Haunt #8 - Image

It's funny . . the Spawn schedule has been behind for quite a while now. And when this book first started out, it hit it's schedule pretty consistently. But now that Spawn is trying to get back on track . . this one is starting to fall behind. I don't suppose we could get both on track? I think, and this is just my opinion . . I think Todd should consign himself to the fact that both these titles will be coming out bi-monthly. Just go back and forth. One month Spawn . . one month Haunt. And so forth, and so forth. At least then we'll be getting some consistent stories from both books. But really, my frustration doesn't come from the schedule, but from the fact that I like these book very much, and I look forward to seeing them . . seeing new stuff. It gets frustrating when you have to wait so long in between. Anyways . . it was worth the wait. Daniel goes into training this issue, and out of it becomes an active agent. Meanwhile, Kurt's wife, Amanda, seems to be trying to live a normal life, and not count on, or even use, all the money that Mirage and Kurt left her. We find Mirage relaxing on a beach somewhere. An operative named Whisper finds her and fills her, and us, in on what's been happening back at the agency. And we get to see Haunt in action, as Daniel decides that they need to push things to the edge so that they know where the limit of their powers lie. Of course in ends in Daniel almost dying, but . . they do find the outer edge. Now that Cobra is out of bed, he wants to take a leave of absence from Hurg's organization to get revenge. But Hurg considers him his property. 'You get your revenge when I say you do. You belong to me.' He's not letting him go anywhere. And the agency has gone after what they thought was someone trying to put Shillinger's notes into implementation. They've sent in a squad, but right now there's only one left to report. Left with no other options, it looks like Director Tosh is going to have to send Daniel out into the field . . his first assignment. I really enjoy Robert Kirkman's stories here. And now that Greg Capullo has taken over on the pencils, the look of the book is much more consistent. I think this book definitely has a bright future, and seems to be on the right track. I just hope they can keep it there.

Haunt #7 - Image

I think Robert Kirkman has done a great job with this series so far. Are you reading it? If not . . you really need to get out there and check it out. If you're an E-bayer, you can find some of the first issues out there pretty cheap. At least cover price, or less. Unless of course you want to get the variants. Then you'll be paying a little more. So far I think it's been an outstanding series. This issue Daniel persuades Kurt into looking up a prostitute that he once helped. He says he felt a connection to her. Yeah . . right. Anyways, the apartment that he finds her in happens to be her pimp's. And he doesn't like anyone talking to his girls . . without paying. Well . . needless to say . . Haunt goes primal and takes out the whole apartment. It isn't even hard for him. Not against these guys. Which, when you think about it, is kind of disturbing . . how fast Daniel has taken to the usual effects and aftermath of his cosmetic change. Anyways, shortly after, Amanda calls because she's woken up and found all of this money that Mirage has left behind . . but she doesn't know who left it, or how it got there. So, Kurt decides that his wife needs to know what he really did for a living. She actually takes it much better than expected, but . . she needs time to absorb everything. And . . some time to herself. So Daniel heads off to the Company for his first day of training. Meanwhile, Kurg had gotten the notes of Shillinger's experiments, and is having remarkable success. He feels that they may be up to human trials within a month. And Cobra finally gets his bandages removed. I have a feeling that he's going to have a serious hard-on for Haunt when he sees what he looks like. This was kind of a maintenance issue. We really only see 2 or 3 pages of Haunt in action . . in the pimp's apartment. Other than that, it serves to move the story forward and tie up some loose ends . . while at the same time creating some new ones. Like I said, I think Robert is doing a great job developing and getting us familiar with this character. I also like Greg Capullo and Todd McFarlane's art. Overall I'm really enjoying this series. It's entertaining, and every month leaves you wanting more.

Haunt #6 - Image

This story was a bit choppy . . and all over the place. But . .it's purpose was to fill us in on some of the pieces of this first story-arc from Mirage's point of view. Basically . . she's a mercenary that is in love with Kurt. And through him, she was working both sides of the fence. I believe at one time she did work for the Agency, but . . I could be wrong. Anyways, their mission with Shillinger was going to be their final one. Kurt would go in, as instructed by the Agency, and capture the doctor. He would leave the doctor's notebook behind on purpose, which Mirage would then grab. She would put it up for sale, drawing out the bad guys, and alert Kurt as to when it would happen. Then Kurt, and the Agency would swoop in . . capture the bad guy and recover the notebook. But Mirage would make off with the money. Everyone would be happy . . Kurt would quit the Agency . . and he and Mirage would go off and be happy together. But . . you know what they say about the best laid plans. Right from the beginning everything went wrong. Or as the one guy says, 'It all went pear-shaped.' Anyways, Mirage tries to finish her part of the plan, solo. And in the end, anonymously gives Amanda half the money. Mirage figures she owes her at least that much for what she and Kurt were planning on doing to her. Overall I thought it was a great wrap-up to the first story-arc. Robert Kirkman has done a great job of pulling us into the life of this character. And it was nice to see this recap of everything, but from a different perspective. This title seems to be off to a great start. I have a feeling it's going to be around for some time to come. Greg Capullo does the art for this issue, but officially he doesn't take over until the next one. Overall I'm pretty impressed with this launch. I can't wait to see more. And, if you didn't take a chance with these first 6 issues . . knowing Image, it'll probably be out in TPB before Memorial Day. If you don't buy it, you should at least pick it up and read it through. You won't be disappointed.

Haunt #5 - Image

I've liked this book from the beginning. I thought that it had a unique feel to it. But now that we're up to issue #5? I think this is one of those books that pulls you in a little more every time you read it. Robert Kirkman, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley and Todd McFarlane are all doing a fantastic job here. My only complaint is that it seems like Spawn has been put on hold during the launch of this book. I hope that book gets back on track. Soon! Anyways, Daniel and Kurt seem to have recovered from their recent excursion as the Haunt. They assume that it was because Kurt was pushing them so hard that thier energy was so completely depleted. They were trying to save his wife after all. But now they've volunteered for a new mission. It turns out that Mirage had gotten Shillinger's notes and she was going to sell them to Hurg. He's that big guy that hired Cobra to come after them in the last couple of issues. Anyways, the agency that Kurt worked for wants to stop the sale, and to retrieve the notes. Which they do, when one of Hurg's female body-guards is seriously hurt and he chooses to save her over retrieving the notes. However, once in the Agency's hands . . Asst Director Rhodes shows her true colors and kills Director Stantz as she escapes from the facility. Which makes Asst Director Tosh, another one of Kurt's former love interests, the acting Director. Later she comes to Daniel with an offer. 'Your situation makes you a special case. Kurt was the best agent we ever had. To get him back we're willing to take you in . . train you to better work with him. To be honest. We're also the tiniest bit desperate. You've got 2 weeks to get your life in order while HQ is being rebuilt. I'll need you to report in then.' Daniel and Kurt have a heart to heart talk where Kurt express' how this job, this life basically destroyed his and Amanda's relationship. And although he's dead, I think he's glad to be out of it. I think the only reason he's still around is because he and Daniel are connected. Plus I think he's trying to protect him since he inadvertantly pulled him into this. He feels guilty. So when Tosh tells Daniel what's up . . Daniel actually looks happy. But Kurt doesn't. That's the opposite of what I would've expected coming into this issue. Anyways, I'm really enjoying this book. I'm trying not to get pulled into the variant covers, but . . I do find them on E-Bay pretty cheap now and then, so . . how can I not pass up a deal? Right? If any of you have even thought about giving this book a chance, I say . . go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Haunt #4 - Image

This issue we finally put a face and a name to the bad guy . . Mr Hurg. Kurt had gone after this Dr Shillinger because of the genetic experiments that he was doing. Actually, that's the operation he was assigned by his organization. But the most important thing was Shillinger's notebook . . which nobody seems to be able to find. During the operation Kurt got mad at Shillinger because of what he saw that he had done to these people . . the people locked in his warehouse, or lab, or whatever . . and killed him. During that lapse of judgement, he took his eye off the notebook and we saw that somebody had snatched it. Later, after he was killed, and became the Haunt with his brother Daniel, we notice that the person that grabbed the satchel kind of looked like Haunt. But, it happened so fast, and in the shadows, so we really didn't get that great of a look. Anyways, now Kurt's organization is trying to keep his wife, Amanda, safe . . in case she knows something . . something she might not even know that she knows. Of course in the process of transporting her to safety she's abducted by the bad guys. Kurt/Daniel immediately jump into action, as the Haunt, and it appears that the more time they spend together, the acclimation of their transition and teamwork seems to be progressing. But, they find out something new about their situation also . . the longer they stay as the Haunt, the more their body is depleted of precious minerals and nutrients. They don't know why, yet, but when they take on the mercenary, Cobra again, while trying to rescue Amanda, they barely beat him before they collapse completely. So the issue ends with Amanda in safety, Kurt/Daniel finding out more about their powers and situation with every issue, and the organization still not knowing that Asst. Director Rhodes is the mole within their house. So far I've thought this title to pretty good. It's exciting and fast paced, but there are a few spots where the characters kind of go off on a tangent for no apparent reason. Cobra is in the hospital after Haunt almost takes his face off and Mr Hurg, his boss . . or at least the person that hired him . . starts going on about Cobra's diet and nutrition. I'm not sure what that whole conversation was about or what it showed us about Mr Hurg's character. It seemed kind of oddly placed to me. But . . having said that, I do like the pace of the rest of the book. The story is slowly unfolding. The only thing I felt was missing with this issue was any kind of character development as far as Kurt/Daniel. Yes we hear the conversation they're having while attempting to rescue Amanda, but we don't really learn anything about either one of them, personally, this issue. Or maybe something about Kurt's relationship with Director Stantz. I think this series shows a lot of potential. I'd just hate to see it lose some of it's audience because the readers don't get bought in. Overall, I thought it was a great effort by Robert Kirkman, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley and Todd McFarlane. It's got a ton of potential and I think it'll be around for a while. As long as the story keeps progressing.

Haunt #3 - Image

This title is quickly becoming a very interesting book. Last issue Kurt led his brother Daniel to an access point for whatever organization he was working for before he was killed. Of course, upon entering they shoot him with a tranquilizer dart, and put him in a holding cell. It's there that they finally learn what they are. When Kurt had rescued all those people from Bolivia . . the recipients of Dr Shillinger's tests, the surviving subjects were brought to this same base. The cell that Daniel is put in seems to also contain the most normal subjects of that bunch. At least in appearance. That doesn't say anything of their psychological nature, and the affects the tests had on them as moral, obedient humans. Anyways, one of the women in his cell seems to have a type of vision. She can see Kurt. Well . . not exactly. But she can see his energy, and she knows that he's there. She calls them 'the Haunt'. Daniel doesn't know exactly what this means, but . . for a man looking for answers, he jumps on what's given to him pretty quickly. Anyways, he's questioned by Beth, Asst Director Tosh. Kurt tells him to tell them the truth, but . . they don't believe him. However, that first night, he's attacked by a freelance agent. Whom also somehow gained access to this facility. After killing him, by transforming into Haunt, he's again questioned by Beth, but also Director Stantz. This time Daniel tells Beth something that only she and Kurt would know. But in order to do so Kurt has revealed to Daniel that he cheated on Amanda. His wife, whom once loved Daniel but Kurt took away from him. This may be a rift between them that can never be healed. Anyways, Beth believes him now, but Director Stantz needs some convincing. They also have Asst Director Rhodes on her way in for confirmation. However, what they don't know, is that Rhodes is working for the other side. She's working for the guy who's trying to retrieve Daniel, and thereby regain Doctor Shillinger's notes. Apparently he's also the backer behind the Doctor's experiments and now that he's dead, he can't proceed without the notes. This book has everything. Action . . adventure . . spies . . double-agents, and a classic love triangle between two estranged brothers. Well . . I guess they're no longer estranged. I'm not exactly sure, technically, how much closer 2 brothers could get. So far this has been an exemplary effort by the entire creative staff . . Robert Kirkman, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley and Todd McFarlane. We're only on issue #3 and it's already dragged the reader kicking and screaming straight into the center of the story. I'm really glad I took a chance on this one. I can't wait to see where it goes.

Haunt #2 - Image

Ok . . again . . I'm impressed. Last issue we saw the unique relationship between Daniel and Kurt Kilgore. They're brothers, but . . they couldn't be more different. Kurt works for . . actually, worked for . . he's dead . . he worked for this CIA-type agency. We don't really know any of the specifics or anything yet, but . . it was a lot of deep-cover and wet-work jobs. After he died Daniel started seeing him. He thought it was out of guilt or remorse, but actually . . he can see and talk to him, and . . they interact. Kind of. Anyways, Daniel goes to Amanda's house, at Kurt request, to watch over her. Some people break in and when the adrenaline hits . . the 2 combine to create this Haunt. Together they quickly took out the 4 guys who broke in to Amanda's place. This issue picks up shortly after that when Daniel is freaking out, and Kurt is trying to be the voice of reason. There also seems to be a struggle with who controls this Haunt. Daniel, the living member seems to have immediate control, but . . Kurt also seems to be able to exert his will and go through the motions that he's been trained for. But he can tell when Daniel is fighting him, and their movements become awkward. Daniel doesn't really want anything to do with Kurt's life, so when they split he goes back to the church. Unfortunately, the people that are looking for Kurt have also come there to visit him. There's a merc guy there, Cobra, and he's killed father Pearson. They change again, but even his brother doesn't think they have a chance of beating him. Cobra ends up escaping, and the brothers aren't to worried about finding him. Kurt then leads Daniel to a safe-house where they use a secret entrance to get into HQ. But it looks like they were expected. 'We have a lot of questions for you, Daniel Kilgore. So please . . don't make any sudden moves.' I thought it was another great issue by Robert Kirkman, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley and Todd McFarlane. The dynamic between these 4 creators seems to be working well. It shows in the book. Next issue, I guess they meet someone who can explain their situation a little better. I think it's a good start to this series. I hope they can keep it up.

Haunt #1 - Image

After reading this book . . I'm very pleasantly surprised. I really only picked it up because I saw Todd McFarlane's name on it. I know! The guys got plenty of money and he doesn't need another comic geek contributing to his coffer. But . . what can I say? Ever since he started doing covers for DC, and then he did Infinity Inc . . I've been following the guy. Anyways, at the top of the book it's got McFarlane, Kirkman and Capullo listed. How could I not give it a shot? Robert Kirkman is the co-creator/writer, and Todd is the co-creator/inks. Greg Capullo does the layouts, and Ryan Ottley does the pencils. I've kind of got mixed feelings about the pencils. I'm sure Greg and Todd contributed a lot to the overall look, but Ryan's pencils, to me, almost have a Whilce Portacio look to them. Or at least he's heavily influenced by him. Anyways, I have to admit, it's really cool picking up a book for a brand new character knowing that everything you're reading is laying the groundwork for this new experience. Plus you know that everyone else that's reading it is getting the same rush. Our main characters here are Kurt and Daniel. Two brothers could not be more different than these two. Kurt is either a special-ops guy, or a mercenary. I'm not sure which, plus I guess it doesn't really matter. Daniel is a priest, but . . I think he's lacking some faith because the opening scene is him leaving a hooker behind in a hotel room. It seems that after every mission Kurt comes to Daniel to confess his sins. He's doing a job, and he's killed a lot of people. He seems completely immune to the violence or bloodshed. His first scene . . well, he starts out in confessional, but then we get a glimpse of his most recent mission. He starts out that mission by cutting himself out of a body bag. He's been sent to retrieve a scientist that's been know to experiment on cadavers, so he tries to get into the facility by hiding in the shipment of bodies. But instead, him and the rest of them have been thrown into a mass grave. Long story short, the scientist has moved on to experimenting on live patients. When Kurt shows up, the scientist wants to take his most prized possession with him. When Kurt sees what he's done to these people locked up in this room . . he shoots the scientist square in the head. Kurt doesn't see it, but as he's trying to get these victims out, someone or something crawls down from the ceiling and takes the scientists satchel. In it is his notebook which never leaves his side. Shortly after his confession, Kurt is abducted, tortured and then killed because someone wants to know where that. In it is his notebook which never leaves his side. Shortly after his confession, Kurt is abducted, tortured and then killed because someone wants to know where that notebook is. At his funeral, Kurt appears as a ghost to Daniel and asks him to protect his wife, Amanda. Daniel doesn't really believe that he's there, but . . apparently she is part of the reason Kurt and Daniel don't get along. We don't know what happened, yet . . but she's the cause of their falling out, years ago. Anyways, the book ends as Daniel, who's sleeping on Amanda's couch, is awoken by Kurt. Shortly after 2 hit-men come into the apartment. Daniel is shot at, and as Kurt ghosts instinctively lurches to take the bullet for him, the 2 brother's merge. They become this Haunt character that's pictured on the cover, and immediately slice the 2 guys heads off. 'Kurt?' 'Yeah I'm here.' 'So . . maybe I'm not crazy!' In the back of the book, Robert gives us a little history on what's lead up to he and Todd's collaboration. He bills the book as an 'action / horror / espionage epic'. He's also asking for ideas for the title of the letters page. My suggestion is 'Sibling Revelries'. Or maybe 'Haunting Confessions'. I don't know. It's just an idea. Anyways, I really enjoyed this first issue. I actually enjoyed everything about it . . the writing . . the art . . and the character. I can't wait to see where Kurt, Daniel and Amanda go from here. And I'm pretty happy with myself for picking this up on a whim.