It’s been nearly a quarter of a century since the first Hellraiser film was released. That’s a rather astonishing fact to those of us who saw that first film in the theater the weekend it came out. I loved that film, but wasn’t all that interested in the successive sequels as they seemed to dilute the original tone more and more. There have been six subsequent films with a sort of reboot/remake on tap for this year. One of the aspects that has kept the franchise popular in the mainstream is the Cenobite character that fans have named “Pinhead.” For me it was always Clive Barker’s sensibilities and storytelling that sold me on the first film. Now, thanks to BOOM! Studios, both ideas have collided in the new, ongoing comic book series Clive Barker’s Hellraiser.
The best aspect of this book is that Barker is back in the driver’s seat along with co-writer Christopher Monfette. I don’t exactly know where the division of labor is here (although I can make an educated guess), but I really don’t care as the story is instantly engaging and slightly disturbing, but in that oh-so-cool kind of way. For the most part this is the story of the Cenobite that everyone has called Pinhead (although we’re promised that his real name will be revealed at last in this series) and something that he seeks. I won’t reveal what that is as I found it pretty shocking and it immediately made me vested in this series, if only to see how this plays out. There are a few other characters we are introduced to, one Cenobite that has feelings for Pinhead, and two humans whose lives are intertwined with that of the demons/angels. Again, it’s the story that draws you in and the actions of the characters that make you want to stick around.
Then there’s the matter of Leonardo Manco’s art, which is pretty superb. Manco was the exact perfect choice for Hellraiser as he is able to expertly convey the horrific elements as adeptly as the more human and emotional moments. I hope BOOM! has Manco locked in on this book for a good long while as he really is tonally a perfect partner for the words. Manco is a great storyteller and I think his past work has inevitably lead him to be working with Clive Barker on this book.
Hellraiser #1 is a terrific debut with the promise of more greatness to come. Check out the preview of this issue below and don’t forget to grab a special FREE 8-page prelude by clicking here. Enjoy and, indeed, hell has come home!
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HELLRAISER #1 – “Pursuit of the Flesh: Part One”
Written by Clive Barker with Christopher Monfette
Art by Leonardo Manco
Colors by Charlie Kirchoff
Lettering by Travis Lanham
Cover A by Tim Bradstreet
Cover B by Nick Percival
Cover C by Clive Barker
Larry’s Comics Cover by Tim Bradstreet
New Dimension Comics Cover by Nick Percival
Edited by Ian Brill
Published by BOOM! Studios
Suggested for Mature Readers
40 PAGES, FC, $3.99
One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Clive Barker has touched HELLRAISER only twice: once to write THE HELLBOUND HEART, and once more to write and direct the original HELLRAISER film. Now witness Barker’s long-awaited return to tell a new chapter in the series’ official continuity—a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites… and Pinhead! So prepare your soul for an epic journey into horror from one of the medium’s greatest voices, and starring one of the medium’s greatest characters, in an unforgettable new chapter of HELLRAISER. BONUS: this epic 40-page first issue features a 10-page backup story written by the co-writer and co-director of THE MATRIX trilogy, Larry Wachowski!
Featuring covers from legendary artist Tim Bradstreet and LEGENDS: THE ENCHANTED artist Nick Percival. Special limited editon “C” cover by Clive Barker himself.