House of Secrets – Facade #1–2
Genre
Psychological Horror, Supernatural Mystery, Dark Fantasy
Main Characters
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Rain Harper – A former teenage runaway and reluctant judge of the supernatural tribunal known as the Juris.
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The Juris – A ghostly court that delivers justice by exposing personal secrets.
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Faceless Man – A mysterious figure whose presence haunts the protagonist, challenging her perception of reality and truth.
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Agatha – A spectral member of the Juris, serving as both mentor and moral compass for Rain.
Writer
Steven T. Seagle – Known for his cerebral storytelling and character-driven plots, Seagle brings psychological weight and symbolic nuance to the horror genre.
Artist
Teddy Kristiansen – Famed for his haunting, expressionist art style, Kristiansen returns to infuse Facade with moody textures and emotionally resonant visuals that heighten the surreal tone of the narrative.
Editor Details
Shelly Bond – As a key figure in Vertigo’s editorial team, Bond curated the original House of Secrets run and continued shaping its eerie aesthetic in this prestige sequel.
Publisher and Brand
DC Comics / Vertigo Imprint – The House of Secrets – Facade mini-series was released under DC's mature-readers Vertigo label, known for its experimental and psychologically complex storytelling.
Release Year
2001
Brief Plot Summary
House of Secrets – Facade picks up after the events of the original 25-issue series. Rain Harper, having once served as an unwilling judge for the ghostly Juris, is now struggling with the aftershocks of her involvement. She attempts to return to a normal life, but the past refuses to let her go. Haunted by secrets—her own and others'—Rain is drawn back into the house and its cursed courtroom. The two-part story explores themes of identity, repression, and the masks people wear to hide their traumas. As Rain confronts a sinister faceless entity, she must decide whether to embrace her fractured psyche or be consumed by it.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“The Return to the House” – Rain is lured back to the mansion, only to find it changed and more dangerous than ever.
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“The Mask and the Mirror” – A metaphysical exploration of truth and self-deception as Rain confronts a being that reflects her hidden fears.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some readers interpret the Facade mini-series as a metaphor for dissociative identity disorder, suggesting that the faceless entity is a manifestation of Rain’s fractured self. Others see it as a commentary on post-traumatic growth—how unresolved guilt and emotional scars can become internalized monsters. The shifting, dreamlike setting reinforces the idea that the House of Secrets is not just a location, but a psychological construct tied to its residents’ darkest truths.
Review Summary
House of Secrets – Facade delivers a dense, atmospheric return to one of Vertigo’s most emotionally complex narratives. Seagle’s writing remains introspective, examining the destructive power of secrecy through layered symbolism. Kristiansen’s art is once again a highlight—expressionist, moody, and evocative, amplifying the psychological tension on every page. Though the mini-series is brief, it provides a haunting, satisfying epilogue to Rain Harper’s journey, filled with introspective horror and philosophical dread.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
