House of Slaughter #13: The Unease of Visiting Someone’s Home

House of Slaughter #13 is filled with tension and mystery and a worthy entry into the latest story arc. It’s a solid issue that feels like it’s moving the story along without compromising on pacing or world building.

The issue opens up with Jace still searching for Sunny and now arriving in New Orleans. Fans of the series will know Jace’s familial roots to the city. Meanwhile, Jolie and Sunny have arrived at a large house and there is concern from Sunny on whether or not to stay with Jolie. It’s an uncomfortable discussion as Jolie’s persona is not quite friendly or dangerous but she manipulates the conversation to get Sunny to stay. It’s tense and a reminder that fear takes all shapes.

Writing this issue is Tate Brombal. The pacing, dialogue, and plot have been well done and Brombal’s writing weaves new characters into different issues fluidly. This series has been getting a lot of attention and with that is an emphasis to expand the universe. The writing in this issue keeps the same quality while including an underlying worry about Sunny’s future. Fans of the series will see a familiar face and this connection to the larger world felt like an exciting nod to what’s to come.

Matched with the writing is the art by Antonio Fuso and colors by Miquel Muerto. Their art style is given room to play with themes throughout the issue and the use of red from light from a fire is a subtle connection to all of the characters at play. In addition to the interior art, the cover for this issue is one of the coolest designs so far. Jace has become a breakout character and the cover is one of the best he has been on so far. Andworld Design continues the work on the lettering and the design and placement is all well done helping the dialogue feel important without overshadowing the art.

There are two areas that stood out in this issue. The first of which is the well-paced exploration of Jace and his network of people. Jace’s traumatic past has been a source of his motivation and as he returns to his roots the reminders are elevated. The second element is the twist at the end of the issue. I anticipate the next issue will provide a full reveal, however, it was a conclusion that was not surprising, yet unexpected.