After getting to know our main characters, Zachary and Rose, over the course of the first three issues, Peter J. Tomasi and Peter Snejbjerg begin the process of expanding and filling in their fantasy universe.

Zachary and Rose are not the seemingly normal human tweens they appear to be, but are, in fact, celestial beings from Heaven and Hell. Zachary Halo, a being of Heaven, was placed with unscrupulous parents who rob from the dead bodies entrusted to the care of their funeral home. Rose Hornsby, born in the fires of Hell, was given to the care of a loving human family that operates a homeless shelter. This arrangement is all part of a truce between Heaven and Hell in which they hope that – when Zachary and Rose are ready to return to their true homes – the insight they have gained from living on Earth will usher in a new era of understanding between the two warring factions. At the end of last issue, Zachary and Rose, for the first time, consciously confronted their true forms.

This awkward situation was masterminded by a rogue agent of Heaven – part of a secret cadre trying to undermine the Truce. Tomasi and Snejbjerg have hinted previously that there are factions on both sides that want this treaty to fail. Hornsby and Halo really dives into its supernatural aspects in issue #4, as Zachary and Rose must deal with their sudden transformation and fight off a mob of angry zombies. The inclusion of the competing factions imbues the overall story with a greater sense of danger and mystery. I do like the approach Tomasi and Snejbjerg have taken with developing the Hornsby and Halo world by first introducing readers to Zachary and Rose with short, personal stories before diving headfirst into the greater world-building. The focus on Zachary and Rose and their human families keeps the story grounded in real, personal consequences for these characters beyond the overarching narrative of the war between Heaven and Hell. This is similar to how Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced readers first to Peter, Aunt May, Uncle Ben, and Peter’s schoolmates before he was bitten by that radioactive spider.

I know I’ve said this before, but Tomasi can really write realistic tween dialogue that doesn’t translate as phony. This has been a hallmark of his comic work with DC Comics in Batman and Supersons. I love these characters and enjoy seeing them struggle as they begin to discover their true natures each month. There is also plenty of humor to be found each month, none of which I’ll spoil here, but it does involve the zombies. Snejbjerg’s art is once again a highlight, as well, especially the character design of the mysterious Adjudicator that we meet in this issue. Snejbjerg references various ancient mythologies in his design, and they form a striking whole. The Adjudicator’s design wouldn’t be as effective without John Kalisz’s color work. Kalisz’s choices really convey the innate power of this character, and that they are a force to be feared by both the agents of Heaven and Hell. Rob Leigh’s lettering is once again highly successful. I love that each entity has a differently colored word balloon and dialogue, adding to the overall mystical feel of the artwork.

Once again, Hornsby and Halo delivers a fun and engaging issue, cementing its place in my sub list. Tomasi and Snejbjerg end this issue on a cliffhanger that promises that the next chapter will center on the overall story arc. We might also be treated to a history of the war between Heaven and Hell and what led to the current truce. As always, I will eagerly await the answer next issue. Hornsby and Halo #4 provides a satisfying chapter for those of us already hooked as the overall story moves significantly forward with the promises of even more answers and fun mystery to come.

Creative Team: Peter J. Tomasi (writer), Peter Snejbjerg (writer), John Kalisz (colorist), Rob Leigh (letterer)
Publisher: Ghost Machine/Image Comics
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