Issue 17 of Clive Barker's Hellraiser sees the hit series from Boom Studios reaching a fever pitch as the story arc builds to an epic crescendo. Hell has come to earth as Pinhead/Elliot Spencer's plan comes to full fruition after his violent betrayl of The Harrowers. The world watches with horror as legions of the damned poor out of hell's portal to wreak their unholy perversions upon the innocent.

This most recent chapter is really an example of the new broad scope of the book. Not only are we treated to Kirsty and other familiar faces, but the book has reached beyond the original vision of the films as the Harrowers and even Harry D'Amour work to thwart Pinhead's ambitions of turning earth into a second home for the souls of the demented and lecherous that follow him. As Kirsty confronts her own demons and those of Spencer's past In hopes of finding the secret to defeat him, the world's governments prepare for the worst, enacting a last ditch effort that might be as disastrous as the ghastly consequences of Spencer's evil war on the flesh.

As always, the writing is solid here and although the metaphysics of Kirsty and Spencer's personal journeys might be a little too cerebral for new readers, fans of the book will nonetheless be turning the pages right up until the issue's cliffhanger ending. My only complaint lies in some uneven artwork as the book is a little inconsistent in quality from cover to cover. That doesn 't stop the brisk pace though and by the end I was clamoring for the next installment. Highly Recommended.

Tags: Clive Barker, Hellraiser, Pinhead

BOOM! Studios, Written By Clive Barker and Christopher Monfette, Art By Leonardo Manco. $3.99

Issue two of the series comes out with a bang. The Harrowers seek out one of the gateways to hell to destroy it and they Gateway itself it very inventive. Like all the Gates to hell it is something you would never thing would be one. Kristy is once again playing a major part in the story, being the leader of the Harrowers themselves. The new Cenobites/Demons are very unique and if not completely horrific. It shows how dedicated Clive Barker is to making this re-launch stand alone if not surpass those that came before it.

Tags: Clive Barker, Horror Comics, Hellraiser

BOOM! Studios, Written By Clive Barker and Christopher Monfette, Art By Leonardo Manco. $3.99

First off, about damn time. The Hellraiser series has been on the downside for several years now, mostly due to Clive Barker having little or no part of it. Having him come back to put new life into the franchise, is like a teenager getting his/her first car. Awesome.

Clive Barker brings back all the old favorites, Pinhead, Chatterbox, Open-Throat, Harrowers, as well as Kristy. The story centers around Pinhead and the quest he has for a new experience. True to form, it is bloody and innovative on many levels, the kind of story you would expect from Clive Barker. The artist, Leonardo Manco, a seasoned comic artist, brings vivid art that helps define the story and feel of the comic as well as the horror of the Cenobites. All together this makes for a horrific right into the imagination of Clive Barker and the world he created twenty-four years ago.

Whether or not you are a fan of the Hellraiser world, a fan of Clive Barker, or just want to read a fantastic horror comic about flesh and desires; then this should definitely be add to your list of reading material.

Tags: Clive Barker, Hellraiser