REVIEW: 'Hack/Slash: Back to School' #1 by Zoe Thorogood

 

HACK / SLASH: BACK TO SCHOOL #1

Writer: Zoe Thorogood

Artist: Zoe Thorogood

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: October 18, 2023

Cover Price: $3.99

MINISERIES PREMIERE

HACK/SLASH returns with an untold tale and critically acclaimed cartoonist ZOE THOROGOOD at the bloody helm!

Slasher hunter Cassie Hack is only just getting used to her man-monster partner, Vlad, when she's drawn into a new case involving a murderous bunny mascot, dead kids, and an entire squad of maladjusted teenage serial killer hunters!

A completely new chapter in the beloved, long-running series that's perfect for new readers and old fans alike, just in time for Halloween.

Score:

★★★★★ (5/5)

Zoe Thorogood won the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award at this year's Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. Her critically acclaimed autobiographical graphic novel 'It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth' and her art on 'Joe Hill's Rain' earned her five Eisner nominations. Thorogood is on fire this year and to follow up on that heat comes a wonderfully violent and charming new take on Tim Seeley's cult classic horror comedy series 'Hack/Slash.'

The series followed horror victim Cassie Hack as she strikes back at the monsters who prey upon teenagers. These monsters, known as "slashers," are on the loose, and Cassie is determined to wipe them out. In Thorogood's very clean and unique style, Cassie's perspective is at the forefront encompassing her backstory, her partnership with the mysterious hulk named Vlad, and some very curious incidents of shocking killings. Her efficient killing skills draw the attention of the headmaster of a school for teenage serial killer hunters. It's the perfect blend of coming-of-age teen drama and slasher story rolled into one. 

Thorogood's visual style is one of depth and deft framing. There's as much going on in the foreground as there is in the background. One panel informs the other in ways that you have to pay attention to in order to capture the flow of events. You're seeing things as Cassie sees them so the reader takes part of the experience. Perceptive readers will jump into action along with her when a slasher attacks. Reading HSBTS becomes an immersive experience as Thorogood unfolds the story, sharing insight into Cassie and the world around her. As an artist, she even makes beheadings look classy and smooth. There's a sensibility to the issue that combines gore, humor, and heart that elevates it to new heights in storytelling. 

Zoe Thorogood brings her own magic to 'Hack/Slash.' It's a similar experience when revered indie directors take on projects that you wouldn't expect. Greta Gerwig with 'Barbie' or Sophia Coppola with 'The Bling Ring,' for example, and the result is a whole new perspective on tried and true material. Thorogood injects something familiar and fun into 'Hack/Slash' without reinventing the core concept or changing what's made it a cult classic. 'Hack/Slash: Back to School' is another must-buy comic from Thorogood confirming why she's a rising superstar in the comic industry.