House of Slaughter #14: Stranded in a Sea Full of Sharks

House of Slaughter #14 is ominous, moody, and a tension-filled issue. It reminds readers horror comes in many forms and it’s a fantastic addition to the series that will leave fans anxious for the next issue.

The issue begins with Jace arriving at Messiah Bar, a seedy establishment donning a red neon sign in what looks to be the older parts of New Orleans. As he steps into the building, people are dancing while covered in red and green lighting as a DJ plays music. With only his lost kid in mind, Jace sees Jolie at the bar and makes his way over to her. She turns around and acts happy to see him. After a brief talk, Jace tries to bring up his lost kid Sunny, and Jolie’s demeanor changes, kicking off a rude awakening for Jace.

Part of what makes horror great is not always the shock but the tension building up to a jump scare or a terrifying twist. House of Slaughter #14 does an excellent job of creating unease even though most of the issue is just two people talking. Readers know Jolie has a dark side but it hasn’t revealed itself and this makes for a great experience.

Even though Jolie has been in only a handful of issues, what is done well is the juxtaposition of Jolie to Jace. At their core, they are two hunters who have grown their own families and do what they can to protect them. However, the way in which they operate as people and within their family couldn’t be more opposite. In a way, Jolie and Jace talking is a conflict of two opposing ideals and while Jace is a protagonist to root for, he is clearly in over his head.

This conflict is well-crafted thanks to the writing by Tate Brombal. The way in which Jolie has this ambiguous vibe about her is done so well. She isn’t exactly menacing, however, it is obvious she is a force to be reckoned with. Additionally, her connection to Jace and the shared trauma they have of their home being destroyed (this happened in House of Slaughter issues 1 – 5), keeps that connection to the larger universe of Something is Killing the Children and the politics of the Order of St. George.

In addition to the sharp writing, the art from Antonio Fuso with colors by Miquel Muerto continues to deliver. The vibrant colors embody the lighting from the shady club and the panels are well put together. The entire issue has a cinematic style that works well. Completing the entire experience is the cover art done by Mateus Manhanini. The zombie-like design of Aaron Slaughter is creepy and horrifying—a fitting design considering Aaron’s demise is deeply connected to Jace from their relationship. While it isn’t quite in the recent tone of issues, it is definitely going to stand out and let curious buyers know this is a horror comic.