When a comic is billed as “…the ultimate horror throwback!” its going to catch my attention. They weren’t wrong. Hammer Head by writer Ed Brisson and illustrator Damian Couceiro is a suspenseful slasher horror with a fantastic twist I had not idea was coming. Horror throwback, yes, but also a gloriously unique tale.
For 20 years, Jules has been hiding from her past. As the only survivor of the Hammer Head killing-spree, she carries the guilt and trauma of having watched as everyone she loved was brutally murdered. Every couple of years, Hammer Head rises from the dead to continue his reign of terror anew, and with each repeated massacre, Jules falls deeper into the warm embrace of her own dark coping mechanisms. When she’s thrown into prison with no trial and no hope, Jules finds herself part of a dark ritual built to force her back into the past that she’s spent her life trying to escape.
While I was expecting a solid comic as a this series fits square in the horror genre , but also as a huge fan of Brisson’s storytelling. However, Hammer Head was not at all what I expected at its core, in such a glorious way. This debut issue is a slasher horror, but one that had a twist I did not see coming, one that takes the plot to an entire new level. One that makes me eager to continue this series.
A lot takes place over the pages of the first issue, but ultimately not a lot takes place at the same time. The debut issue does, however, lay a wonderful foundation on the hard life lived by our protagonist ever since her bad night a number years ago. The only survivor of the infamous Hammer Head. Brisson sets up the feel of what seems to be a balls-to-the-wall horror story that will hit harder and harder as we move along.
The character development is strong, even only over the first issue. I already care for Jules and her survival. Not much is known about our antagonist, but you can easily feel there is an intricate backstory that may or may not be explained in the future. However, it feels like the mystery makes their character all the more frightening and terrifying. Beyond Hammer Head, there is definitely something sinister going on behind the scenes that is not revealed, but damn does something feel off.
Couceiro’s art style blends perfectly with this style of story. A slasher horror vibe with gritty and gruesome artwork that immerses you into this fear-filled tale. The dark and brooding colors by Dee Cunniffe work well with Damian’s lines adding to the over experience. This creative team seems to vibe in ways that make this story feel complete.
Hammer Head is one of those comics that I knew would be worth reading, but surprised the hell out of me in such a fantastic way. Writer Ed Brisson and illustrator Damian Couceiro craft a gloriously twisted must-read horror that delivers all the bloody fun of a classic slasher while carving out something uniquely its own.
Hammer Head #1 hits local comic shops on October 14, 2026 from Mad Cave Studios.
Hammer Head #1 Preview
