The Conjuring Universe expands with new DC Horror comic book series

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

This summer, DC Comics will be launching a new 17+ imprint called DC Horror, which the company promises will "deliver a new level of suspense and terror guaranteed to have fans reading with the lights on, even in the daytime". And given DC's connection to Warner Bros./New Line Cinema, what better way could there be to get DC Horror started than with a series that ties in with the studio's extremely successful Conjuring Universe?

DC Horror begins with a five-issue monthly limited series called The Conjuring: The Lover, which serves as a prelude to The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. Written by author Rex Ogle and The Conjuring 2 and The Devil Made Me Do It screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, The Lover will expand 

the tragic story of Jessica, a college freshman returning to campus after winter break, bringing with her the anxieties of last semester’s poor grades, the awkwardness of facing a boy she wishes she’d never slept with, and an undeniably unnerving feeling of being watched.

Jessica soon comes to realize that something evil has made her its target, and it will not rest until it has her in its unholy grip. But why did this sinister presence set its sights on a seemingly normal college freshman?

DC's Editor-in-Chief Marie Javins had this to say: 

From early titles like House of Mystery and House of Secrets to current series featuring Swamp Thing and John Constantine: Hellblazer, DC has always been the home of great horror comics and characters. DC HORROR continues this tradition with new frightening tales from both well-known and new storytellers that will keep fans spooked and entertained."

The Conjuring: The Lover will feature art by Garry Brown and cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz. Garry Brown and Ryan Brown have also created variant covers for the first issue. The covers can be seen below, and the character on one appears to be The Occultist, who is also seen in the trailer for The Devil Made Me Do It.

The series will include backup stories that explore the mysteries of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren's haunted artifact room. The backup story in issue #1 was written by Scott Snyder, with art by Denys Cowan. Issue #2 brings a backup story by Che Grayson, with art by Juan Ferreyra.

The first issue of The Conjuring: The Lover will reach stores and digital platforms the same day The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It reaches theatres and HBO Max, June 4th. Issue #2 will follow on July 2nd.

Each 22-page issue of The Conjuring: The Lover will sell for $3.99, with card stock variants available for $4.99.