Issue by Nick Cagnetti & Daniel Ziegler — Out This February!
A HERO OUT OF HELL! Oni Press – the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997 – is thrilled to announce that SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS #1 (of 5) has sold out at the distributor level and will return with a brand-new second printing on February 25th! The first issue of the new year’s most spectacular, eye-popping indie horror hit by retro-powered cartoonist Nick Cagnetti (Pink Lemonade) and co-creator Daniel Ziegler (Elodie) will return with a second printing variant cover by Cagnetti — just in time for the all-new mystical chapter SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS #2 (of 5), also hitting storeson February 25th. Ahead of both issues landing in stores on February 25th, Oni is proud to present a first look inside the ethereally kaleidoscopic second issue below.
“Things heat up hugely in the second issue, and part of that you can see from these previews where we’ve got three double-page spreads in a row, each taking place subsequently in our three main settings: the living world, the Spirit Realm, and the flashbacks,” said Nick Cagnetti. “Each of those stylistic differences are put on display here as we keep unraveling Erik’s journey, going deeper towards more startling places simultaneously in each of our settings as they inevitably converge! These three probably still aren’t even the craziest spread of this issue, either!”
As the deceased musician Erik Leroux journeys through an eerie underworld realm alongside the enigmatic Elizabeth, the truth of his forgotten past begins to unfold—one page at a time. But in the land of the living, danger brews as a vengeful witch named Helena and her arcane pet rabbit, Haruspex, mark Erik for destruction. But what dark grudge binds her to a man who no longer walks among the living? And how does it all tie back to Erik’s long-lost love—the mysterious Katrina? Ghosts, grief, and grim revelations collide in this twisted tale of love, memory, and the shadows from the past!
“Seeing the overwhelming excitement for Spirit of the Shadows has been such a rewarding start to this book’s journey out into the world, and we’re so glad even more readers will now have a chance to pick up the first issue beyond its initial release,” said Daniel Ziegler. “As the truth of Erik’s dark past continues to emerge, we made sure to fill each issue to the brim with mystery, romance, and supernatural goodness, so you won’t want to miss a moment!”
PRAISE FOR SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS #1
“Spirit of the Shadows is one of the most stylish horror comics in years… Easily one of the most visually stunning horror comics we’ve seen in a long time. This is definitely a series to watch for in 2026.”—IGN
“These pages crackle with vibrant colors and in-your-face layouts, drawing inspiration from comic-book legends like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko to create a mystical world that explodes off the page.”—AV CLUB
“A psychedelic plunge into the afterlife that looks unlike anything else on the stands…Visually, the first issue is an absolute feast. The art crackles with the kind of kinetic energy you associate with Jack Kirby, splashed with a colorful, pop-art weirdness that feels straight out of a Mike Allred fever dream. Layer on top of that a Spirit World that echoes Steve Ditko’s Doctor Strange astral dimension, and you get a setting that constantly tickles the imagination… Spirits of the Shadows #1 is bold, weird, and bursting with imagination..”—AIPT
“Spirit of the Shadows #1 features some of the best color work I’ve seen in a book all year… Overall, this is just a great-looking and interesting comic, one that stands well on its own as an exciting new series and also feels like a great step forward for a rising star artist… Spirit of the Shadows is absolutely atop my most anticipated comics of 2026 list.”—COMICS BEAT
“The artwork by Nick Cagnetti is nothing short of phenomenal… SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS is a confident, masterful read that proves you don’t need cheap jump scares to leave a lasting mark. This is the kind of horror comic that sticks with you, long after the final page is turned.”—TRULY DISTURBING
“The vibrant color palette really draws you into the story.”—THE DAILY DEAD
“Deftly blends the supernatural and superhero.”—FANBASE PRESS
“The wildest, weirdest book of the year is here, and you don’t want to miss it.”—COMIC BOOK CLUB LIVE
In the tradition of Jack Kirby’s The Demon, Mike Allred’s Madman, and Todd McFarlane’s Spawn, meet the next great addition to the canon of horror heroes. With covers by Cagnetti as well as Ian Higgenbotham (Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), see Cagnetti and Ziegler unleash both issues of the outrageously otherworldly comic book saga for the ages on February 25th!
For more updates on Oni Press, visit them on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.
SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS #1 (of 5) SECOND PRINTING
WRITTEN BY NICK CAGNETTI & DANIEL ZIEGLER
ART BY NICK CAGNETTI
COVER BY NICK CAGNETTI
ON SALE FEBRUARY 25th, 2026 | $4.99 | 32 PGS | FC
IOD: 12/27/2025
FOC: 2/2/2026
SPIRIT OF THE SHADOWS #2 (of 5)
WRITTEN BY NICK CAGNETTI & DANIEL ZIEGLER
ART BY NICK CAGNETTI
COVER A BY NICK CAGNETTI
COVER B BY IAN HIGGENBOTHAM
FULL ART VARIANT (1:10) BY NICK CAGNETTI
ON SALE FEBRUARY 25th, 2026 | $4.99 | 32 PGS | FC
IOD: 12/27/25
FOC: 2/2/26