Series Premiere. It's Good vs. Evil vs. Puberty 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.
Whether we're in heaven, hell, or reality, the art is beautiful. The detailed emotions on each character's face is so well done, that there's never a moment that the reader doesn't know exactly how everyone feels. There is absolutely no wasted space, making every inch of every page gorgeous. Read Full Review
In the Ghost Machine primer, this seemed like an idea that might best work as a mini-series, but an intriguing development in the back half shows this could be a series with plenty of staying power. Especially as Tomasi leans into the Hornsby & Halo aspect of the title. Read Full Review
The nature versus nurtures sense of the story seems to be the center that author and artist are reaching for. It's a bit upsetting given how complex everything else is. The obvious choices made for the contrast between angel and devil feel a little bit too on-the-nose. thankfully, there's a rich complexity through the script and to the art vet manages to steer pretty clear of really obvious choices with respect to be overall theme. Hopefully they can manage to maintain that even if the overall premise feels like it might be a little bit too, hard in the direction of the obvious. Read Full Review
Hornsby & Halo #1 kicks off a delightful new series that blends the cosmic with the daily life of young teenagers. While the premise takes some time to set up, it lays a strong foundation for an intriguing exploration of nature versus nurture through the lens of its charming lead characters. Read Full Review
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. Read Full Review
Hornsby & Halo #1 delivers a charming and thought-provoking debut with a unique premise that explores nature versus nurture in a family-focused, all-ages format. While its pacing could be tighter, and a few plot points feel underexplained, the issue sets up an engaging story with endearing characters and delightful art that captures the innocence and complexity of its central duo. Read Full Review
Peter Snejbjerg crafts some interesting and visually compelling art throughout the first issue. I really enjoyed the visual styles of the other planes and how they contrast with each other. Read Full Review
HORNSBY & HALO #1 is a thorough, well-constructed setup for a story about two early teens on the verge of realizing they are not of this Earth. Peter J. Tomasi's central premise has a lot of potential, and Peter Snejbjerg's artwork is well above average. That said, the issue lacks a strong hook to tell you about Zach and Rose's journey, and you don't get a read on their personalities, so there's nothing here to grab you. Read Full Review
Plot
The Council of the Kingdoms of Heaven and Hell has a truce, which consists of exchanging one of their beings to live on Earth, the deal is like this, the young and future archangel Zachary Halo is raised by a family of demons and the demon girl Rose Hornsby is raised by an angelic family. Neither knows about this exchange.
Zachary and Rose reach puberty, both turn thirteen on the same day, while Rose is greeted with a surprise party, Zachary is left a cupcake and many cleaning tasks at her adoptive parents' funeral home.
Zachary had a run-in with Rose and took advantage to steal several of her drawings.
At night they both fall asleep and wake up transformed into supreme beings, Zachary as a blue an more
Other good debut from ghost machine. Well written and drawn. I like the concept, it's been kind of done to death, but it feels new and refreshing. Looking forward to the next issue.
This may have been the weakest offering from Ghost Machine, but it's still pretty good.
The art is above average - Snejbjerg is a seasoned pro, and, though his art is markedly different from the other GM artists, he is an excellent storyteller. Tomasi is a very good writer, and his character work and dialogue in this issue is fine.
This issue was fine. I would have preferred not to have all the exposition in the beginning, and to find out what's happening along with the characters as discover their true natures.