Haunt: Paranormal Requiem (Comics) | Review

Two volumes built the foundation. Daniel Kilgore reluctantly accepted his role as an operative for the Agency. Kurt learned to cooperate instead of constantly manipulate. The Apparition emerged as a deadly existential threat neither brother could handle alone.

Haunt: Paranormal Requiem brings that conflict to a head with the final arc of artist Greg Capullo (Batman: The Court of Owls, X-Force: Assault on Graymalkin) on the series before the creative team shifts entirely. What was already intense becomes truly desperate as the brothers face complete elimination from reality itself.

This arc collects issues 13 through 18, focusing almost exclusively on the escalating war with the Apparition. The conspiracy elements that drove the first two volumes fade into background noise. What matters now is survival against a force designed to erase Haunts from existence.

The Apparition relentlessly hunts Daniel and Kurt across multiple confrontations. Previous encounters established its superiority in speed, strength and durability. This volume opens with the brothers barely escaping another ambush, their ectoplasmic form sustaining damage. The creature disrupts the spiritual bond between them.

Director Beth Tosh assigns Daniel to missions away from populated areas, minimizing civilian casualties. The Agency lacks effective countermeasures against a supernatural entity. Daniel essentially operates alone, with only Kurt's experience keeping them alive.

Alegria reappears with crucial information about Haunts and their place in cosmic order. Her spiritual awareness allows her to perceive details about the Apparition. The creature functions as a corrective mechanism, eliminating violations of natural law. The Apparition enforces that separation, hunting every Haunt until none remain.

Alegria reveals that multiple Haunts have existed throughout history, though none survived long enough to establish any legacy. The Apparition finds them all eventually. Daniel and Kurt represent just the latest iteration of a phenomenon that cosmic forces deemed unacceptable.

A mysterious ally enters the conflict during a brutal confrontation with the Apparition. This figure appears as a spectral presence with abilities that mirror Haunt. The ally's identity remains deliberately obscure. Kurt suspects another ghost tethered to someone living.

Combat sequences dominate the narrative. The Apparition attacks with increasing frequency, adapting to the brothers' tactics. Each confrontation reveals new capabilities. Haunt discovers techniques for channeling ectoplasm effectively. The Apparition demonstrates shape-shifting abilities, dimensional phasing and energy projection.

The mysterious ally provides crucial intelligence about the Apparition's nature. The creature isn't invincible despite appearing unstoppable. The ally teaches Daniel and Kurt methods for disrupting the Apparition's connection to its power source, temporarily weakening it.

Mr. Hurg resurfaces briefly as a sub-plot, escaping Agency custody and attempting to rebuild his criminal organization. His storyline feels disconnected from the main supernatural conflict, demonstrating how mundane threats pale compared to cosmic mechanisms. Daniel handles Hurg's organization with casual efficiency.

The volume builds toward a climactic confrontation where the brothers, aided by their mysterious ally, attempt to neutralize the Apparition threat. The battle showcases everything Capullo delivers in action choreography, with clear spatial relationships and impactful violence.

The ending provides resolution to the Apparition arc while introducing complications. The mysterious ally's true nature gets revealed, altering Daniel's understanding of Haunt. The brothers' relationship evolves beyond their previous antagonism toward something resembling genuine partnership born from shared trauma.

The conclusion establishes that the Apparition represents just one threat among many. Cosmic forces beyond human comprehension have taken notice of Haunt. Some want to eliminate them. Others have different agendas. Daniel and Kurt exist in a supernatural ecosystem.

Greg Capullo handles full penciling duties with Todd McFarlane (Spawn: Beginnings, Spawn: Dark Discoveries) adding his own distinctive inking style to every single page. The collaboration creates visual tension. Capullo stages action dynamically. McFarlane's inking dominates, delivering that signature dark aesthetic vibes.

Haunt's design draws obvious parallels to Venom and Carnage given McFarlane's history of co-creating Venom. The ectoplasmic suit features sharp, flowing lines with organic quality. It's striking work, though derivative enough that readers might struggle seeing past it.

Kirkman establishes character through action rather than exposition. Pacing moves fast. The Apparition appears monstrous and irregular, unlike Haunt's sleek form. Weaknesses persist. Supporting characters lack depth. The mysterious ally appears ethereal, suggesting existence.

Issue 18 features artwork changes that signal the impending creative team transition. While Capullo provides layouts, other artists handle finished pages, creating noticeable visual inconsistency. The shift proves jarring for readers expecting the polished look from earlier.

Haunt: Paranormal Requiem delivers a violent supernatural thriller with solid craftsmanship. The Kirkman-McFarlane collaboration produces what you'd expect: dark, intense storytelling supported by strong artwork. This volume introduces characters deserving exploration. Questions about the Agency and Haunt remain.

Haunt: Paranormal Requiem offers solid value. It's not revolutionary but tells a competent story. If you're invested in Kirkman's work or McFarlane's aesthetic, this justifies the purchase. Greg Capullo's elevation to full penciling duties marks a visual shift worth acknowledging.

This volume represents the conclusion of original creative team's vision for Haunt. Issue 18 marks Kirkman, Capullo and McFarlane's final collaboration on the series before Joe Casey and Nathan Fox overhaul the direction. That transition proves quite controversial among fans.

The mysterious ally doesn't receive full development before the creative team change, making this volume feel incomplete despite resolving the threat. Readers should approach Paranormal Requiem knowing it represents the end of one era and the abrupt beginning of another.

Haunt: Paranormal Requiem is available as Haunt Vol. 3 in both trade paperback and hardcover editions through comic-book shops and major online retailers. Digital editions can be found on Amazon Kindle, ComiXology and Image Comics' online store, making it easy for readers to dive into this supernatural fusion of heroics and horror.