Joe Hill, writer. Leomacs, artist. Riccardo La Bella, Additional pencils issue 5. Dave Stewart, colorist. Deron Bennett, letterer. From Hill House Comics and DC Black Label.

I took way too long to read this series and that’s a damn shame because I loved it!

I don’t want to tell too much of the story. We meet June Branch and her boyfriend along with local law enforcement and the family. Then a storm surges and the power is out, the perfect time for criminals to act. Four criminals take June’s boyfriend and all she has is her wits and an 8th century Viking axe with a surprising power that ties into the series title.

This story keeps getting more and more intense with each issue. But if you like horror and can be in on the joke it is one of the funnest and most absurd ideas I’ve seen in years. June keeps herself alive through engrossing decisions, mistakes, and fate. Plus some voices. And I was with her every step of the way.

I can’t remember the last time I read a horror comic and immediately had to tell people about it. My wife. My co worker that enjoys stuff like this. You reading this. And I think many people will have a similar reaction. A great story, a new concept, an amazing hero, and not once did I know where the story was going next but when it happened, it made sense!

All of that with fantastic art too. Cinema quality, number one movie in the country level art telling all the twists and turns of this story. If this ever does become a movie, June will become a star. The actress playing her and the character. She is a perfect final girl. There’s not really a need for a sequel to this but I would be all for a June Branch meets Cassie Hack comic.

Its bloody but not gory, gross but not disgusting, absurd but not over the top. A perfect balance between a real world tale of survival and a crazy unnatural addition to that. One of the best things Joe Hill has ever written, and that becomes a stronger statement with each new release.

Well worth the time and money but be warned you’ll probably want to buy the single issue comics as well for the great covers.