REVIEW: ‘Hallow’s Eve,’ Issue #2

Hallow’s Eve #2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Erica Shultz, art by Michael Dowling, colors by Brian Reber, and letters by Joe Caramagna. After her bank heist in the first issue led to a man being turned into a werewolf, Hallow’s Eve must try and right her wrong by finding him.

This is a plot featuring a lot of transition, building more of this little corner of the world. Taking place just after the first issue, it is a lot of information gathering and investigation. From all parties. There are three separate people hunting down one target, threatening to interact and become problems for each other. There’s Hallow’s Eve, a detective, and the Beyond Corporation, all with their own motives. The variety in the methods of hunting is entertaining, ranging from policing to nefarious means. In fact, the whole issue is entertaining. Schultz excels at crafting awkward situations for characters and balancing tension. There is also a brilliant setup for something terrible about to happen regarding another of Eve’s mask, still finding new faces for her to wear. And each one changes the premise and circumstances of the comic. There isn’t a fight in this comic, but it leads right to the start of one.

Hallow’s Eve is such a refreshing character to have leading a comic. Much of that is because she’s a bit of a rookie, in all meanings of the word. She’s so new to this that she never seems confident in any of her actions, winging it for much of Hallow’s Eve #2. She is also a mix of hero and villain, not quite settling on either. She did something really awful, but is now spending the issue trying to atone for it. And her narration shows that she does feel huge amounts of regret for doing bad things. That nervousness and newness to the world of superheroes gives a different perspective to situations. Elsewhere, you have opposite sides of the spectrum also vying to get to the bottom of the werewolf problem. One is a detective, who at first glance seems highly intelligent and professional. Then there is Maxine at Beyond, who is ruthless and sly. Both are superbly written and will serve as problems for Hallow’s Eve. 

The art is fantastic. Similarly to the premier issue, it is the transformations through the masks that are truly captivating. It means that the design of the protagonist is constantly altering, bringing something new each issue. It isn’t just the full figure that I find impressive, just the masks are terrific. But then when she is in human form, Janine is quite small and unassuming. Dowling is also aware of her cloak and where it correctly falls. The werewolf transformation in this issue is stunning in its execution, with haunting facial expressions used. As said previously, there isn’t much action in this issue, but there is a chase sequence that depicts a lot of speed and variety to what the masks can do.

The colors are brilliant. The orange of Hallow’s Eve’s cloak is so striking and unlike any other tone within this book that she will always stand out. Elsewhere, the shades are natural, which is what can help the inhuman nature of Janine’s costumes. The lettering is very easy to read and dynamic.

Hallow’s Eve #2 continues to be an exciting breath of fresh air. This is a book that is going out on its own with a lot of new, unexplored characters, and that is what makes it a really underrated book. Hallow’s Eve is not a typical headliner, but her power set and raw personality has shaped her into something truly unique. Everything about her is unpredictable, because anything could be pulled out of that bag of hers to create an entirely new situation, brought to life by a phenomenal art team.

Hallow’s Eve #2 is available wherever comics are sold.