Not to be confused with the 1976 Dennis Hopper film, this Mad Dog Morgan is a graphic novel combining classic haunted house tropes, inventively grotesque body horror and the pro wrestling world. The result: a feel-good redemption tale that’s ultimately as much supernatural superhero origin story as it is horror.

Down-on-his-luck wrestler “Mad Dog” Morgan is ready to drink himself to death when he enters the Gideon House, an abandoned gaping maw of madness and malice, as it reveals itself to Morgan in the form of a TV show broadcast on an unplugged TV set. There are clues the house has been used for the filming of Slumber Party Slaughter IV — and less cinematic forms of slaughter. Morgan is the latest disgraced celebrity to move in, only to be hounded by the house’s assortment of grisly, voracious supernatural inhabitants.

The house offers Morgan a last chance at proving himself more than just a wrestler who makes his living by throwing matches, and he has three unlikely allies to help: Hilda, a young, redheaded girl from next door who has formed a strange bond with the house; an enigmatic, slightly sinister liquor store manager; and an entity known as Abraxas, neither angel nor demon—the kind of independent occult being who could wind up saving your soul or damning it for eternity.

Co-authors Adam Lawson (whose credits include The Exiled graphic novel with Wesley Snipes) and Brian Christgau (author of the critically acclaimed comic book series Six-Gun Gorilla: Long Days of Vengeance) are skillful at writing horror and action, also revealing a wry sense of humor. Meanwhile, artist Maxi Dall’o (veteran of Heavy Metal Magazine and AfterShock Comics), creates visually distinct characters, well-acted sequences with great body language and facial expressions, gorgeously designed panels and splendidly over-the-top body horror antagonists.

This is a book that justifies its hefty price tag. Readers will turn the last page hoping the final panel’s teaser is actually the beginning of another tale.

Highly recommended for fans of John Carpenter’s 1968 horror classic They Live.