Product Description: The second anthology of comics short stories set in Barker's incredibly popular horror film milieu. The book collects 10 Hellraiser-themed offerings in full-color, from as all-star lineup of comics writers and illustrators, including Marry Wachowski (The Matrix), John Bolton, and many others.
In the flesh First of all, I would like to mention that I am 27 yrs old graphic novel author,and painter, as well as a comic art teacher, here in Sarajevo, Bosnia. I'm about to publish my new work soon, together with my students, in a form of album. But, let's get back to fantastic world of Mr. Barker, and gore visions of those authors, who had made his stories to life, on paper, and canvas. I'm visualist in a first place, but I like a fine and interesting story to. So, we have ten short stories in this collection. My favorite one is PLEASURES OF DECEPTION, because the storyline is good, intense, but also confused and dark. Artwork is dark and expressionistic, what makes this story complete. CENOBITE has interesting artwork, but the story itself is not so good. OLD WIVES' TALE has a superb story, but i didn't liked the artwork. I think that everyone has a different oppinions, tastes etc, and all readers, or fans of HELLRAISER series can find something for them in this volume. But the third volume is much better, trust me. More stories, more pages, and some very creepy illustrations! In any case, if you are a true fan of Mr. Barker's work, you should get one copy.
Oh dear Pinhead, you're truly the Greatest... Okay, so I admit it: I'm a sucker for Hellraiser.
I've seen all the movies tons of times, according to me Clive Barker is the best author in the history of the world, I'm a collector of all the official action figures, I'll buy a replica of the Lament Configuration as soon as I can afford it, and I've even serious plans about hanging chains from the ceiling of my apartment. In other words; Hellraiser + Stefan = True.
All this means that I'm probably unable to be very objective when I review a Hellraiser comic. Or? Well, since I'm a great fan of the series I assume I think in a way that closely resembles that of other fans, and to all of you I can only say: Clive Barker's Hellraiser Collected Best II is a definite must for all of you who prefer hanging out with Pinhead and his fellow Cenobites. As is the case of all anthologies, not all contributions are equally good, but the greater majority of all the writers and artists who contribute to the collection should be very proud of what they've managed to produce.
Because it's truly an amazing collection. The story Razing Hell (pts. 1-3) is especially good, which uses the Hellraiser legend in a both creative and exciting way, and I had a constant smile on my lips as I read it. Other stories worth mentioning are The Blood of a Poet, which takes place in Europe after the First World War, and The Pleasures of Deception, where a young artist is inspired by the Cenobites into creating very macabre pieces of art.
These days, most horror movies are nothing but stupid stories mixed with fake boobs, lousy dialogues, and boring nü-metal music, and thus, being a horror buff it's very refreshing to partake in the Hellraiser legend, even though it's "only" through a comic.
I still prefer books to comics, but Hellraiser Collected Best II is truly a pleasure to experience, and I can honestly recommend it to all you Cenobites out there.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
