A.V. Pull List: Jumpscare is a new horror comic with a fun gimmick

Horror and superhero fans, unite. Dark Horse Comics just dropped something that deserves to be on your radar. Jumpscare, the new series from the always-busy horror maestro Cullen Bunn, blends everything we love about caped crusaders, slasher flicks, and Lovecraftian dread into one high-concept bloodbath of a comic.

The premise? A horror-loving young woman suddenly finds herself with powers. And not just the usual “fly and punch” kind. She becomes her world’s top superhero, protecting people from supernatural nightmares with a gimmick that’s as fun as it is chaotic: she can summon weapons from any horror movie she’s ever seen.

Now before you get too excited imagining her wielding Freddy Krueger’s glove or Ash’s chainsaw hand, hold up. Due to licensing (which we all know is a real pain in the neck, or jugular in this case), the weapons she uses aren’t pulled from actual horror franchises. Instead, they’re clever and often hilarious in-universe spins on the classics we know and love. But don’t worry, they name-drop plenty of real-world horror movies in the dialogue, which makes it feel like a love letter to the genre even if she’s not literally throwing Chucky’s knife. And yeah, I admit it’s a tiny bit disappointing that we don’t get to see her slicing through recognizable horror weapons. But honestly, that’s not the comic’s fault. Rights are complicated, and at least the team makes up for it with bloody creativity.

Beyond the hook, the first issue does a great job setting up the world, tone, and lead character. She’s both relatable and completely badass. This isn’t just a gimmick book. It’s got lore, character drama, and hints of something far more eldritch lurking beneath the surface. If you’re into Marvel or DC superheroes, horror movies, or Lovecraftian cosmic madness, this comic is absolutely your jam.

Of course, the big question is whether Jumpscare can maintain the momentum it started with. The concept is strong, the world is engaging, and it has just the right amount of reverence and irreverence for horror tropes. If they keep leaning into the creativity and character development, this could easily become one of the standout horror comics of the year.

So what are you waiting for? Go to your local comic shop, ask for Jumpscare, and get it on your pull list. Or, if you prefer to wait and binge, keep your eyes peeled for the trade when it drops. This is one book worth supporting.

Let me know in the comments: Are you picking it up? What classic horror weapon would you conjure if rights were no issue?

-Brad McBoom