Hokum & Hexis asuperherocomic bookseries published byMarvel Comics'Razorlineimprintthat ran from 1993 to 1994. Created by filmmaker andhorror/fantasynovelistClive Barkeras one of the imprint's four interconnected series, it starred Trip Monroe, a failingstand-up comicwho, through apparently random circumstances, is given powers in order to become Earth's protector against the fundamentalist warriors of an extradimensional god attempting to convert the planet.
| Hokum & Hex | |
|---|---|
 Hokum & Hex#1 (Sept. 1993): cover art byAnthony WilliamsandAndy Lanning. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Razorline(Marvel Comics) |
| Schedule | Monthly |
| Format | Ongoing series |
| Genre | |
| Publication date | January 1993 - May 1994 |
| No.of issues | 9 |
| Creative team | |
| Created by | Clive Barker |
| Written by | Frank Lovece |
| Penciller(s) | Anthony Williams |
| Inker(s) | Andy Lanning |
| Letterer(s) | John Costanza |
| Colorist(s) | Maria Parwulski |
| Editor(s) | Marcus McLaurin |
Publication history
editHokum & Hexwas created by filmmaker andhorror/fantasynovelistClive Barker,written byFrank LoveceandpenciledbyAnthony Williams,with most issuesinkedbyAndy Lanning.It ran nine issues (cover-datedSept. 1993 - May 1994) before being discontinued with the rest of the Razorline titles.[1]A subsequent one-shot,HyperkindUnleashed#1 (cover-dated Sept. 1994, dated Aug. 1994 in indicia), featuring the Razorline's superhero team, included a "Hokum & Hex" proseshort storyby Lovece.[2][3]
As Barker described, "I wanted to do something that was magical and mystical in the way thatDoctor Strangewas and still is. Doctor Strange was one of my favourite comics from when I was a kid. So I supposeHokum & Hexis my take on that ".[4]
Fictional character biography
editTrip Monroe, a failingstand-up comicwho lives in his late grandfather'srent-controlledapartment inTimes Square,New York City,is given powers through apparently random circumstances to become Earth's protector against the fundamentalist warriors of an extradimensional god attempting to convert the planet. Through the machinations of a fledgling god, Godkin Straith, Monroe is imbued with the ability to shape-shift inorganic objects, although the process, which depends on exactness of mind, does not always work as envisioned. Once, trying to change something into aclubfor defense, he found himself holding a largeplaying-cardclubsymbol (inadvertently, sharp-edged and ax-like).
Supporting characters included Gorkill Corpus, one of the extradimensional warriors, who are of the Corpii race; and Mona Lisa McDonagh, Trip's platonic best friend. Antagonists included the costumed but non-superpowered female bounty hunter Wrath; the monstrous In Extremis, one of the time-manipulating Tempus Magii; Z-Man, an aged, former 1950s superhero who had been a 1940s sidekick; and Bloodshed, the champion of Felon Bale, the god opposing Godkin Straith.
Critical reception
editDon ThompsoninComics Buyer's GuidefoundHokum & Hexthe best of the four Razorline titles. Calling it "a barrel of fun" and giving it the imprint's only "A" rating on scale of A to F, he added: "You've never seen a cliffhanger (like the one at the end of #1) resolved the way this one is in #2".[5]
Cliff Biggersand Brett Brooks inComic Shop Newslikewise said: "My favorite of the bunch isHokum & Hex;this is a title that manages to capture the wit of the early issues ofDC'sJustice League Americatitle without sacrificing a sharp action edge....Anthony Williams' art is lightly cartoonish and heavily adventureish; superhero fans won't be at all disappointed with the blend ".[6]
References
edit- ^Hokum & Hexat theGrand Comics Database
- ^Hyperkind Unleashed#1at The Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators. ( "Features" link)Archivedfrom the original on October 23, 2015.
- ^Hyperkind Unleashed#1at the Grand Comics Database.
- ^Barker, Clive, inRusso, Tom (July 1993). "Razorline".Marvel Age.No. 126.Quote excerpted in"Interviews, Part Two".Clive Barker (official site).Archivedfrom the original on June 28, 2010.
- ^Thompson, Don(November 5, 1993)."Comics Guide".Comics Buyer's Guide.No. #1042.
- ^Biggers, Cliff;Brett Brooks (June 22, 1993)."Give & Take".Comic Shop News.
External links
edit- Hokum & Hexat the Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators.Archivedfrom the original on October 23, 2015.
- Hokum & Hexat the Comic Book DB (archived fromthe original)
- Hokum & Hexat CliveBarker (unofficial site).Archivedfrom the original on June 28, 2010.
- Trip Monroeat An International Catalogue of Superheroes.Archivedfrom the original on June 28, 2010.
- Murrell, Dustin (May 10, 2016)."5 Reasons Trip Munroe of 'Hokum & Hex' should be added to the Marvel Cinematic Universe".Blasting News.Archivedfrom the original on May 27, 2018.RetrievedJanuary 3,2020.