The Hexiles

by Cullen Bunn, Manoli Martínez (colorist), El Torres (letterer)

From Cullen Bunn (Harrow County, The Sixth Gun, Night Walkers) and Joe Bocardo (Night Walkers) comes a new tale of Hellish familial horror.

Six strangers, all broken and burdened, find themselves at the funeral for the father they never knew. Their father sold their souls to Hell on the days they were born. They are now destined to serve demonic masters in spreading chaos and misery. Jamison Kreel is dead. Six of his children from six mothers are attending the funeral of a father they never met. Each of the children possesses a different infernal power. These powers, though, come at a terrible price...a price Jamison Kreel has placed upon the heads of his offspring. And the demonic debtors have come to collect.

Genres: Comics, Horror, Graphic Novels, Fantasy

144 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Cullen grew up in rural North Carolina, but now lives in the St. Louis area with his wife Cindy and his son Jackson. His noir/horror comic (and first collaboration with Brian Hurtt), The Damned, was published in 2007 by Oni Press. The follow-up, The Damned: Prodigal Sons, was released in 2008. In addition to The Sixth Gun, his current projects include Crooked Hills, a middle reader horror prose series from Evileye Books; The Tooth, an original graphic novel from Oni Press; and various work for Marvel and DC. Somewhere along the way, Cullen founded Undaunted Press and edited the critically acclaimed small press horror magazine, Whispers from the Shattered Forum.

All writers must pay their dues, and Cullen has worked various odd jobs, including Alien Autopsy Specialist, Rodeo Clown, Professional Wrestler Manager, and Sasquatch Wrangler.

And, yes, he has fought for his life against mountain lions and he did perform on stage as the World's Youngest Hypnotist. Buy him a drink sometime, and he'll tell you all about it.

Visit his website at www.cullenbunn.com.

Reviews

[Michael J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOTE:
I read this in the single issues.
This is what I said on my review blog about Issue #1 when it was released . . .

     SYNOPSIS by Mad Cave:
Jamison Kreel is dead. Six of his children from six mothers are attending the funeral of a father they never met. Each of the children possesses a different infernal power. These powers, though, come at a terrible price...a price Jamison Kreel has placed upon the heads of his offspring. And the demonic debtors have come to collect.

   That is a very succinct summary, and gives an indication of what kind of story this might be without giving too much away. Bunn knows how to layer on the suspense and dread, and the art is just so creepy that it adds shivers to the proceedings. There are actually seven children when the story begins, but only six when the issue ends.  That’s not a good sign - -  not for the characters, but for those who enjoy edgy horror it might be a sign of more to come.

And, here's what I have to say now . . . . .

That favorable impression of Issue #1 prompted me to pre-order the rest of the series, which I just now finished reading in its’ entirety. (FYI,the trade paperback was published in June.) This was definitely worth my investment, and if you’re a fan of the edgy, supernatural, mystical, and magical in your horror comics (calling all fan of JOHN CONSTANTINE/HELLBLAZER) - - you may like this as much as I do.

The six strangers (until now) who all share a common and absentee father realize the trap that they have been lured into and escape during the events of Issue #2. Then, after being called together for a meeting, they realize they can’t stay on the run forever and decide to work together and take the battle right to the source of the hellish demons after them - - a remote castle/estate in the Black Forest of Germany. They are welcomed and lured into a false sense of security by the matron of the estate, who has her own cross purposes and plans for them.

There is a criticism of Bunn’s vast diversity of work that I don’t totally disagree with - - and that is that while he comes up with inventive concepts he doesn’t always know how to finish a story properly and the final issues of a series often disappoint. While that could also be said of the conclusion of THE HEXILES I’m okay with it — because there is a resolution/reprieve, just not the final resolution.

Why not? Well, I think Bunn wisely left an opening for a second series - and this story deserves it. These six issues were extremely fast-paced and there wasn’t enough opportunity to fully flesh out these intriguing characters. The one that stands out to me, and my favorite, is Britton. She contains a mini-demon/monster inside her - The Servitor of Xerxriuz - who is not only useful in a monster fight but also has knowledge of the demons to share with the group.

All the members of the group have interesting powers inherited from their father. Kreel’s backstory is interesting, and makes him a truly unique character - as there is not a single reason to empathize with him or what he’s done.

I’d also like to see a return to this series and learn more about the underground society that Bunn has developed here. Lastly, if they can retain the art team - I wholly recommend that.

Joe Bocardo’s art is suitably grisly, and fascinating to look at. His style reminds me of the gothic art of Edward Gorey and darkly humorous art of Charles Addams.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume compiles the first six issues of The Hexiles.

I found both the plot and the art interesting, and I'm hopeful there will be more in the series, although I couldn't confirm that there would be more anywhere online.

Jamison Kreel made a deal with demons: the souls of his children in exchange for more power and more time on earth for him.

Now seven of his adult children have been called to his funeral to fulfill his deal. However, they have each inherited some of his power, and they aren't going to become servants of the demons without a fight.

The art is gruesome, graphic, and atmospheric. The plot moves quickly (perhaps too quickly, as there are some world-building questions that remain unanswered), and I wanted to see which of the children would manage to survive.

All in all, an entertaining story that I'd read more of.

*graphic, intense violence, some language

[Keenan Mcclelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the insane amount of violence and the demonic tone of this book earlier in the series, I was for sure we were going to lose a lot of the siblings than we did. But the fact they all are still around, AND they are lightly ending this with them basically becoming the demonic X-Men, felt like an odd pivot.

Regardless, I really loved Bocardo's art and style in this series.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so the art is gorgeous!!!! The storyline is amazing. I’m a little confused as to what the plot is but I imagine it will come through in the next issue highly recommended!

[Mat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would've given it 2 stars but the art deserves an extra star. Plot is a bit muddled and not properly executed. Like another review here said, maybe they will clear it up in future issues

[Garth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up

[Sem · Rating 2 out of 5]

"this could have been an email" in comics form

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting premise that could turn into a great campaign. Very gory. Spells and powers that are original.