Malefic #3 (Devil's Due Publishing 2017)

Malefic #3 (Devil's Due Publishing, 2017) delivers a lean, razor-edged dive into the darkest corners of mind and medicine. Written by Dan Schaffer with art by David Miller and a cover by Schaffer, this 24-page black-and-white installment compresses a genre-bending thriller into a compact, unforgettable read.

In this issue, Freust confronts a harrowing case: an inmate diagnosed with demonic alternative identity disorder. One of the alternate identities is evil—yet not necessarily the demon itself. As Freust pursues a controversial removal procedure, the line between cure and cruelty blurs, exposing the brutal reality of parapsychiatric treatments. When the dust settles, Freust discovers that some methods used to wield control over the psyche may be more barbaric than the conditions they aim to treat.

The story moves with clinical precision and a creeping sense of dread. Freust’s methods begin to resemble a trap she’s loosening around the patient, all while the signs of her own rapidly unraveling sanity emerge. The narrative doesn’t shy away from tough questions: What is identity when perception can be manipulated? How far should a clinician go to restore “normalcy”? And at what cost does genius come when it walks the line between breakthrough and breakdown?

What sets Malefic #3 apart:

• Tightly plotted, standalone 24-page story that delivers a complete arc without filler, ideal for both new readers and long-time fans.
• Distinctive noir-influenced visuals in black and white, with Miller’s crisp linework heightening the psychological intensity and supernatural undertones.
• Ethical and clinical tension that challenges assumptions about treatment, identity, and what we owe those who seek help.
• Multi-layered concept blending psychological horror, supernatural themes, and medical ethics into a single, provocative experience.
• Curated creative team—Dan Schaffer writes and provides cover art, with David Miller bringing the internal tension to vivid life.

Who is this for? It’s a must-read for fans of psychological horror, supernatural intrigue, and adult comics that demand more than jump scares. If you’re drawn to stories about the conscience of medicine, the fragility of identity, and the ethics of experimentation, Malefic #3 will resonate. It’s also a compelling entry point for collectors who appreciate a compact, thematically dense graphic novel segment from a notable year in independent publishing.

With its mature rating (Rated M) and a compact 24-page footprint, Malefic #3 is designed for readers who want a powerful, thought-provoking experience without a long commitment. Its bold premise, combined with Schaffer’s storytelling and Miller’s stark artwork, makes it a standout in the Devil’s Due Publishing catalog and a distraction-proof pick for nighttime reading that lingers long after the final page.