Hack/Slash #18 – Review

By Tim Seeley (Writer), Emily Stone & Kevin Mellon (Art), and Mark Englert (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: The recently completed Re-Animator crossover left me itching for a stand alone, one-and-done Hack/Slash story about Cassie and Vlad taking care of some random slasher. Unfortunately, it looks like I may have to wait at least a little while for something like that. Why? Well, for starters, there is some serious character work to be done in the aftermath of the crossover. In addition, a few overarching plot threads are in serious need of some advancement. Luckily, it looks like Hack/Slash #18 is going to start dealing with those very issues so that the series can get back to what it does best sooner rather than later.

The Story: Picking up shortly after the traumatic events that involved Dr. Herbert West, the latest Hack/Slash finds Cassie and Vlad at a crossroad of sorts. Both characters question the status of their relationship and how they exist in the world in general. Vlad takes his questions to the bar where he finds himself facing off against a plethora of guest stars. Cassie, thanks to Vlad, spends some quality time with her lady-friend Georgia. Meanwhile, the demon from another dimension introduced last issue on a rampage in search of Cassie and the dog-like alien currently living with Cassie’s friends.

What’s Good: Tim Seeley’s character work for both Cassie and Vlad is incredibly effective considering how easily it could have come off as forced or overly dramatic. It’s next to impossible not to feel for the characters in some way, especially considering what went down over the past few months. As for the visuals, the best thing in the issue is Vlad’s brawl with a number of familiar comic characters. It’s a fun, well-choreographed surprise among all the weighty themes.

What’s Not So Good: The whole alien dog storyline just doesn’t do it for me as a whole. It has been going on for a while now and to this very day, it still seems out of place in a series so heavily based around the things that make the horror genre so fun. Hopefully the arrival of the demon-warrior thing signals the beginning of the end for that particular plot thread, because it feels like it just gets in the way of the good stuff.

Conclusion: Hack/Slash #18 is very good when dealing with Cassie and Vlad. On the other hand, it definitely loses a bit of momentum anytime anything else takes the spotlight. That said, the good most definitely outweighs the bad in what ultimately amounts to a strong, character-driven issue of an entertaining series.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #17 – Review

By Barry Keating (Story), Tim Seeley (Story & Script), Emily Stone (Art), and Mark Englert (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: While I have enjoyed the Hack/Slash crossover with the Re-Animator for the most part, I can’t help but be slightly disappointed by how Herbert West continues to feel like more of a plot device than a distinct guest star. I give credit to Barry Keating and Tim Seeley for making West’s appearance feel right at home within the overarching plot of the series. However, the last two issues have left me wanting more interaction between Cassie Hack and Dr. West. That said, if the ending of last issue is any indication, the conclusion should deliver what I’ve wanted since I first heard about the crossover arc.

The Story: The re-animation of Cassie’s mother means the return of the Lunch Lady. With her emotions cranked up to eleven as a result of the re-agent used on her by Dr. West, the Lunch Lady picks up right where she left off in an effort to regain her former appearance. Cassie, Vlad, and Dr. West are the only ones that can stop her before more victims are added to her “stew.”

What’s Good: Despite my qualms with the way this crossover was used, the violent, character-driven conclusion is actually quite satisfying. It’s tough not to feel for Cassie after seeing how things play out. Also, I must once again mention how well Tim Seeley writes Dr. Herbert West, as it comes extremely close to bringing Jeffrey Combs’ iconic performance to the page. It definitely leaves me wanting more.

What’s Not So Good: Visually, Hack/Slash #17 is average at its very best. While there are a few good looking moments and some particularly nice panel layout near the end, the book just seems to lack any sort of polish whatsoever. The characters look inconsistent, some of the pencil work looks downright sloppy, and the coloring makes everything look muddy. Disappointing in every way.

Conclusion: If you can ignore some of the glaring artwork issues, you are sure to find a lot to like here if you are a fan of Hack/Slash or The Re-Animator. While not everything that I hoped for, the conclusion definitely makes up for the arc’s slow start.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

Hack/Slash #16 – Review

By Tim Seeley (Script & Story), Barry Keating (Story), Emily Stone (Art), and Matt Englert (Colors)

The Story: Cassie Hack finally gets a chance to speak with her long lost father face-to-face. Meanwhile, Dr. Herbert West (of Re-Animator fame) continues his experimentation with the body of the Lunch Lady, Cassie’s slasher mother.

What’s Good: Hack/Slash, as a series is at its best when dealing with what made the series a hit in the first place, namely slashers. I mention it because Hack/Slash #16 is definitely at its best when slashers figure into the dialogue or action. Tim Seeley and Barry Keating bring an interesting twist to the slasher formula by attempting to break down their very nature through the discussion between Cassie and her father concerning Mr. Hack’s former line of work.With the well-written guest appearance by Dr. West (I can almost hear Jeffrey Combs speaking his lines), this book serves as a very satisfying read for any horror fan.

What’s Not So Good: The fact that the issue as a whole is extremely hit or miss. The artwork suffers from a few odd angles and the same facial inconsistency that continues to plague the series. I enjoy Emily Stone’s work for the most part, but the same type of artwork snags continue to pop up. On the writing end, my biggest complaint is that Cassie’s reunion with her father falls a bit flat. It feels both rushed and incredibly generic, making it fall a bit short of packing the emotional punch needed to make it resonate with readers.

Conclusion: I was hoping for a bit more from this crossover as a whole, but I have to give credit for how well it is succeeding in advancing the overall plot of the series in a natural manner. There is some good stuff in this issue, and it only looks to get better. I just wish Dr. West functioned as more than just a plot device.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny