What if you were born a demon or an angel but were brought up in a family that was opposite your demeanor? A demon child in a perfect home and an angel in an immoral and “bad” one? That’s a question answered in Hornsby & Halo, a new Ghost Machine series as part of the “Family Odysseys” format. The new series joins The Rockefellers in a growing universe that feels more all-ages than some of their other series so far, with endearing qualities through and through.
Peter J. Tomasi and Peter Snejberg craft Hornsby & Halo #1 in a rather fun thought experiment turned comic. The first seven pages are devoted to the main character’s earliest days as babies in Hell and Heaven, respectfully. It’s a smart way to show both are like any human baby, as they’re inquisitive and innocent.
We learn early on that the peace between Heaven and Hell depends on these future rulers of Heaven and Hell maintaining peace by growing up in the opposite kind of family. Can nature overcome nurture, or vice versa?
Meet our main characters.
Credit: Image
This opening does feel overly long, drawing out the origin with captions that could get to the point. While the issue gets a lot done, an entire page devoted to each kid feels unnecessary. Opening with the kids and then revealing their backstories might have made more sense.
The rest of the issue introduces us to Zachary and Rose, who are not aware of their original birthplaces. They’re regular kids, and immediately, you’ll be watching for the “demon” to do bad things and the “angel” to do good things. It’s a fun experiment as they navigate the bus ride home and eventually their parents.
The issue really opens up when they both fall asleep, revealing they can change into their true form, complete with powers. It’s a major win that the story progresses so much, getting the reader to the ideal moment when their self-discovery will reap the most entertainment benefits.
The Art by Snejberg has an endearing quality that’s not quite cartoony but certainly cute. From the demon and angel forms of our characters to their wide-eyed, non-powered-up looks, you’ll find them easy to root for. It’s also fun to see Hornsby is an artist whose renderings look apt for a kid.
Another gripe I had was how Hornsby ended up helping Halo with some crooks. While it helps establish that they both have powers, only Hornsby was around to hear a crime would take place. There’s likely some explanation, but it seems like a plot hole.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.