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Review: ‘Hack/Slash’ #23

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As the countdown of the series’ last issues inevitably continues, Hack/Slash #23 promises lots of twist and turns, while the action heats up. With all the important players gathering, an epic war is about to take place. You definitely don’t want to miss out on the slasher slayers’ last stand.

WRITTEN BY: Tim Seeley
ART BY: Elena Casagrande
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: January 28th, 2013

In the previous issue, writer Tim Seeley was focused on building the somber atmosphere of grief and mourning. Very little action took place as Seeley built up on the drama, and spent time with his characters expressing their emotions. Because it is now time for nasty revenge, Seeley lets loose on the blood and action. Seeley delivers these intense car chases, as Cassie and Vlad have to stop the two soda trucks driving across the highways. Cassie is dodging bullets while the truck screeches, flips over, and explodes.

One of the scenes that stand out occurs in the opening pages. In the backyard, Vlad is teaching self-defense to Gertrude. During their session, Gertrude mentions she would be better off using a gun than a knife. True to his character, Vlad demonstrates many ways how to disarm a gun with his knife. Though he looks like a hideous freak, Vlad displays how he is a properly trained and skilled fighter.

One of the highlights of Elena Casagrande’s artwork is the major emphasis on clothing. When Vlad enters the War Room, which is a cramped kitchen, Casagrande concentrates on the designs of the women’s apparel, which feels modern and fashionable. In a wide shot, readers are able to distinguish the characters just by their outfits and hairstyles.

All the gore and combat happens midway through the issue. In the action-packed sequences, Cassie has to single-handedly stop the swerving soda truck. First, Cassie has to jump on top of the moving hood. As the action intensifies, Cassie has to get to the steering wheel while being punched at and blocking a hammer being swung at her face.

“Hack/Slash” #23 is an entertaining read for horror buffs. As the “Hack/Slash” series heads towards its grand finale, longtime fans will be anxiously awaiting to see how it will all end for Cassie and Vlad.

4/5 skulls

Reviewed by – Jorge Solis

Comics

‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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