The strife of Brian Newman and his supernatural evil twin Big Winner continue. While the doctors promised Brian salvation with the surgical chip implanted in his brain, the results brought a hell on earth. Courtesy of the technology Brian brings his nightmare visions into reality, and he can travel into other people’s minds via technology.

Meanwhile, an ominous obsidian cube formed around Brian’s body in the lab. Those who come in contact with the structure face a terrible fate. And the doctors assisting Brian don’t fare any better, either.

The interesting elements of the plot arising in the issue are the technological means to transfer torment to those around Brian and the neurological symptoms that accompany Brian’s malady. Unfortunately, those parts are subdued by the dream world or real world? scenarios where Brian’s mind creates horrible measures that cross into reality. So much of the elements of this issue feel like recycled 80's horror elements. Throw in a little Dreamscape and Nightmare on Elm Street, mix with Firestarter, and you have a concoction that fits this story well.

Like the issue before it, Tales From the Darkside reads like it can be something great but gets mired in a middle ground of interesting premises with minimal punch that result in not much horror at all.

I get the feeling I know why this was not picked up for television.

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Tales from The Darkside #3 Writer: Joe Hill Adaptation: Michael Benedetto Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital

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