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Ghost Machine from Image comics has had a hell of a year, and they continue to entertain and amaze with their newest addition: Hyde Street. This horror comic just hit shelves at the perfect time of the year.
Creative Team
Storytellers: Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis; Inker: Danny Miki; Colorist: Brad Anderson; Letter: Rob Leigh; Cover A: Ivan Reis & Danny Miki with Brad Anderson; Cover B: Gary Frank with Brad Anderson; Cover C: Kelley Jones with Brad Anderson; Cover D: Mike Deodato Jr. with Brad Anderson; Designer: Steve Blackwell; Editor-In-Chief: Brian Cunningham.
The Story for Issue 1
Matt
The story caught me by surprise almost as we see a demonic street filled with creatures collecting souls and yet there are rules that are meant to be followed. Giving out threads that these characters must reach a certain amount to be freed adds tension to this story. There is a lot going on at Hyde Street and I myself am trapped in its clutches. I think I am ready to seek forgiveness however.
Lauren
Hyde Street starts with an all American looking boy scout helping an old lady cross the street. However, things take a terrible, yet justifiably, dark turn (literally and figuratively). Hyde street is not for the purest of heart. It attracts those who deserve it. As we meet another resident, we learn how this “Mad Man” made his way to Hyde Street: a place he’s desperate to escape.
Check out another joint review by the Hops Geek duo, where they reviewed Redcoat from the world of Ghost Machine.
The Art
Matt
I found the art to be what we expect from Ghost Machine. It hits with a vibrant realism that mixes in an immense amount of detail. This is a departure from our usual heroic stories as there are more sinister forces at play. Pip goes from a sweet innocent boy scout into a demonic presence in the blink of an eye which takes the reader aback as it is such a ghastly depiction.
When it comes to horror this is what I want. It can be hard to do jump scares in a book but, the team has found a way to crack that code. Mr. X-Ray exudes businessman and conman and yet can be found with guilt across his face at times.
Lauren
I absolutely love when something so creepy can be so beautiful. That’s what this art was throughout. What appears innocent is quickly conveyed to be incredibly evil. A simple smirk shows so much when done right, and our precious little “boy scout” has a lot to show. From the facial expressions, details (even in the background), to the lighting, the art in Hyde Street was all just so horrifically gorgeous.
Hyde Street Rating: 9.75/10
Matt
This is what I want in a horror tale. The characters are sneaky backstabbing demons who sometimes play by the rules and there is something more sinister at play. I cannot wait to continue down Hyde Street and unlock its secrets. 9.5/10.
Lauren
There hasn’t been anything that Ghost Machine has put out that I haven’t loved, and this is no exception. Hyde Street has the same amazing storytelling I’ve come to expect from this team, but with some dark and creepy twists and turns. It’s ‘Mad Men’ means ‘Supernatural.’ The cherry on the already perfect X-Ray glasses, were the details. From a nod to Junkyard Joe (another Ghost Machine comic), to everything happening on every page. I couldn’t take my eyes away, while getting immediately sucked into the story with every turn being a new surprise. This is easily 10 out of 10 sea monkeys for me.
Lauren and Matt make up the podcast: Hops GEEK News. It’s a weekly podcast that discusses all things geek pop culture, while enjoying a craft beer of the week. They also interview many different people from the comic book world and beyond.
