by Matt Sernaker, Editor-In-Chief
The year of Ghost Machine continues with the launch of their latest book: Hornsby & Halo #1! This new series falls under their “Family Odysseys” umbrella and focuses on the internal battle between good and evil. What happens when you take a child from Hell and put them with a caring family? If you took a child from Heaven and gave them to a less-than-ethical family, would they take on those characteristics? It’s “nature versus nurture” with an interesting twist. Spoiler-free review ahead.
Official Synopsis:
It’s Good vs. Evil from the minds of PETER J. TOMASI (Batman and Robin, Super Sons) and PETER SNEJBJERG (Starman, B.P.R.D.)! Keeping the cosmic peace isn’t easy. But the opposing leaders of Heaven and Hell broker a deal that trades Zachary Halo, an angel child, to a demon family, and Rose Hornsby, a demon child, to an angel family, and hope this truce will halt the winds of war. It’s Nature versus Nurture as the turbulence of adolescence comes crashing down on two teenagers who have no idea just who and what they truly are…yet.
Creative Team:
Storytellers: Peter J. Tomasi & Peter Snejbjerg
Colorist: John Kalisz
Lettering: Rob Leigh
Since we are several weeks away from the release of the book, we will keep away from spoilers. At first glance, this book might feel like a rehash of past comic stories. We’ve seen warring factions exchange newborns to maintain peace (see DC’s New Gods as a prime example), but in the case of Hornsby & Halo, the larger purpose of the switch is infinitely more interesting. Sure the peace element is important, but can we overcome our nature based on our environment? Zachary and Rose will need to figure this out first-hand as they realize that there is more to them than meets the eye.
The stark dichotomy between the lead characters and their situations is quite intriguing. I love how the creative team balanced the narrative to give readers a solid understanding of how their lives have played out, and the third act reveal has me ready for more. If you are a fan of Supernatural, this book would be up your alley. Beyond the narrative itself, the visuals are quite impressive. The angelic and demonic character designs felt contemporary yet classic. I loved the approach to the coloring (especially in the third act), and the lettering added a whole new layer to the tone of the book. I’m not sure where the story is taking us, but I’m in for another issue.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Hornsby & Halo #1 – 4 out of 5 new launch issues.
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