REVIEW: ‘Hallow’s Eve,’ Issue #1

Hallow’s Eve #1 is the start of a new series published by Marvel Comics, written by Erica Schultz, art by Michael Dowling, colors by Brian Reber, and letters by Joe Caramagna. Hallow’s Eve (Janine Godbe) is now on her own and on the run, using her many masks to break into banks and generate money. But she doesn’t know the true power of her magic. This spins out of Amazing Spider-Man and Dark Web.

This comic is really something new, so it was difficult to know what to expect going into it. Schultz does an excellent job of easing us into the book initially, giving examples of what Hallow’s Eve’s masks can do. Then for a large bulk of the book, it’s a heist comic, tinged with magic and superheroes. The second half of the comic starts introducing complications. The last of these problems is a fantastic twist started earlier in the issue, but completely unexpected when it happens. The masks are a superb and unique concept, with the unpredictability of what could come out of that bag just a small part of the excitement brewing in this series.

Hallow’s Eve #1 allows a character with huge potential space to flourish on their own. What I love about her personality, just from this opening chapter, is her impulsive nature. She isn’t making good decisions, but they’re the best decisions available to her. She needs money, so she robs a bank. She’s hell-bent on getting Ben out of Limbo, so she makes plans. It’s clear she’s not a bad person, she doesn’t hurt for the sake of it. But if you get in her way. The lack of control over the masks puts you at risk.

The art is magnificent and bundles of fun. Dowling has a gorgeous art style that is perfectly suited for the character and the comic. This is a book that requires a playful approach, and that is exactly what is brought to the table. Each mask has its own design initially, but then it changes Hallow’s Eve’s look completely. The execution of each one is deeply impressive, with a massive variety in design. Just the standard costume is phenomenal itself. The blending between the sleeves and the main costume with a unique pattern, the hood that is also part of a cape, the large domino mask—the whole get-up is one of the most interesting among the new characters.

The colors are also fantastic and crucial for the implementation of the mask’s abilities. The most notable example of this is the ghost mask, granting invisibility and intangibility. How both Dowling and Reber show this off is superb, leaving a faint blue over the ghostly figure of Hallow’s Eve when she is tangible. The vibrancy and individuality of her bright orange cloak stand out beautifully. The lettering is terrific, with a great color choice for the caption boxes.

Hallow’s Eve #1 is a delightful first issue. The character is new and is such a brilliant idea. Schultz has picked Janine up after Dark Web and Amazing Spider-Man and given her space to shine. And it isn’t just the concept of the masks that make her awesome, it is the personality filled with depth and dimension. That has been noticeable in other books, but when it is her voice leading the narration and her actions constantly in the spotlight, it truly shows the strength and possibilities Hallow’s Eve possesses.

Hallow’s Eve #1 is available where comics are sold.