Hack/Slash: My First Maniac #1

To start, I feel it is important to admit that this is my first encounter with the Hack/Slash series. This was touted as a great place to newcomers to jump on, so I decided to give it a shot.

Boy, I am glad I did!

The first thing that grabbed me after opening this book was the great artwork by Daniel Lester: it is bloody, brutal, dark and sexy which are all ingredients for great artwork. This series is not for immature audiences, or anyone offended by blood and/or the female form. More importantly, however, is the emotion that Lester shows in each panel. The book is a prequel to the Hack/Slash series, so most readers will probably know what happens in this book, but I won’t spoil anything, just in case. But to say the opening pages are emotion-heavy is a grave understatement. Lester delivers well, bringing the reader into the action immediately. The art is great, but the story is why I am coming back for the next issue.

Tim Seeley (the writer from the original series) seems to have a clear vision for this prequel story, and the first chapter was exciting. Cassie Hack is living with a foster family who seem to be excellent parents. Unfortunately for Cassie, she is unable to enjoy them because of her own secrets. The first chapter tells this tale very succinctly, but had me quickly flipping through to it’s “To Be Continued” finish, and has me anxiously awaiting the next chapter in Cassie’s haunted life.

Anyone looking for something besides superheroes this week could enjoy Hack/Slash: My First Maniac #1. I’m sure fans of the series already have this on their pull list, but newcomers shouldn’t shy away! This is a great starting point. This issue has got me interested in the rest of the series, and I will hopefully be able to pick up the latest printing of the Omnibus when it releases later this month.

Quickie Review: Like blood and violence? BUY IT.