HALLOWEEN MAN: BROKEN MAN/ Scripts by DREW EDWARDS/ Pencils by LUIS INZUNZA & JOHN GHOLSON/ Inks by KAT HORTON & JOHN GHOLSON / Colors by APRIL GUADIANA, DAN CONNER, JASON WILSON & JOHN GHOLSON/ Letters by APRIL GUADIANA/ Covers by JOHN GHOLSON, APRIL GUADIANA & JASON WILSON/ Published by SUGAR SKULL MEDIA

Solomon Hitch has faced many monsters in his life, but the one he has the hardest time facing is the one he sees whenever he looks in the mirror. He fights the good fight, despite the world at large seeing him as trouble brewing, because somebody has to be the monster other monsters fear. Yet Solomon may have met his match in another unwilling monster – the great grandson of Dr. Henry Jekyll, who seems to have unwittingly inherited his ancestor’s curse and begun transforming into the fearful Mister Hyde!

Drew Edwards has brought many classic monsters into the world of his hero Halloween Man. His take on Mr. Hyde leans into the classic story more than most interpretations, but there’s also many a nod to the original Incredible Hulk comics by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee beyond the tribute covers for this issue. There’s action in plenty, but there’s also a psychological battle where Solomon Hitch must confront his own inner demons. This theme is made more plain by the backup story, in which we sit in on one of Halloween Man’s therapy sessions with his psychiatrist, who just happens to be a descendant of the famous Dr. Van Helsing.

The artwork is excellent across the board, but that’s not surprising as most of the creators this round are old hands at drawing or coloring Halloween Man. John Golson has an impressive premiere doing the art, inks and colors on the back-up story, “Midnight Snack” and I hope we see more of him in the future. Luis Inzunza, April Guadiana Dan Conner, Kat Horton and Jason Wilson deliver the same quality work I’ve come to associate with the brand.

If you haven’t been reading Halloween Man, you’ve been missing out on one of the best independent comics this side of Solar City. This Broken Man issue is a perfect introduction to Drew Edwards’ world. And ignoring that this is the prefect time of year for a spooky story, It’s also free to download at Global Comix. No tricks. All treat.