The first volume in this series, part of the Ghost Machine imprint/universe spawned by Geoff Johns (and Ivan Reis) is the latest in a series of real bangers coming out of Image Comics. This first volume collects issues one through seven, and is an excellent introduction to this horror-themed corner of the Ghost Machine universe, which covers a myriad of genres through its various titles (Geiger with post-apocalyptic super beings, Red Coat with immortal soldiers, Junkyard Joe with robot/unknown soldier, Exodus with a collapsing terraformed planet in the far future, etc.) I don't think they all take place on the same Earth (though some definitely do), but each series stands alone on its own merits quite well.
That said, this is 31 Days of Horror, so Hyde Street is the subject! The series focuses on the eponymous Hyde Street itself, a strange urban zone which exists outside of the normal laws, and to which people with secrets to hide find themselves trapped in. Some of these people are particularly noteworthy for their callousness, such as Mr. X-Ray, their maliciousness (as with the eternally young boy scout Pranky), their tragic backstory (The Monster), or Miss Goodbody, who is a pimp for something suspiciously like the Substance.
Each of these individuals have become supernatural predators, approached by a mysterious being called the Scorekeeper, who wants them to find others drawn to Hyde Street, and to see if they are worthy of judgement and damnation, or if they can somehow repent and be given escape. The hunters all have a motive to try and add to the total of the damned, for they can escape Hyde Street if they get ten thousand souls to the Scorekeeper. The conflict arises with some of the chosen predators, such as Pranky, who really like it here, and don't ever want to leave, while others such as The Monster find it a damnable place and despise sending the damned to wherever the Scorekeeper keeps them. The story weaves between the conflict between these trapped hunters and the arrival of other villainous individuals who are deserving of their judgement (or forgiveness), from an arsonist granny to a murderous Santa....there are a lot of unpleasant characters within these pages.
If you want a fantastic read, a novel concept that blends a mix of supernatural serial killers with Twilight Zone style aesthetics taking place in the Chaotic Evil version of Danny the Street,* then you should definitely pick this up! Excellent art as well by a great team, a real treat. Solid A+ and I am eager to continue on with Volume Two (who am I kidding, I pick this series up monthly as well!)
*Bonus Points if you know who/what that is and where its from! Answer (highlight): Doom Patrol's sentient traveling street, made more popular by the TV series
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