Zenescope Entertainment 2016
Written by Pat Shand
Illustrated by Vincenzo Riccardi
Coloured by Eleonora Bruni
Lettered by Jim Campbell
Thousands of years ago, Hades, the God of the Underworld, had a daughter named Angelica. Because of his own foolish schemes, Angelica was tragically killed. But present day Hades is a changed man. In a committed relationship with vampire hunter, Liesel Van Helsing, Hades has taken to fighting evil. However, as a new threat rises up in New York City, Van Helsing and Hades will be forced to face the consequences of his past evils. This is the story of the Hellchild…
Hot off the heals of Liesel vs. Dracula comes the next phase/story of their relationship. I hadn’t seen this coming to be honest and I couldn’t have been any happier or thrilled by this first issue. This is the first time we are getting such a close and serious look at the relationship between Liesel and Hades and as complicated as it is the love is there. In a lot of ways both of them are damaged people in so many ways and that they work so well together despite all that is amazing to see through Pat’s eyes.
I love the opening too it really kind of creeps you out as this witch is stalked and it really sets the tone for the rest of the issue. Which of course leads immediately into seeing something of the ramifications of Dracula’s defeat. For reasons as yet unknown the vampires have gotten a power upgrade. With each new project we get from Pat we see new levels and layers of storytelling going on. While the introduction of the power upgrade idea is on the table it is something that will likely permeate until it’s focused on or it’s tied into the main story in ways we least expect.
What i’m over the moon thrilled by here aside from the introduction of Hellchild is how all this comes to be. This is born of love and it turns into disaster. This story and event is the kind of stuff that really could not only have a major impact upon the characters involved but change the face of the Zenescope Universe. Should she stay around after this arc the ramifications here are immense in my mind. We’ve been missing a good big bad and in some way shape or form it feels like this story is going to introduce us to one, who that will be remains to be seen but the idea is there and it’s extremely exciting.
Vincenzo and Eleonora do some wonderful work on the interiors. From what the creepy opening through all the emotions Pat weaves into the writing that comes out through the work just keeps you feeling everything you are supposed to. There are some nice use of panels on the pages though a little more unexpectedness would’ve been nice to see. The breakdown of the panels showcasing the past seems weird to me but I understand the desire to evoke that time past where it occurs.
Zenescope continues to surprise me with the quality of storytelling we’re getting. This makes me happy, surprised and eager to see what’s next.