As a seasoned comic book aficionado who’s been following Marvel since the days of Kirby and Lee, I must say that Hellhunters is a refreshing addition to the World War 2 pantheon of Marvel heroes. The blend of horror and action, reminiscent of Tales of Suspense and Strange Tales of old, is a delightful twist in a genre that’s often been tread upon by the likes of Captain America and his merry band.
The period of World War II has been an exciting era for Marvel’s superheroes due to the origin of characters such as Captain America, Bucky, and Nick Fury during that time. It is not surprising then, that conflict served as a catalyst for their creation. Typically, groups like the Invaders and the Howling Commandos are cited as examples of heroes battling against Adolf Hitler’s troops in Marvel Comics. However, they aim to explore new territories with an unprecedented World War II fighting force. In the inaugural issue, we witness the initial stages of this new team, the Hellhunters, and wonder if it sets a powerful opening for this fresh Marvel superhero squad.
Given that Hellhunters is a series centered around Marvel’s classic and contemporary heroes banding together under a supernatural flag, it’s fitting that the show carries a chilling, horror-inspired tone. Our narrative commences with a group of German troops straying into a haunted forest brimming with mysteries and insanity peculiar to this accursed place, establishing the backdrop for a danger that will bring together this motley crew of misfits. The series serves a dual purpose: it introduces the Hellhunters team as well as “Ghost Rider ’44”, a fresh interpretation of the Spirit of Vengeance who burst onto the scene in The Incredible Hulk’s latest issues. Thankfully, Hellhunters successfully combines terror and action in its initial escapade.
Philip Kennedy Johnson is an ideal fit for writing this series, given his role in crafting WW2’s Spirit of Vengeance. With his exceptional ability to infuse horror into stories, as demonstrated by his latest portrayal of Bruce Banner, Johnson maintains that eerie touch here, creating chilling creatures that escalate the perilous nature of the global conflict. The opening scene featuring a group of fugitive Nazis and a demon disguised as a partially decayed horse tethered to a tree serves effectively in providing readers with a glimpse of what awaits them.
Johnson exhibits a solid understanding of the intricacies of the war from both perspectives, although I wish we could delve deeper into the enigmatic figure, Sal Romero, who was once Spirit of Vengeance. Nevertheless, this initial encounter is engaging and entertaining. It seems that the creative minds behind Hellhunters are eager to cram a multitude of elements into the debut issue, given that half the team remains unintroduced. Remarkably, they manage to maintain balance as they unveil the supernatural aspects of Marvel’s past.
Initially, the story introduces not only the Ghost Rider from 1944 but also brings Nick Fury, “Soldier Supreme”, and Peggy Carter (from the Marvel Cinematic Universe) into the picture, making up the first team of Hellhunters. Although these characters come together a bit too swiftly for comfort, readers can easily grasp who’s involved in this tale. The horror elements woven into both writing and art are palpable, while it’s obvious that the creative team is relishing playing with the supernatural themes and aspects, which is contagious.
In terms of artistic style, Adam Gorham stands out as an ideal choice for portraying both the gritty, authentic atmosphere of a World War 2 battlefield and the terrifying supernatural perils that suddenly emerge. The saying “the devil is in the details” certainly applies here, as a keen eye will notice many intricate details within Gorham’s artwork. The Hellhunters series thrives on its unique concept, and it seems that Gorham is the perfect fit for showcasing this uncharted aspect of Marvel’s second World War.
This comic’s title, Hellhunters, might not be ideal for a Marvel comic, but it certainly catches attention. There are plenty of aspects in this debut issue that make up for any potential criticisms, and I can’t wait to see how the limited series explores the supernatural aspect within the backdrop of a World War 2-era superhero narrative.
Published by: Marvel Comics
On: December 25th, 2024
Written by: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Art by: Adam Gorham
Colors by: Frank Martin
Letters by: VC Travis Lanham
Cover by: Jonas Scharf
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2024-12-26 17:39