Hyde Street - Comic Review

Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis reunite for Hyde Street, a chilling and atmospheric dive into horror. Known for their iconic collaborations on superhero epics like Blackest Night and Aquaman, the duo shifts focus to a dark, character-driven narrative that unearths the sinister secrets of a cursed street and its residents.

Plot and Writing

At the heart of Hyde Street lies a terrifying concept: a street that ensnares individuals with dark pasts, forcing them to confront their sins in gruesome and unpredictable ways. Geoff Johns crafts a deeply unsettling story, weaving together the lives of Hyde Street’s inhabitants into an intricate tapestry of horror and regret.

The standout characters include Mr. X-Ray, a 1960s con man infamous for preying on children through fake comic book ads, and Pranky, formerly Phillip "Pip" Peabody, a boy scout with a longing for belonging that leads to horrifying consequences. These characters embody the haunting nature of Hyde Street, where no misdeed goes unpunished.

Johns's writing is sharp and methodical, building tension with every page. The dialogue reveals as much about the characters’ hidden motives as it does about their fears, creating a gripping blend of psychological and supernatural horror.

Art and Style

Ivan Reis, renowned for his dynamic and cinematic artwork, proves his versatility with Hyde Street. The art leans heavily into the macabre, with haunting visuals that perfectly capture the eerie tone of the story. Reis’s use of shadow and light creates an oppressive atmosphere, making the street itself feel like a living, breathing entity.

The character designs are equally compelling, with Mr. X-Ray and Pranky standing out as grotesque yet fascinating embodiments of the comic’s themes. Reis’s attention to detail, from the dilapidated facades of the street’s buildings to the anguish etched into each character’s face, elevates the horror to new heights.

Themes

Hyde Street is more than just a horror story — it’s a meditation on guilt, punishment, and the lengths people will go to bury their secrets. The cursed street serves as both a physical location and a metaphor for the weight of one’s past, making the horror deeply personal and emotionally resonant.

The exploration of these themes is reminiscent of the moral dilemmas Johns has explored in his previous work, albeit with a darker, more intimate lens. Reis’s visuals enhance this introspection, creating a world where every shadow feels heavy with consequence.

Verdict

Hyde Street is a masterful horror comic that showcases the creative range of Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and haunting artwork, the series stands out as a bold departure from their superhero work while retaining the storytelling brilliance fans have come to expect. Whether you're a fan of their past collaborations or new to their work, Hyde Street is a must-read for anyone who loves horror and mystery.

I hate giving comics a numerical score but this is a 10 out of 10.