It’s free comic book day, and what better way for folks missing out on previous issues of Hack/Slash than to pick up the origin story and find out why this series will be a movie soon. As we learn how Cassie Hack became the killer of killers, we find out it’s a story that’s pretty original amongst the massive nods writer Tim Seely makes to popular horror films. (The villain in this story is basically Frank from Hellraiser.) But I was really taken with the pacing and flow of this, as the art by Emily Stone really shined between the now and then flashbacks of Cassie’s life. The only thing I could have asked for more of was Vlad’s story. I guess that’s the fuel to get me to buy the ongoing series coming soon. I’m a fish after all, so I’ll bite the gummie worm.
This was probably my favorite out of all the offerings from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse (though that Umbrella Academy was a load of zany fun), and not only was it a savior to my bag of questions gained from the Hack/Slash vs. Chucky book, but also, enticed me to get ready for more. Devil’s Due played it smart and gave folks a free origin story of their flagship title, and I’m a freebie whore! I almost wanted to go back to the comic book store and pay the man some money. Not only that, but on the flip side is a hilarious Family Guy story that had me crackin up like Jim Carrey outtakes from Liar Liar. Nicely done, Devil’s Due. You get my Horror Yearbook Award for Best Book on Free Comic Book Day.
GRADE: A
THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN
As if Robert Kirkman didn’t have enough to write about, he goes and gets another book on the shelves. Most comic book fans know him from his critically acclaimed zombie series, The Walking Dead, and why that’s not an HBO series is beyond me. He also writes Invincible, another acclaimed superhero series soon to be a big screen extravaganza. He also messes around in the Marvel Universe, but we’ll not mention those titles because really… his work shines at Image Comics. He’s Bruce Campbell there, so stay where you’re king, right? So now we have another horror story from Kirkman, Image Comics, and cartoon style artist, Jason Howard entitled, The Astounding Wolf-Man. Is it good? Sure! I think.
It appears from the free first issue that Kirkman wants to revisit the roots of the classic Universal werewolf, but bring it to modern times with a more reader-friendly vision compared to his gross at times Walking Dead blood and guts scenes. The common werewolf elements are put into place with a man mauled by a werewolf and then going through the changes with the lunar cycle. It’s nothing new here, nothing groundbreaking, just a reintroduction to the werewolf legend. And with the art, it’s almost cute to read.
And that’s the problem with the book. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to take this seriously or not. The storytelling is very adult, dealing with corporate business antics, marriage, and fatherhood, but the art seems like Adult Swim on a Saturday morning. It works for Invincible, as the superhero genre is more lenient in that aspect of storytelling, but not here. Not for horror. Don’t get me wrong, Jason Howard is a very good artist, but I’m unsure if it fits here with Kirkman’s angle. I guess I’ll have to warm up to it in the next couple of issues to see where it’s going, and from there, find out if it’s my kinda werewolf tale. It’s a good start though, and crystal clear on what it wants to show. I’m just wondering if the aftertaste will be any good down the line.
GRADE: B+
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