Hack/Slash #26 – Review

By Tim Seeley (Writer), Bryan Baugh (Art), and Mark Englert (Colors)

The Story: A slasher from Cassie’s and Vlad’s past is back. But the Mosaic Man’s return is actually a trap set by someone looking for revenge.

What’s Good: Hack/Slash #26 takes the series back to its roots in some ways. By having Cassie and Vlad track one of the killers that’s responsible for starting it all, Tim Seeley does a fine job of looking to the past while moving the series forward a bit. While the predictable Mosaic Man plot isn’t groundbreaking or anything, the latest issue of Hack/Slash mixes violence, sex, and humor in a way that makes the book a great choice for anyone looking for something outside of the usual superhero comic mold.

Writer and series co-creator Tim Seeley clearly has a love for everything that makes Hack/Slash work so well. The smart dialogue between Cassie and Vlad always has a perfect “buddy” vibe that makes the leading outcasts oddly endearing, and the fantasy near the opening and the humorous result of it effortlessly mixes the series’ signature dark sexuality and comedy together in a scene that, surprisingly, serves as a slice of character work as well (though it’s still a piece of gratuitous fan-service almost any way you look at it). As for the hunt for the killer, it’s punctuated by flashes of violence that could only really work in a comic that uses the horror genre as a foundation.

I’ve been a fan of Bryan Baugh’s work since he jumped on board the series with Hack/Slash #24. His style looks decidedly “indie” and a bit surreal at times, but it’s perfect for a series like Hack/Slash. With the help of Mark Englert’s moody, deep colors and some heavy inks, Baugh’s art captures everything it needs to. The violence features some disturbing details, the overall tone is heavy and dark, and the characters almost always look like they should (he especially nails the look for Cassie, the gothic pin-up, and Vlad the likable brute). In addition, Baugh gives his characters a nice bit of personality through their slightly exaggerated body language and facial expressions. It keeps them from feeling stiff or unrealistic.

What’s Not So Good: I understand the need to lay the groundwork for the future. I really do. But I can’t help but consider it a negative when Tim Seeley breaks the flow of Hack/Slash #26 with a random scene that’s going to have meaning later. It’s more pointless and distracting than it is interesting at the moment.

My biggest complaint about the artwork is that facial consistency is something of an issue. Some panels just look a bit weird when considering what a character looked like just a few panels before. Another annoyance is that faces tend to look a bit “samey” at times. It’s a fairly common comic book complaint, I know, but it’s something that has to be mentioned.

Conclusion: Hack/Slash #26 is a fun book that deserves to be given a look. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #25 – Capsule Review

By Tim Seeley (Writer), Bryan Baugh (Art), and Mark Englert (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Thanks to a cool story and unique artwork by new artist Bryan Baugh, the last issue of Hack/Slash renewed my interest in a series that I felt had lost it’s way a bit. As a result, I expect good things from the double-sized Hack/Slash #25.

The Story: Samhain, Cassie, and Vlad run into some vicious creatures as they try to infiltrate one of the Black Lamp Society’s labs.

What’s Good and What’s Not So Good: Thanks to some effective character work (feel good to get that off your chest Vlad?), a cool story, and the sexy, stylish artwork of Bryan Baugh (you can officially consider me a fan), the action-packed Hack/Slash #25 ends the best arc the series has had in quite some time. While Baugh’s work is the star of the show, Tim Seeley does a nice job of adding an extra layer of depth to the Hack/Slash universe through both the plot and the dialogue.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #24 – Review

By Tim Seeley (Writer), Bryan Baugh (Artist), and Mark Englert (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: How fucking cool is the Matt Merhoff cover for the Hack/Slash #24?!

The Story: The pumpkin-headed Samhain approaches Cassie and Vlad about a possible alliance. They both want to take down the Black Lamp Society, which is finally explained in detail, so, as the saying goes, “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

What’s Good: I wasn’t a big fan of the Netherworld plot, since it tended to get in the way of the Casssie vs. Slasher storylines that make Hack/Slash the fun series that it usually is. The Black Lamp Society stuff that’s been brewing for the last few issues is something that I can get behind. The Black Lamp Society origin story that’s told in Hack/Slash #24 delivers a nice mix of mythology (True Blood fans take notice) religion, and the supernatural (an explanation for the slashers!?) that, while not super original, fits surprisingly well into the larger Hack/Slash storyline.

Another good thing about Hack/Slash #24 is the artwork by new series artist Bryan Baugh. It’s very stylized (like a cross between tattoo art and sexy pin-up art), but loaded with an impressive amount of detail. Baugh’s work fits the series well and definitely makes the Hack/Slash interiors look quite unique.

As you probably expected, the dialogue in the latest Hack/Slash also scores a spot in the “What’s Good” section. Tim Seeley clearly has a strong handle on the story he is telling and uses smart dialogue and character interaction to drive it forward. While, again, the plot isn’t completely original, it is still fun and compelling. I look forward to reading more of it.

What’s Not So Good: I’m not entirely sure if it’s an issue with the artwork or the colors, but a few panels in Hack/Slash #24 look a bit sloppy. Either lines look extra rough or the colors lack definition. While it’s far from a crippling problem (an extra layer of polish would have helped immensely), it’s noticeable enough to warrant a mention.

Conclusion: Hack/Slash #24 is one of the best issue of the series in a while. The dialogue is sharp, the artwork is well worth checking out, and the storyline shows lots of promise. I can’t wait for the double-sized Hack/Slash #25!

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny