Hyde Street #1 Review: An Enticing Introduction Down a Dark Path

Hyde Street #1 Review:  An Enticing Introduction Down a Dark Path

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating digital realms, I can confidently say that stepping into the eerie, twisted streets of Hyde Street feels like a breath of fresh (or should I say tainted) air. The narrative is reminiscent of those late-night gaming sessions when you’re not sure if the monster chasing you is just a glitch or part of the game’s intricate storyline.


October has officially arrived, the month known for its eerie, chilling, and slightly twisted vibes. For enthusiasts of horror comics, this also signals the arrival of Hyde Street #1. This latest release hails from Geoff Johns’ Ghost Machine universe, where Johns and artist Ivan Reis venture into the horror genre in a way they haven’t before, guiding readers on an exploration to Hyde Street – a location that embodies elements of purgatory, nightmare, and mystery, filled with tormented souls, enigmatic secrets, and potentially a revealing glimpse into humanity, exposing what people might do to evade their destiny.

1st Scene on Hyde Street #1 unveils an eerie situation where a benign old lady, laden with groceries, experiences a disconcerting loss of bearings amid construction debris and unfamiliar surroundings. A helpful young scout steps in, but it becomes clear that his assistance isn’t merely a good deed. The elderly woman harbors hidden truths, and the scout is on a quest to force her to confront them. This chilling interlude offers a glimpse into the unsettling nature of Hyde Street, a place that’s not only disturbing but also inhabited by questionable characters with enigmatic intentions. Furthermore, we meet Mr. X-Ray, another resident, and learn that even the locals have their own shady pasts and are all seemingly under the control of a figure even more sinister, participating in a twisted game presumably meant for redemption from what seems like a much larger, darker abyss.

Hyde Street #1 Review:  An Enticing Introduction Down a Dark Path

In this tale, the debut issue presents Mr. X-Ray as a complex character, not entirely virtuous – his harshness and questionable decisions are evident from the start, yet his background and reasons for being on Hyde Street remain shrouded in mystery. Concurrently, we meet Pranky, a young scout who appears to serve a role similar to Mr. X-Ray, but with a significantly different and unsettling approach. The interaction between these characters offers much to explore, and the mounting tension suggests a budding rivalry that promises more developments. Johns cleverly leaves many aspects of Hyde Street and its inhabitants unresolved, creating an atmosphere of intrigue. The narrative unfolds gradually, delivering just enough to keep readers engaged while leaving them eager for more.

Artistically speaking, Reis’s work exhibits intricate detail and complexity. Notably, the characters’ facial expressions and features in this piece are striking – they not only imbue a sense of humanity but also conceal their own secrets. For instance, even the old lady with her hidden past seems to possess a touch of humanity. Particularly, Pranky appears to be exceptionally well-developed artistically; his visual transformation into darkness carries a profound impact that surpasses any dialogue in a given panel. Furthermore, Reis has crafted a vivid, richly detailed environment that effortlessly resembles an ordinary city street or neighborhood but subtly infuses every corner with shadows and hints of impending terror. The art is further intensified by Brad Anderson’s colors, which are skillfully balanced to create the perfect degree of eeriness.

Essentially, issue #1 of “Hyde Street” deviates slightly from the typical style of Johns and Reis, yet it proves to be captivating. The characters are intriguing, hinting at their own enigmas waiting to be explored, while the setting poses enough mysteries to pique readers’ curiosity. Fundamentally, Hyde Street #1 lays the groundwork for a narrative that may challenge readers’ perspectives and make them pause before crossing a street in an unknown district. In essence, it marks the commencement of a compelling horror story.

Published by Image Comics

On October 2, 2024

Written by Geoff Johns

Art by Ivan Reis

Colors by Brad Anderson

Inks by Danny Miki

Letters by Rob Leigh

Cover by Reis, Miki and Anderson

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2024-10-02 19:10