HACK/SLASH official thread w/ TIM SEELEY

[Deviancy]

Omnibus 1 in my opinion is NOT the omni that new fans should start with.

I know new readers like to start from the start but the thing is, H/S started with one shots and a mini and since they were one shots, the stories were fast paced and didn't spend much time developing the characters or the world they lived in, it just told the story of two people beating the crap out of slashers. And while I enjoyed those earlier stories, they didn't knock my socks off either. Instead what they did is they made me realize that if H/S became an ongoing it would have the potential to be something good. And that's exactly what happened when the first ongoing started, it delved into the psyche of the characters, it touched a lot on Cassie's sexuality and how it affected her, as well as her hang ups, it also dealt with Vlads loyalty to Cassie and just how far he's willing to go to save her. On top of all that, the world gets expanded in a big way, guest characters in the one shots become regulars that play an essential role in the book, and a handful of new characters are introduced.

In short, I recommend new readers to start with Omni 2 and then Omni 3 because thats where the "meat" is.

[capuga]

Question?

Because Revival has become one of my favorite reads I decided to try the first Hack/Slash Omnibus. I liked it - though I found it a little rough around the edges and the writing wasn't as strong as what is had in Revival. Still, I liked the characters and there are moments when it shines.

But I don't know if I loved it enough to buy the 2nd Omnibus. What I'm asking from long time readers. Is the first Omni represent the quality of the series as a whole, and if it didn't knock my socks of, it never will? Or is this a case of a series getting even stronger as it goes, so stick with it?

Thanks

It's hard for me to say. I started reading Hack/Slash with the Image ongoing. I liked it so much that I went back and bought the omnis. So I really enjoyed the first omni, but I was already a fan by that point. I guess all I can say is that I think the series is fantastic so I would, of course, recommend that you stick with it.

[Selinafan]

Thanks folks.

I'm more a character guy, if that works, if I get invested in the characters and their situation, then I'll pretty much follow you through any genre. That is a strength of Revival and I get a hint of that in H/S, I found myself interested in these people in places. So if future stories delve and expand on that -as it sounds like it does- then that gives me hope for future volumes.

[Deviancy]

Actually, before you pick up Omni 2, pick this up..

My First Maniac

My First Maniac was a mini Seeley did when H/S moved to Image, its like Hack/Slash: Year One since it tells the story of how Cassie became the slasher killer she is today, and it features Leister on pencils (one of my favorite H/S pencillers) and a really solid story, with lots of character depth. Seeing how you said you get invested in characters and their situations, I just think it'll make H/S a book you'll want to continue reading. And its only ten bucks. ;)

[capuga]

and it features Leister on pencils (one of my favorite H/S pencillers)

Agreed. Really enjoyed his work on the series. That's why just recently when I saw he was taking commissions I had him do me up an Invincible and Atom Eve. Check it out in my sig.

[Deviancy]

Well unless Seeley pulls a "big two" stunt, the last page in the latest issue is a total "wowzer".

That's all I can say about the latest issue since I'm too lazy to use spoiler tags.

The final fight is going to be such a slobber knocker, its hard to say who will still be around to see it but its going to be one nasty fight.

[capuga]

Well unless Seeley pulls a "big two" stunt, the last page in the latest issue is a total "wowzer".

That's all I can say about the latest issue since I'm too lazy to use spoiler tags.

The final fight is going to be such a slobber knocker, its hard to say who will still be around to see it but its going to be one nasty fight.

I hope he does pull a Big 2. That's f-ing brutal.

[Deviancy]

It's hard to say what he'll do, it all comes down to what kind of ending he wants to go with.

If he's going with a dark and bittersweet victory with lots of drama, it has to play out the way it looks like it'll play out.

But one thing that amuses me, Akakios/Sam is damn good with that knife of his, he's pretty much wiped out everyone and everything he's come across with it, from velociraptors to superheroes. But the one person who survived being stabbed by him? An autistic 13 year old. But so far Cat is living up to her name, the girl has gone through at least 4 of her 9 lives.

[capuga]

It's hard to say what he'll do, it all comes down to what kind of ending he wants to go with.

If he's going with a dark and bittersweet victory with lots of drama, it has to play out the way it looks like it'll play out.

But one thing that amuses me, Akakios/Sam is damn good with that knife of his, he's pretty much wiped out everyone and everything he's come across with it, from velociraptors to superheroes. But the one person who survived being stabbed by him? An autistic 13 year old. But so far Cat is living up to her name, the girl has gone through at least 4 of her 9 lives.

I actually thought she was going to be the one to bite it for awhile there.

[Deviancy]

There's still one more chapter but I'm thinking she's safe. Then again anything can happen next issue, Cassie and Sam may both die at the very end and maybe Ash comes across a resurrected Cassie in the crossover.

But watch, the comic will come to an end this month and then the movie will manage to make it out of development hell and hit the big screen, then a new flock of fans will go looking for the comic only to find out it isn't being published anymore.

[EMeadow]

Aren't we still getting the crossover with Army of Darkness after all of this?

[capuga]

Aren't we still getting the crossover with Army of Darkness after all of this?

Still planned last I heard.

[Deviancy]

This is interesting..

5. Next up is HACK/SLASH 25, the last issue. What twisted scheme have you devised to torture your readers in that issue?

Mwahahahahahaha! I hope people love what we’ve concocted for the cast. Or if they hate it, they hate it very loudly, and bring in some more readers!

Is he merely joking about new readers at this point?
Is he talking about how it would be great if new readers just picked up the final issue?
Is he referring to more people getting into the trades?
Or is he tossing us a hint that the H/S series will come back eventually?

Seriously, I'm not ready to say goodbye to Cassie yet. I wouldn't be annoyed at all if Vlad does end up dead and Cassie came back in a new series with a new partner, like maybe Cat. But as I've always said, while I do like Vlad because he provides the levity, I've always felt Cassie could carry the book on her own, and I think My First Maniac proved that.

[capuga]

This is interesting..

5. Next up is HACK/SLASH 25, the last issue. What twisted scheme have you devised to torture your readers in that issue?

Mwahahahahahaha! I hope people love what we’ve concocted for the cast. Or if they hate it, they hate it very loudly, and bring in some more readers!

Is he merely joking about new readers at this point?
Is he talking about how it would be great if new readers just picked up the final issue?
Is he referring to more people getting into the trades?
Or is he tossing us a hint that the H/S series will come back eventually?

Seriously, I'm not ready to say goodbye to Cassie yet. I wouldn't be annoyed at all if Vlad does end up dead and Cassie came back in a new series with a new partner, like maybe Cat. But as I've always said, while I do like Vlad because he provides the levity, I've always felt Cassie could carry the book on her own, and I think My First Maniac proved that.

I don't know. I agree with you to an extent - I love Cassie and I'd read about her without Vlad. But I love Vlad. And I think the dynamic of their relationship gives the book some heart to go along with the comedy and horror. I'm not sure it'd be quite as good without him.

[timseeley]

COME TO THIS!
HACK/SLASH WRAP PARTY

TIM!