In Review: Hyde Street #8 – Pranky Meets Doctor Ego

Synopsis: Pranky—the world’s most dangerous kid scout—has been Mr. X-Ray’s nemesis since the novelty huckster arrived on Hyde Street. But for the first time, Pranky needs X-Ray’s help. The solution, however, lies in the hands of someone even more unsettling: Doctor Ego. Can the two sworn enemies survive a visit to Hyde Street’s most unnerving practitioner…and each other?

The Story

This issue opens with a distraught Mr. Abraham visiting Hyde Street’s resident fortune teller in search of a way out. Throughout his life, Abraham embezzled money and ruined countless lives, and now it seems Hyde Street is setting him up for a long-overdue reckoning.

While Abraham is on the run, we shift focus to Pranky, who’s landed himself in yet another mess. After stealing a latex wolf mask from Mr. X-Ray’s place, he discovers the mask is stuck fast to his face. Furious, Pranky storms straight to X-Ray and demands that he remove it.

X-Ray, never one to pass up a bargaining chip, sees an opportunity. He agrees to help—on the condition that Pranky stop stealing souls from him. After some back-and-forth, the reluctant deal is struck. But there’s a problem: X-Ray can’t get the mask off either.

That leaves only one option: an appointment with the vicious and deadly Doctor Ego, a sinister figure who thrives on other people’s pain as validation that he’s on the right path.

Artwork

Ivan Reis, Danny Miki, and Brad Anderson once again deliver striking artwork that perfectly complements the twisted world of Hyde Street. The opening image of a panicked Mr. Abraham sets the mood instantly, but it’s the transformation of the fortune teller—from a beautiful woman into a decrepit witch—that truly leaves an impression. Her scream of “No one gets away on Hyde Street!” makes the moment unforgettable as Abraham flees in terror.

From there, the focus shifts to Pranky and Mr. X-Ray. Pranky, now resembling a feral werewolf child thanks to the mask, storms into X-Ray’s lair demanding help. The panel where he dunks his head into the fish tank full of Piranha People adds a touch of dark comedy.

But the standout moment comes with the introduction of Doctor Ego. The panel of him preparing a bloodstained knife for surgery is chilling and grotesque in all the right ways.

In short, if you’re a fan of horror imagery, this issue is an absolute treat.

Overall

This is a fantastic issue that pushes the twisted rivalry between Pranky and Mr. X-Ray to new heights while introducing the sinister Doctor Ego. Next month promises even more, with an origin story that will dive deeper into what makes this new villain tick. I, for one, can’t wait—ha ha ha ha!