Black House Comics
| Company type | Independent publisher |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founder | Baden Kirgan |
| Defunct | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Comic books, graphic novels, magazines, pulp fiction novellas |
Black House Comics was an independent Australian publisher specializing in comic books and graphic novels, established in 2008 by Baden Kirgan. Kirgan initiated the company as an "Australia Vertigo" imprint under the umbrella of his thriving printing business, Jeffries Printing Services. The publisher concentrated on delivering dark-themed narratives spanning various genres, presented in premium print quality. Its premier series was The Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes.
Within Australia, distribution was managed through Gordon and Gotch, supplying newsagents, while international sales were conducted via the online store blackboox.net.
Although Black House Comics discontinued operations in 2014, numerous titles have persisted through independent or alternative publishing houses.
The Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes
This ongoing series reinterprets Sherlock Holmes set against a Victorian England backdrop, merging gothic Victorian elements with influences from 1960s British Hammer horror films. The creative team comprises devoted Sherlock Holmes aficionados. A total of seven issues were published, with further editions anticipated. Writer: Christopher Sequeira. Artist: Phil Cornell. Cover Artist: Dave Elsey. Publication Period: 2008–2012.
Eeek!
A retro-horror anthology produced entirely by Australian creators, drawing inspiration from mid-20th century American black-and-white comics magazines. Five issues were released, with additional installments planned post-2012. The initial five issues were also collected into graphic novel editions. Writer / Artist: Jason Paulos. Cover Artist: Jason Paulos. Publication Period: 2010–2012.
Pay Through the Soul
This satirical anthology features webcomic strips centered on Cloud Bitch and other characters inhabiting a parallel universe, providing commentary on modern social relationships and societal themes. Writer / Artist: M Emery. Publication Year: 2011.
The Soldier Legacy
Following an Australian World War II soldier who assumes the superhero identity "The Soldier" to commemorate a fallen comrade, this series also chronicles his grandson confronting contemporary gang-related violence. Three issues have been released, with more planned. Writer / Artist: Paul Mason. Publication Period: 2011–2012.
The Twilight Age
A five-issue miniseries focusing on FBI agent Justin Barnett's pursuit of a serial killer known as "Dracula" amidst a worldwide epidemic. Writer / Artist: Jan Scherpenhuizen. Publication Period: 2008–2009.
Criminal Element
An anthology comprising ten crime stories featuring characters such as gangsters, hitmen, saboteurs, and bounty hunters. Editor: Jason Franks. Writers/Artists: Various contributors. Cover Artist: Jason Paulos. Publication Year: 2012.
The Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes
This volume collects the first four issues from the Sherlock Holmes comic series. Writer: Christopher Sequeira. Artist: Phil Cornell. Cover Artist: Dave Elsey. Publication Year: 2011.
Eeek! Volume 2
A compilation of the first five comics in the series; Volume 1 was originally published by Asylum Press in the United States. Writer/Artist: Jason Paulos and collaborators. Cover Artist: Jason Paulos. Publication Year: 2012.
The Guzumo Show
A satirical comic strip collection offering sharp commentary on issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia, religion, politics, and societal challenges. Writer / Artist: M Emery. Publication Year: 2010.
McBlack
Set within a dystopian science fiction environment, this story follows Whiteface McBlack, an ex-detective who becomes a spectral madman involved in acts of murder and destruction. Writer / Artist: Jason Franks. Publication Year: 2011.
A Mind of Love
Centers on the fixation of an adult bookstore employee on a waitress, delving into the influence of technology and pornography on contemporary male identity. Writer / Artist: Bruce Mutard. Publication Year: 2010.
Terra
A triannual magazine available on newsstands that showcases serialized narratives in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and crime genres, created by prominent Australian comic artists. Editor: Jason Franks. Contributors: Various. First Published: 2012.
After the World
This collection of novellas takes place in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, with each story standing alone but sharing the same universe. Included titles are Killable Hours, Gravesend, Corpus Christi, Army Corpse, and the anthology Pack Rules. Authors featured include Jason Fischer, Clay Blakehills, and Jason Franks. Cover illustrations by Jason Paulos. Released between 2010 and 2012.
Media
The Soldier Legacy was showcased in a Youi Insurance advertisement broadcast on Australian television starting in October 2011.
Baden Kirgan, publisher of Black House Comics, appeared as a judge during a superhero costume challenge on Beauty and the Geek Australia, aired on 27 October 2011.
Other
Dave Elsey, who created the cover art for The Dark Detective: Sherlock Holmes, earned the 2011 Academy Award for Best Special Effects Makeup for his work on The Wolfman.
In 2010, Jason Paulos was nominated for an Aurealis Award in the category of Best Illustrated Book or Graphic Novel for Eeek! Weird Tales of Suspense.
Black House Comics was a sponsor of the first Australian Society of Authors (ASA) Comics Masterclass held in Sydney in November 2011, featuring Colleen Doran.