Sometimes the best of intentions aren’t always the ones you should follow.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Pat Shand
Artwork: Vincenzo Riccardi
What They Say:
Thousands of years ago, Hades, the God of the Underworld, had a daughter named Angelica. Because of his own foolish schemes, Angelica was tragically killed. But present day Hades is a changed man. In a committed relationship with Liesel Van Helsing, Hades has taken to fighting evil. However, as a new threat rises up in New York City, Van Helsing and Hades will be forced to face the consequences of his past evils. This is the story of the Hellchild …
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
With the demise of Dracula, Liesel and Hades try to settle back into their routine of tracking down vampires and putting an end to their bloody ways. However, after their latest hunt, the feisty Brit is worried about the aftermath of Vlad’s treachery – the death of Angelica. Although she died millennia ago, Hades still misses his wayward daughter and wishes things could have ended amicably; however, the sympathy toward her immortal lover is without limits as Van Helsing attempts to find a way to speak to the spirit of the lost child. But, she will need some help in that department, and luckily, she knows just the witch to help, Marian.
The big problem is that if Hades finds out what she is planning, he will surely reject the plan, so she had better do it quickly and silently. They meet at a rowdy nightclub where a necromantic rite is rumoured to be happening, but to be able to enter without the sorcerers finding out will be a challenge – their reputations have proceeded them and security is tight. It will not be easy but then again, anything worth doing right can never be done in haste. But as the obstacles begin to mount, so does Van Helsing’s temper and as usual, they end up fighting their way into the ominous chamber. What awaits them is more than they expect and the casualties start piling up until the ritual nears completion; however, the result is unexpected and it will signal the beginning of a new legacy for both Hades and Liesel – something that will tip the balance and perhaps open a new door to the future.
In Summary:
(Minor spoiler: Read Robyn Hood #20 before you start Hellchild #1 – this issue contains some clues as to the outcome of that series.)
Pat Shand has once again introduced us to another character which will more than likely make a major impact on the Zenescope universe. Hellchild has begun a fascinating look into the world of Hades and the consequences of his mistake when he wished to dissuade his daughter Angelica from seeing a young suitor named Vlad; due to his misguided intentions, the man became a monster and the first victim of his thirst was the god’s only child. Liesel knew of his regrets and wished to help but now it seems she has released something worse than the demon who created the monster now before them. The future looks dark for the couple, but at the same time, it looks bright for us as readers.
The story starts off on the right foot by the method by which Shand uses to direct the action – the classic monologue. We are acquainted with each character’s intentions by being allowed to delve into their minds via this narration: their innermost motives guide the story, first Angelica and then Liesel. To be able to grasp these thoughts releases the emotions better than simple words could ever do and gives us insight into their future plans. They cannot deceive themselves even as they try to do so to others, the directness opens the world inside and gives us a singular viewpoint through their eyes. The Hellchild is so cold and yet Liesel’s warmth draws us into her heart, trying to explain her plan to herself by justifying her guilty actions. This contrast of daughter versus father’s girlfriend makes the future relationship all the more chilling for we know that they will have to confront each other before anything is settled.
This same divergence is also reflected in the artwork of Vincenzo Riccardi. The cruelty etched on Angelica’s face when we see at the beginning of the book is echoed once again on the last page when she emerges from her horrid shell. The coldness in her empty eyes is that of the grave and the hunger she exhibits as she sinks her fangs into the poor girl only enforces the terror which created her so many centuries ago. And yet, Liesel is a composite of those carnal desires but she is balanced by the compassion she feels for Hades and the wish she desires to reunite him with his daughter. She has one foot in the darkness and one in the light – she chooses which will make the first step before any action is made. Riccardi’s illustrations masterfully display this disparity, but at the same time, he is able to flip the Liesel’s expressions through her actions. To show her caring heart as she shoves a stake through a vampire’s chest or chops off a cultist’s hand is comical but it also makes us share her wish that all she is doing is for Hades’ sake; this is love in the truest sense of the word, to sacrifice your own safety for the one you care about the most. Wonderful.
Angelica, the demigod daughter of Hades and the victim of the most powerful vampire in history, Dracula; even the god of the underworld could not destroy him and now his child has that monster’s blood flowing through her veins? What kind of results can this catastrophe bring to her father’s world and the realm of man? And will Liesel be forced to hunt down this innocent to save others while at the same time trying to rescue her from the destiny which Fate thrust upon her? Only the next issue will show us … and I for one, cannot wait!
Grade: A
Rating: 16+
Released By: Zenescope
Release Date: March 23, 2016
MSRP: $3.99
