This week, the ongoing saga of the Butcher of Hyde Street continues in Hyde Street #13. Hyde Street is a horror series from Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis and published by Image Comics through the Ghost Machine imprint. Over the past few issues, Johns and Reis have teased readers with the impending threat of the Butcher. Now in issue 13, we finally get to see why the longtime residents of Hyde Street imprisoned their fellow resident, the Butcher, for decades. Johns writes the Butcher as a force of nature, as impossible to battle as the wind. And the chaos he brings to Hyde Street and the effect it has on its residents is immediate.

Reis’ art never lets the reader see even a shred of humanity in the Butcher. Over the course of the series, we’ve seen the flaws and darkness of the other residents but they never seemed inhuman. Even Pranky who, when introduced, seemed like a soulless demonic imp who only relished in the misery and damnation of others earned readers’ sympathies when we were allowed to see the broken child within. Not so here. Reis cleverly keeps the Butcher’s eyes in shadow, and the only time we get a glimpse they’re just pools of darkness. The “human” form we see the Butcher in seems more like a suit an otherworldly entity is wearing than real body. This aura of the Butcher is enforced by Rob Leigh’s excellent lettering work. His choice to give the Butcher his own word balloon style further sets this character apart from the other residents of Hyde Street. The harsh edges and green coloring give the impression of an ancient spirit trying to communicate in our language, but having it sound like knives scraping on gravel. It also puts the Butcher on the same level as the mysterious Scorekeeper, the supernatural master of Hyde Street and the jailer of its residents.

Throughout the series so far, we’ve been introduced to the residents of Hyde Street, men and women who were awful in life and are now monsters on Hyde Street. This current arc answers the question: What do the monsters fear in the dark? In each issue, Johns and Reis have built up this rich world and its mythology. I’m not usually a fan of horror comics, but I am hooked on Hyde Street. Issue #13 has plenty of action but also asks readers to question what has come before. The Scorekeeper is certainly a sinister figure and the reasons for Hyde Street’s creation are unknown. We know the residents’ sole purpose is to torment and steal the souls of those unfortunate enough to wander into their web. So, maybe we should be rooting for the Butcher to bring the whole thing down? If Scorekeeper fears the Butcher, is the Scorekeeper not as powerful as we thought? Is the Scorekeeper trapped on Hyde Street like the residents? Is the Scorekeeper the first resident of Hyde Street, doomed to collect others to capture even more souls? I can’t wait to see what Johns and Reis have in store.

An unequivocal recommendation to all fans of urban fantasy and horror. And, of course, with Johns and Reis at the helm, how could this comic not be fantastic. A must-add to your pull list. Trust me now, thank me later.

Creative Team: Geoff Johns (writer), Ivan Reis (writer), Danny Miki (inker), Brad Anderson (colorist), Rob Leigh (letterer)
Publisher: Image Comics/Ghost Machine
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