HYDE STREET #12: The Butcher’s Reign of Terror!

The Butcher of Hyde Street has escaped, and with him, his reign of terror has begun! There’s a reason he was locked away for so many years, and the citizens of Hyde Street are about to find out that something much worse has yet to come.

Creative Team: Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Danny Miki, Brad Anderson, and Rob Leigh.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

Johns has been teasing the mysterious Butcher of Hyde Street, and we have finally gotten a taste of why he has been built up in such a terrifying way. I love how we are given more backstory behind certain characters, such as why Oddman has remained so loyal and guarded the door for so long.

There is even a character of whom we have spent 11 issues hoping something bad would happen to, and yet Geoff has written them so well that when The Butcher gets their hands on them, we feel a sense of sadness. In a world where these beings hunt souls and have all done something horrible, the fact that something and someone far worse is now on the loose is a testament to how well-crafted this story is.

The Art and Letters:

The Butcher’s grand reveal is so simple and yet incredibly effective. At first glance, his design is just a man, and nothing is frightening about him. However, the subtle darkness and sinister look they have given him and how large he looms hit like bricks and takes your breath away. Everyone is justifiably scared of him. Other panels, such as our sadistic doctor who loses his facemask for a moment, revealing an unhinged jaw, build on the horror elements subtly. There is a range of emotions throughout this issue, and Rob’s lettering allows the reader to step into everyone’s shoes and feel their fear, sadness, and more.

Final Thoughts:

Hyde Street #12 strikes like a fresh bolt of lightning, and it sends fear and shock throughout us as this issue delivers on The Butcher of Hyde Street and how horrifying he is. The team built up his mystique, and when they drop the curtain, the reveal hits as intended, which is shock and awe. Nobody is safe either, which isn’t a thought I had considered with these characters having been dead already, and I am eager to see what’s next!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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