Comic writer Ed Brisson has many notable titles to his credit, including Old Man Logan, Uncanny X-Men, Ghost Rider, Predator, and Batman & Robin Eternal. Now he’s taking on a genre he has long wanted to tackle: horror. Brisson’s upcoming series, Hammer Head, is his first straight-up horror comic.
Hammer Head, set to release next month from Mad Cave Studios, is illustrated by Damian Couceiro, colored by Dee Cunniffe, and lettered by Patrick Brosseau. We checked out the first two issues, and this is one series horror fans won’t want to sleep on.
Hammer Head Brings the Old-School Slasher Fun
Hammer Head #1 introduces Jules McCormick, a woman in her 30s who is struggling with addiction stemming from her traumatic past. She survived a brutal attack by a seemingly immortal madman, Henry “Hammer Head” Elgin, which left her family and many others dead. Addiction is the only coping mechanism she seems to have. After a couple of violent incidents, she’s taken into custody and awakens in a mysterious maximum-security prison with six other inmates.
The inmates are taken outside the prison, which has been built as a replica of Jules’ hometown, the place where she first survived Henry’s killing spree. Unfortunately for them, this is now Henry’s hunting grounds, and his murderous appetite must be fed. Jules will have to face the killer once again in a brutal fight for survival.
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A straightforward comparison to the story’s setup is the classic horror-comedy The Cabin in the Woods. Other films that immediately come to mind are Adam Green’s Hatchet series or the Friday the 13th sequels. Hammer Head blends a contained horror narrative, possibly involving supernatural elements, with the brutal fun of a throwback slasher.
Unlike Hatchet’s Victor Crowley, however, Henry has a far less imposing appearance. The thin man wears a basic jacket-and-hoodie combo, pants, and a DIY mask. Couceiro’s design is brilliantly deceptive, given that Henry is an outright killing machine. Brisson keeps the tension high, especially in the second issue, where we see what he’s truly capable of and Jules discovers that Henry isn’t the only threat.
Ed Brisson’s Comic Is a Must-Read for Horror Fans
The violence is quick and brutal, with strong pacing throughout both issues. At this point, the story provides all the backstory it needs while deliberately leaving many questions unanswered, including Henry’s apparent immortality. Although, as a slasher, the series may preserve some of that mystery, in keeping with tradition.
The dialogue flows easily and naturally, with welcome quips that break up the otherwise serious conversations, and with clean lettering. Cunniffe’s predominantly blue color scheme, with contrasting reds, adds to the story’s mysterious atmosphere.
Both issues are addictive page-turners, with final reveals that left me wanting more. Hammer Head is an instant addition to my pull list and should be on yours if you enjoy a good old-fashioned slasher.
Hammer Head #1 goes on sale Oct. 14, 2026, from Mad Cave Studios.
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