You’ll Do Bad Things
Creative Team
writer: TYLER BOSS
artist: ADRIANO TURTULICI
letterer: HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
publisher: IMAGE COMICS
When a writer sits down in front of a blank page, there is always a lingering fear in the back of their mind: what if the words simply stop coming? In You'll Do Bad Things, the six-issue limited series published by Image Comics, writer Tyler Boss takes that anxiety and transforms it into a nightmare, writing a psychological horror story that explores what may be the most terrifying thing that can happen to any creative professional: the writer's block.
You'll Do Bad Things follows writer Seth Holms, who hasn't published anything in ten years, ever since the release of He Came with a Smile, a true-crime hit chronicling the brutal murders committed by the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now struggling to regain control over both his work and his life, Seth finally finds inspiration for a new book - only for reality to begin unraveling around him when he realises that the horrific events he is writing about are beginning to happen in real life as well.
Boss builds tension patiently, blurring the line between imagination and reality and inspiration, until the reader is no longer certain where one ends and the other begins. The result is a story that feels deeply personal while simultaneously embracing the conventions of horror cinema.
What truly stands out in the series, however, is Adriano Turtulici's artwork. If the script provides the nightmare, Turtulici gives it a (scary) face and a knife. The artist has described the book as a love letter to the Italian giallo tradition, and that influence is visible on every page. Bold compositions, striking use of shadows, unsettling facial expressions, and bursts of violence evoke the atmosphere of classic Italian thrillers. Readers familiar with the works of directors like Dario Argento will immediately recognise the DNA that runs through the book, yet Turtulici never falls into simple imitation. Instead, he channels those influences into something that feels fresh and uniquely suited for the comic book genre.
One of the many aspects of Turtulici's artwork that I enjoyed is his use of color. The palette is employed so intelligently that it becomes an integral part of the storytelling rather than a mere aesthetic choice designed to make the book more visually appealing.
Readers will quickly notice how colder, brighter colours dominate scenes driven by dialogue and character interaction, moments in which the narrative slows down and allows the tension to build gradually. In contrast, warm colours such as orange and vivid red take over during scenes of violence and danger. These sequences typically feature less dialogue and a more frantic page flow, creating a faster, more chaotic reading experience. As a result, color becomes another storytelling tool in Turtulici's arsenal, subtly guiding the reader through the book's shifts in pace and mood.
This shift in color palette can sometimes be observed within a single page, as the narrative rapidly transitions from relatively calm moments to scenes charged with tension and anxiety.
The visual storytelling is further enhanced by the work of Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, whose lettering once again proves why he is considered one of the best in the industry. Whether through sharp narration or carefully paced dialogue, Otsmane-Elhaou guides the reader deeper into Seth's nightmare. His contribution is not simply functional but it becomes an essential part of the storytelling, amplifying the tension and reinforcing the narrative.
A special mention also goes to the cover gallery included at the end of the trade paperback. Featuring artwork by Adriano Turtulici and Tyler Boss alongside contributions from talented artists such as Gigi Cavenago, Marcos Martín, and Jenna Cha, the collection is packed with gorgeous illustrations that highlight the creativity behind the series. It's a welcome bonus for readers and a testament to the artistic talent involved in bringing You'll Do Bad Things to life.
Together, Boss, Turtulici, and Otsmane-Elhaou create a comic that feels like stepping into a fever dream. The series captures the helplessness of creative paralysis and transforms it into psychological horror, while simultaneously paying tribute to the rich legacy of Italian giallo cinema. The result is a haunting reading experience that lingers long after the final page, recalling the atmosphere and unease of the finest Dario Argento films.
You'll Do Bad Things is one of the most visually distinctive horror comics released in recent years. Tyler Boss delivers a compelling exploration of creativity, obsession, and fear, while Adriano Turtulici's stunning giallo-influenced artwork gives the series a unique identity. Combined with Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou's masterful lettering, the book becomes an immersive descent into a nightmare that horror fans - and especially lovers of Italian genre cinema - should not miss.
Final Verdict: Must Read
