Blind Assassin
04-15-2004, 11:31 PM
Hack/Slash #1
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Stefano Caselli
Cover: Stefano Caselli
Rating: B
Synopsis:
The book is centered around Cassie Hack, a young girl who hunts 'Slashers', undead killers who can not rest, due to a burning rage so great, they refuse to stay dead.
In this issue, we get the 'origin' if you will, of Cassie. As a young child she was ridiculed and teeased at school. Then, the students who tormented her, suddenly started going missing. And dying.
I won't spoil it for you, but suffice it to say that that the killer in Cassie's past is someone she knew all to well. When confronted, the killer offed themself, rather than be taken into custody. But then, the killer came back.
Now, Cassie goes from town to town hunting down these 'slashers' with her arsenal of weapons, and her sidekick, Vlad, a huge misshapen brute who wears a mask, but it truly a gentle soul who aids her in her quest.
The Good:
Fans of the horror genre may like this. The beginning sets up a classic 'killer in the woods scene', which then takes an unexpected turn. I liked that. From there, we read a couple pages detailing Cassie's origin, and then, once that is out of the way, we get to the main story.
It would appear that something is not quite right in Eminence, Indiana. Zombie animals are attacking the populace (dogs, cats, a snake :shock: ), being lead by a mysterious killer, eho visually, is just chilling as all hell.
The reason for the killer's death and resurrection are explained in this issue, which is fully self contained (nice). It smacks of 'horror movie' elements, (the first couple to be killed were engaging in sex in the parking lot), but uses that to its advantage.
The story, while completely outlandish, actually makes some sort of sense, especially once it is revealed who the killer is, which helps explain the presence of the 'zombie animals'. The story has a fast pace, and doesn't waste any time with slow moments.
The Bad:
The fast pace can also be a bad thing, as there were times when the story jumped from one place to another, with little explanation, leaving me a bit disoriented for a sec, until I read the page and realised that the scene had now changed abruptly (think of quick cut editing in a film from scene to scene, and you will know what I mean)
The killer, while looking very creepy, bears a strange resemblance to Vlad, Cassie's side-kick helper, so at first, I thought they were one and the same. A little bit of effort in distinguishing the two character should have been made (both are huge and brutish, both have green-hued skin, both have a fucked up face, and both wear a mask of some sort).
The story jumps so quickly, that there is little chance of characterisation, an issue that I hope is addressed later on in the series. Other than Cassie's past experience with a killer, there is little to see what would motivate her to drive around the country in a black dress with fishnet stockings with a creepy guy with a mask, and do what she is doing.
That point is brought up as to why she does it, but it is the cliched "I do it because I am so full of rage, I am afraid I could become like them" answer that I have seen a million times before.
FInal Judgement:
I enjoyed the issue, and it was suitable creepy. The 4.95 price tak almost kept me away, but at 48 pages on slick paper, my concerns were quickly quieted.
The story and the art impressed me. I am not sure if this is going to be a monthly, or what, and info on Devil's Due Website, did not give me any indication, so if anyone knows, please post in here and tell me...it would be much appreciated.
Edited to add-- Just found out--This is a ONE_SHOT (so I guess there will be no further character development. :wink: )
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Stefano Caselli
Cover: Stefano Caselli
Rating: B
Synopsis:
The book is centered around Cassie Hack, a young girl who hunts 'Slashers', undead killers who can not rest, due to a burning rage so great, they refuse to stay dead.
In this issue, we get the 'origin' if you will, of Cassie. As a young child she was ridiculed and teeased at school. Then, the students who tormented her, suddenly started going missing. And dying.
I won't spoil it for you, but suffice it to say that that the killer in Cassie's past is someone she knew all to well. When confronted, the killer offed themself, rather than be taken into custody. But then, the killer came back.
Now, Cassie goes from town to town hunting down these 'slashers' with her arsenal of weapons, and her sidekick, Vlad, a huge misshapen brute who wears a mask, but it truly a gentle soul who aids her in her quest.
The Good:
Fans of the horror genre may like this. The beginning sets up a classic 'killer in the woods scene', which then takes an unexpected turn. I liked that. From there, we read a couple pages detailing Cassie's origin, and then, once that is out of the way, we get to the main story.
It would appear that something is not quite right in Eminence, Indiana. Zombie animals are attacking the populace (dogs, cats, a snake :shock: ), being lead by a mysterious killer, eho visually, is just chilling as all hell.
The reason for the killer's death and resurrection are explained in this issue, which is fully self contained (nice). It smacks of 'horror movie' elements, (the first couple to be killed were engaging in sex in the parking lot), but uses that to its advantage.
The story, while completely outlandish, actually makes some sort of sense, especially once it is revealed who the killer is, which helps explain the presence of the 'zombie animals'. The story has a fast pace, and doesn't waste any time with slow moments.
The Bad:
The fast pace can also be a bad thing, as there were times when the story jumped from one place to another, with little explanation, leaving me a bit disoriented for a sec, until I read the page and realised that the scene had now changed abruptly (think of quick cut editing in a film from scene to scene, and you will know what I mean)
The killer, while looking very creepy, bears a strange resemblance to Vlad, Cassie's side-kick helper, so at first, I thought they were one and the same. A little bit of effort in distinguishing the two character should have been made (both are huge and brutish, both have green-hued skin, both have a fucked up face, and both wear a mask of some sort).
The story jumps so quickly, that there is little chance of characterisation, an issue that I hope is addressed later on in the series. Other than Cassie's past experience with a killer, there is little to see what would motivate her to drive around the country in a black dress with fishnet stockings with a creepy guy with a mask, and do what she is doing.
That point is brought up as to why she does it, but it is the cliched "I do it because I am so full of rage, I am afraid I could become like them" answer that I have seen a million times before.
FInal Judgement:
I enjoyed the issue, and it was suitable creepy. The 4.95 price tak almost kept me away, but at 48 pages on slick paper, my concerns were quickly quieted.
The story and the art impressed me. I am not sure if this is going to be a monthly, or what, and info on Devil's Due Website, did not give me any indication, so if anyone knows, please post in here and tell me...it would be much appreciated.
Edited to add-- Just found out--This is a ONE_SHOT (so I guess there will be no further character development. :wink: )