The Twilight Zone #1: BLANK… And You’ll Miss It

The Twilight Zone #1 kicks off a brand-new, anthology-style miniseries from IDW Publishing, reviving the classic TV show in all its black-and-white glory. Take a trip back to the golden age of television, where Rod Serling introduced cracks in the fabric of space and time, windows into worlds similar to our own, yet entirely different. This miniseries draws its inspiration directly from the show, using the anthology format to tell one-and-done stories from today’s all-star creators, giving readers a glimpse into the titular Twilight Zone.

From the opening pages, the comic immediately evokes the beginnings of the show’s episodes, providing readers with an esoteric, mysterious monologue that introduces the main players, the setting, and the deciding factor that makes this entry unique. The issue even hints at Rod Serling himself delivering the introduction, though artist Morgan Beem keeps his likeness hidden. Dan Watters’ writing captures the cadence and tone of Serling’s voice so well that it feels as though he is speaking the words himself, giving this debut an authentic sense of nostalgia.

The story follows billionaire Edward Kane, who is dying of stomach cancer and has dedicated the remainder of his life to finding a cure for death itself, a miracle drug that would allow people to live forever. This obsession sends him down a rabbit hole not unlike Stephen Strange’s search for a cure for his hands. Unlike Strange, however, Kane turns to science rather than mysticism, enlisting a group of researchers to create a serum that forces cells to defy aging and achieve a semblance of immortality.

In classic Twilight Zone fashion, Kane demands that the formula be tested on himself after learning the scientists intend to spend decades researching its safety. With no time to spare, Kane insists on rushing the process, setting in motion unintended consequences that ripple outward into the world around him. This choice becomes the heart of the narrative, underscoring Watters’ theme of carelessness and the dangers of impulsiveness.

Morgan Beem’s pencils highlight the intensely personal tone of the story. This is not a tale of high-flying heroics or action, but one carried by Watters’ dialogue and its subtle nuances. Beem enhances the script by imbuing the characters with an intimate realism that roots the story firmly in its classic television lineage.