Steve Niles Returns to Cal McDonald in New Clover Press Collection ‘Plague of Evil and Other Stories

Steve Niles, the comic book writer who co-created the cult classic vampire saga 30 Days of Night, is bringing one of his most beloved creations back from the dead. Nearly 40 years after first introducing the hard-boiled paranormal detective Cal McDonald to readers, Niles is set to publish a brand-new collection titled Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories through Clover Press. The Kickstarter campaign for the volume is now live, and IGN has exclusively debuted a fresh preview of the book’s title story, offering a first look at the artwork and narrative that will define the release.

Cal McDonald has long been a fixture of Niles’ catalog, a world-weary sleuth who navigates the supernatural with the same gruff charm as a classic noir protagonist. The new collection features ten new tales written by Niles himself, each paired with an illustration from a different comic book artist. The roster of collaborators is a who’s who of the industry, including Cat Staggs, Liam Sharp, Scott Morse, Christopher Mitten, Gyula Nemeth, Steven Russell Black, Francesco Francavilla, Alison Sampson, and Damien Worm. Together, these artists will lend their distinctive visual voices to stories that place Cal and his undead sidekick at the center of a monstrous, chaotic world.

A Noir Detective Returns to Los Angeles

The book will be published through Clover Press’ new creator-owned imprint, The Fourth Leaf, marking a fresh chapter for the label as it expands its catalog of original works. According to the company’s press release, the collection draws on the literary lineage of hard-boiled fiction, positioning Niles’ work within a tradition that stretches back to the golden age of detective noir.

“In the tradition of Mickey Spillane and Raymond Chandler, Niles sends Cal and his undead sidekick on a strange journey through a Los Angeles populated by monsters, freaks, ghouls, and all kinds of new creatures hell-bent on causing chaos.”

Clover Press

The setting itself is a notable departure for the character, as the stories transport Cal away from his familiar haunts and into a modern metropolis overrun by the unnatural. This shift in tone and geography promises a fresh dynamic for longtime fans while inviting new readers to experience the character in a contemporary context.

Niles Reflects on Four Decades of Cal McDonald

For Niles, the return to Cal McDonald is both a personal milestone and a labor of love. The character has been a constant presence in his career, and the new volume represents a rare opportunity to revisit him after a lengthy absence.

“It’s hard to believe but I’ve been writing Cal McDonald in one form or another for almost forty years now,” said Niles in a statement. “The last short story collection came out almost 20 years ago, so I am excited to have Plague of Evil coming out through Clover Press. Cal has always been my favorite character to write and it feels good to be back in the saddle again. I am especially thrilled with this volume because I have so many friends along for the ride; some of my favorite artists in the industry have added their talents. I hope readers enjoy this collection because I’m aching to do more.”

Steve Niles

The writer’s enthusiasm is evident in his remarks, particularly his pride in the collaborative effort that brought together so many of his peers. The inclusion of such a diverse group of artists not only enriches the visual storytelling but also signals the broad appeal of Niles’ work across the comics community.

What Backers Can Expect

For those interested in supporting the project directly, the crowdfunding page for Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories remains open, offering a range of optional bonuses for backers. These include prints, lithographs, stickers, buttons, and a slipcase upgrade, allowing supporters to collect tangible memorabilia tied to the release.

The combination of Niles’ seasoned prose and the varied talents of his artistic collaborators positions this collection as a standout entry in Clover Press’ creator-owned lineup. As the campaign gains momentum, the anticipation among fans of the 30 Days of Night franchise and Niles’ broader body of work continues to grow, with many eager to see how Cal McDonald fares in his return to the streets of a monster-infested Los Angeles.

Looking Ahead

With the Kickstarter now live and the preview gallery already in circulation, the release of Cal McDonald: Plague of Evil and Other Stories is steadily approaching. Fans who have followed Niles’ career since his early days on 30 Days of Night will likely appreciate the depth of experience and craft that the writer brings to this latest chapter. As the campaign progresses, backers and readers alike can expect further updates on the timeline, along with additional glimpses into the stories that promise to keep Cal McDonald’s legend alive for another generation.