Zenescope Entertainment 2016
Written by Pat Shand
Illustrated by Renzo Rodriguez
Coloured by Walter Baiamonte
Lettered by Ryan Ferrier
Angelica Blackstone, known by those around her as the Hellchild, has been making a living competing in a fight club for monsters. However, when the other fighters team up and attempt to take down the half-vampire half-god, Hellchild finds herself out of work and in desperate need of money. She is then invited to meet with Jezebel, a mysterious woman, who offers her a job opportunity... but it involves murder.
Sometimes the opening is the most important thing we’ll see and in this case it really is one of those eye opening moments that will grab your attention and set the stage for what’s to come. What Pat, Renzo and Walter do here is fresh and exciting and is full of promise.
When we get to Angelica she’s in her meeting with the mysterious possible benefactor who is much more than she seems and knows a great deal about Angelica. I like the conversation and dialogue here it’s both illuminating and frustrating and now without it’s own version of a pissing match. We definitely are filled with intrigue about the whole affair and why she needs someone like Angelica. We do however in this whole process learn more about the deal we saw last issue with the dude sacrificing people with those eggs and the snakes.
Alright so while this does a great job in helping Angelica find her place in this new world, though I do wonder why she doesn’t speak like one from so long ago, it’s really about establishing something more. That there are creatures, people and godlike entities that still inhabit this world that cling to the shadows. It makes for a more interesting world that she finds herself in that’s for sure and that she’s some kind of champion whether she believes that or not for those who wish to keep the shadows from causing harm. There’s a place for everyone so long as you don’t go crossing lines and here we’re seeing what one of those lines are.
I really am rather impressed with the interiors here. I love the attention to detail that we see in the characters, clothing and the backgrounds which are used spectacularly well. The use of page layouts with their angles and perspective really help the flow of the story move throughout the issue. The facial expressions and body language do a lot to add additional characterisation to the characters.
I like the way Pat has this issue structured so the way that things play out are fresh and unexpected. That we get a good look at the characters involved and that things are set up so that the threat is far from over are extremely well done. The pacing is excellent and the trickle of information mixed with action keep the interest piqued at all times. Pat is doing his darndest to integrate Angelica into this world and establish her as one of the bigger players in this shared Zenescope Universe. Also that she isn’t feeling forced, rushed or overexposed right now really helps in that.
This is smart horror where the past is woven through mythical and mystical beings to create a present that is unpredictable and thrilling.