This review is going back a few years, but it concerns a comic I think every horror fan should read, Clive Barker's Hellraiser, Issue 1. This series was released in 2011 from BOOM! Studios.
Co-written by: Clive Barker and Christopher Monfette.
Art by: Leonardo Mancow
Colors by: Charlie Kirchoff
This series is special as it marks only the third time Clive Barker has ever written content in the Hellraiser universe. The first two were "Hellbound Heart" and, of course, the original "Hellraiser". For those of you who may not know, Hellbound Heart was the inspiration for Hellraiser. Not only was this comic series written by Clive Barker, but it's also official continuity from the original movie, which should have all you Pinhead fans out there in cyberspace reeling with excitement!
Before I comment on the story, I must say that Leonardo Manco's art dosen't shy away from the gore that Hellraiser is known for. His art is perfect and actually takes you into Pinhead's universe.
The story focuses on two main characters, Kristy Cotton and Pinhead. Kristy Cotton is the daughter from the first Hellraiser. The story begins in Nebraska, where an unsuspecting soul opens the Box - as one might expect in a typical Hellraiser story. Doing so, of course, releases Pinhead and his Cenobites into the world where he once again plans world domination. The story ends in the original house from the first movie where Kristy Cotton still resides.
While reading the story, I must admit that I personally found it hard to separate Barker's storyline from all the movie sequels he did not write. That said, it is obvious that this is a different journey for Pinhead and his crew of cinnamon loving, mall pastry followers. Without giving away the story, I do believe that any Horror fan who enjoys Barker's work and/or the Hellraiser series in general will want to read this series, as it gives further details on the position of Pinhead, human interaction with him and his crew, etc. So guard your soul from hooks, chains, and ripping flesh and journey down a path that will forever change the story of Pinhead and his Cenobite minions.
I give this a 5/5
This is Alex Sanchez for Horror Web comic book reviews.
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