Most horror anthologies are defined by their horror host. You’ve got the Cryptkeeper, the Creep, Elvira, etc. But what if all those horror hosts and other sundry monsters were on the same street together? That’s sort of the conceit of the Ghost Machine and Image Comics book Hyde Street… But there’s a lot more to it.
Written by Geoff Johns with art by Ivan Reis, Hyde Street introduces the moody salesman, Mr. X-Ray, and the deranged Cub Scout Pranky, and takes a semi-anthology structure. Each issue focuses on one of the residents of Hyde Street, and details their origin story as well as how they punish anyone who is unlucky enough to wander their way into their residence. The punishees deserve it, though: they’ve always done horrible things themselves.
But what becomes immediately clear is that while this is a canvas that allows Johns to take the stories in any direction he wants, there’s also an overarching narrative in the background. That’s because there’s one other character who is running the show: The Scorekeeper. He’s keeping track of how many souls each of the residents has damned — and if they hit a number high enough, they’re free to go.
The concept has evolved dramatically over the course of the issues released so far, introducing half a dozen other residents, and even spinning off into a one-shot and miniseries. Credit Reis’ instantly iconic designs for the characters — Pranky in particular is an early breakout, as a demonic child who revels in destruction. But also credit the malleable concept, which calls on everything from Tales from the Crypt to The Twilight Zone, but gives it a unique to comics spin.
In general, Hyde Street is more gory and ghoulish than scary… There’s some pretty gross stuff throughout here, particularly in more recent issues that introduced the health-crazed Miss Goodbody, and a plastic surgeon who has no problem giving his patients what they think they want. But if you’re okay with some blood and guts, there’s plenty of fun to be had taking up residence on Hyde Street.
You can check out the first trade paperback from Image Comics, which collects the first seven issues of the series, in stores now.
It’s spooky season, and you know what that means: time to curl up with a comic book or graphic novel that will scare your socks off. With that in mind, we’re posting a new horror book to check out every day of October, for our 31 Days Of Halloween Comics. Awoooo! Looking for the rest of our picks? Check them out on the Halloween tag.
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