Hack/Slash #32

Writer: Tim Seeley

Pencils: Daniel Leister

Colours: Mark Englert

Letters: Crank!

Production: Sam Wells

Edits: James Lowder

Devil’s Due Publishing

Hack/Slash is a great introduction to what modern day horror has become – a pit of vengeance, torture, and chicks. There is no doubting that Tim Seeley is aware of what his audience craves and in every issue you can see him build this demented world of Cassie Hack bigger, better and bloodier. He consistently steps outside of the genre for ideas and includes them seamlessly as if they were always there. The Super Sidekick Sleepover Slaughter arc is a prime example of this by showing readers what would happen to superheroes in the world of Hack/Slash, with a blood-filled outcome that leaves the reader needing more.

Super Sidekick Sleepover Slaughter Part 3 begins right where the second part had left off. Sam and Daisy, unknowingly the only of their friends left alive, come across a room holding their allies dead remains. Daisy grabs Luz’s corpse in hopes of saving her and is then attacked by the Pumpkin-Head Assassin, Lynn. Sam jumps in to distract their murderous friend allowing for Daisy to make an escape, this ultimately leading to his death. Meanwhile, Cassie and Vlad are exposed as traitors and are being attacked by Dr. Mortal and his villains. Cassie makes a quick escape leaving Vlad to take the beating in order to save Daisy who is still inside. Her timing is perfect – when she enters she tears out Lynn’s eye and saves Daisy in doing so. Lynn then reveals herself to be the daughter of Dr. Mortal, and that together they have been planning their attack for some time.

Vlad is still alone fighting the villainous group and is eventually led into the room where the Godbox – containing Fantomah, protector of the jungles- is kept. He smashes it, releasing her spirit among those who are trying to exploit her strength and use it as a weapon against the world. Fantomah does not take kindly to the news and kills the villains for their actions, while in the same moments Cassie is putting Lynn’s kill streak to an end. After ensuring the safety of Daisy and the death of Dr. Mortal and his minions, Cassie and Vlad begin their search for Slasher’s once again.

Seeley’s sidekick for the project, artist Daniel Leister, is a man of great talent and has proven consistent with the art throughout this arc and issue. Every panel is applicable to the plot and pushes it deeper into your mind through very gripping, and at times disturbing, imagery.

The panel depicting Daisy’s broken arm gave me sympathy pains and Dr. Mortal’s death showing his insides being torn out, turned my stomach. Although this may sound bad to any normal human being, for me the art became a roller coaster – filling me with more excitement and anticipation with every place.

Everything about this issue has me excited. It has been awhile since I have finished a story this satisfied and it is an impression left time and again in the Hack/Slash series.
So again I stress, to any horror fan – new and old school alike – read it. This is a very upfront and personal experience – one most with an appreciation for the genre won’t soon forget.

Related articles

• Hack/ Slash # 30: Super Sidekick Sleepover Slaughter! Pt 1″ (comicsforge.com)
• Hack/Slash #31 (comicsforge.com)
• Hack/ Slash # 27: “Foes and Fortunes PT 2″ (comicsforge.com)
• Hack/ Slash # 21: “Mind Killer part I” (comicsforge.com)
• Hack/ Slash # 22: “Mind Killer part II” (comicsforge.com)