Joe Hill, the brains behind the Hill House comics imprint, stands on his way to immerse himself in the world of horror fiction. What will be your return to comedy?
Temporary greeting
If there’s one thing Joe Hill makes clear, it’s that terror is part of him, whether in the pages of comics or in thick volumes of fiction. But what happens when one of the genre’s greats decides to take a break from his career in the comics world to focus on literature? So you opened your mouth and left a thousand questions in your head.
It’s official, friends. Joe Hill is stepping away from his DC Comics and Hill House Comics imprint, at least for the time being. In an interview with the Short Box podcast, the author decided to take a turn in his career and spend the next few years writing novels. “I’m out of comics for the next few years. I’ve written four novels and I want to have at least ten before I stop being a novelist. So my full focus is on writing sequels,” he admitted.
Peaceful separation
All is not lost, however, as Hill has left the door open for a return to comics. Short-term plans include committing to writing “the next two or three books” before thinking about returning to the world of cartoons. Of course, he hinted that he might make an exception, “Chris Ryall has been adapting my book ‘Strange Weather’ for Image, and I’d love to write one of those adaptations myself.”
Let’s remember that Hill House Comics launched in 2019 and featured the talented talents of Carmen Maria Machado, Laura Marks and Mike Carey. Great artists such as Kelly Jones, Danny and Stuart Immonen have captured these monstrous images. The label’s last release was ‘Fridge Full Head #6’, published in April 2022.
Why is Joe Hill a reference?
Joe Hill is not only a loud name in DC Comics, but he has also made waves in the horror literary sphere. And genetics don’t lie: Hill is the son of legendary author Stephen King. Of course, any comparison to the king of horror is an honor, but Hill managed to carve his own path with works like “NOS4A2” or “The Fireman”. His ability to play with the reader’s emotions and create disturbing situations has earned him a place in the pantheon of genre greats.
Temporarily stepping out of comics at Hill House Comics creates a panorama of uncertainty and anticipation, but if his career has taught us anything, it’s that terror manifests itself in many different ways. As we await his new novels and perhaps an unexpected return to the world of comics, there is no doubt that Hill’s legacy will remain one of the horror pillars of his time. And who knows? Perhaps the horror writers of the future generation will take it as a reference today.
DC and other labels
But we must not forget that DC has other labels. Featured is Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham #2 from DC Comics’ Black Label. Written and drawn by Raphael Grampa, this adult comic shows Batman like never before: a dark knight determined to stop Bruce Wayne forever and spend his life fighting the corruption of Gotham.
Joe Hill leaves a hole that will be hard to fill at Hill House Comics, but his departure isn’t exactly goodbye. In the meantime, we’ll be happy with what DC and other labels have to offer. And remember, in the world of comedy, as in life, everything is a cycle. You left today but who knows if you will return tomorrow.