Hyde Street may have been slow in its first issue, but Image Comics and Ghost Machine’s latest line of horror comics is starting to pick up steam. First up was the deliciously depraved one-shot “Devour,” which perfectly blended the perils of diet culture with heaps of body horror. Currently, Hyde Street #2 focuses on another resident, Pranky. Plunky is the malevolent character that Boy Scout readers got a glimpse of in #1.
I said in my review of Hyde Street #1 that Plunky was the standout on Hyde Street, and Hyde Street #2 only confirms that. Much of this issue is devoted to showing what happened before Pranky arrived on Hyde Street. He was once Philip “Pip” Peabody, a young boy seeking membership in the Scouts and love from his father, but was denied both, resulting in him committing a series of deadly acts. Masu.
This time, Geoff Johns has managed to find a balance between character work and world-building. He makes Pranky a very complex character. Although we sympathize with him because of his home life, we are horrified by his actions, such as starting a forest fire that nearly kills his fellow scouts and stuffing fresh sausage into the scoutmaster’s backpack. Sho. , attracts bears. And this was before he became a serial killer, a stalker hellspawn.
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This is where the second half of the book begins, where Ivan Reis and Danny Miki once again demonstrate their magic. As Plunky corners yet another victim, his face begins to change from the seemingly innocent 11-year-old’s to a demonic visage, including the predator’s dead black eyes and rotten yellow teeth. Rob Lee also gets in on the action, giving Pranky a hellish red speech bubble. This is a clear juxtaposition with the early pages in which Reese primarily depicts Plunky in tears from the cruel taunts and abuse he receives from his father. These images remind the reader that he was once human.
But the standout moment belongs to the last page, courtesy of Brad Anderson, rendered mostly in black and white (with the exception of Pranky’s red Scout neckerchief, which looks like freshly shed blood). Now, another piece of the Hyde Street puzzle comes into focus. It’s the mysterious scorekeeper tracking Hyde Street’s victims. Johns manages to envelop the character in enough shadow while hinting at the difficulties that Pranky’s antics may cause.
Hyde Street #2 is a strong sophomore issue that sheds even more light on one of the most interesting characters in its ensemble. It also strikes a balance between a stand-alone story and expanding on the mythology this story sets in motion, which is good for future issues, especially next month’s when we’re set to deliver a twisted Christmas story. It’s an omen.
“Hyde Street” #2 begins with a story focused on mischief
Hyde Street #2
Hyde Street #2 is a strong sophomore issue that sheds even more light on one of the most interesting characters in its ensemble. It also strikes a good balance between a stand-alone story and expanding on the mythology this story sets in motion, which is good for future issues, especially next month’s when we’re set to deliver a twisted Christmas story. It’s an omen.
A noticeable improvement over the first problem.
We delve into the backstory of Pranky, who continues to be the best character in this comic.
Johns has found a balance between storytelling and world-building that will continue to scare readers for years to come.
Reis’ artwork is nightmarish, in a good way.
