House of Slaughter #29 is written by Sam Johns and published by BOOM! Studios. Series development by James Tynion IV, Illustration by Letizia Cadonici, coloured by Francesco Segala, Lettered by Andworld Design’s Justin Birch, and the main cover art for this issue is by Jorge Fornés and Werther Dell’edera.
House of Salugther #29 is available today where all good comics are sold. You can get your copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Hermes is back, but this time he’s been transformed as something far worse… something far more sinister…
Now out for blood, it will take the unlikely trio of Edwin, Nolan, and Bait together to have a chance of stopping him.
But will their combined skills be enough to defeat Hermes and stop him from feeding off of all of their fearful memories?
Review
The House of Slaughter series has consistently embraced the macabre in its storytelling, and issue #29 is a prime example of this, as it plunges headfirst into dark and mysterious waters. The overarching storyline in House of Slaughter: Azure has centred around “Totems”—items of significant importance within this universe that have not been thoroughly explored…until now.
Totems play a crucial role in both “Something Is Killing the Children” and “House of Slaughter,” symbolising something sinister in the characters’ lives. In most cases, Totems represent (or are the embodiment of) significant trauma, loss, and darkness. They’ve acted as an evil devil on the shoulders of our favourite characters in both series up until this point, but the House of Slaughter is delving deeper into their lore, making them a complex, dynamic, and mysterious entity beyond what we first thought–which is fascinating for fans of either title.
In issue #29, plotlines begin to fold into one another and the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place. However, one critique worth noting is the pacing. Most readers arrive at this comic after experiencing the brilliance of Something is Killing the Children, which sets a high bar. In comparison, House of Slaughter can occasionally feel rather hectic, jumping rapidly between characters and plotlines, and that feels largely present in the Azure issues. This may stem from its attempt to expand the world and lore, creating a more extensive universe beyond Erica Slaughter. When reading each issue standalone, it can feel somewhat puzzling; after all, there is a lot going on. A great way to combat this is by simply consuming all four parts of Azure in one sitting. Some stories benefit from being read in a single binge in close succession, allowing for momentum to be maintained and honouring the narrative’s complexity, and House of Slaughter: Azure is one of those comics.
Beyond pacing, the series excels at bringing together an unlikely trio of misfits: Edwin, Nolan, and Bait. In this particular issue, they confront Hermes, who has transformed into a terrifying entity reminiscent of classic horror figures—an embodiment of disfigurement, memory, and consuming vengeance. This ‘The Substance’-style transformation serves as a brilliant homage to the genre while being genuinely creepy and well-crafted.
Verdict
Overall, House of Slaughter: Azure deepens the lore of Totems and showcases compelling character dynamics, making it a must-read for fans. As far as horror-genre comics go, the House of Slaughter is up there with the best of them, as its devilishly dark and gritty tone amplifies what is best about this series. It’s unafraid to take bold swings that leave a lasting impression, which is not only part of the fun, but also what keeps you coming back to see what they’ll do next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
