Status Updates From DC House of Horror (2017) #1

Notes:
(1) This ends with two fairly stupid stories and, moreover, stupid in very different ways.
- I'm not surprised; weaker stories are usually shoved in at the end of anthologies.
(2) In sum, these stories are far edgier than you'd expect, but edgy in a very corporate directive sort of way.
- It's like there's a checklist: bring up rape, use the Lord's name in vain, etc.

Notes:
(1) One thing I'm noticing over and over, albeit with one or two exceptions, is that the superheroes featured don't necessarily need to be in these particular stories.
- For example, the Green Arrow story could have worked just as well if not better if it were Red Hood, Midnighter, etc.
- While each tale is decent enough, it's really a Mad Libs style of storytelling.

Notes:
(1) It's interesting how these horror novelists are allowed to do things that DC doesn't usually permit.
- We have multiple instances of nudity, references to rape, blasphemous language and lots and lots of blood.
(2) The Batman story is the highlight of the book so far.
- Batman and Joker being one in the same is kind of a worn trope, but it's done effectively here.

Notes:
(1) The concept here, at least to start, is that beloved superheroes are actually killer monsters.
- Something that could have been outlined going in. I got so confused!
- While the stories aren't much, the art by Porter and Evely is excellent.
(2) Martha Kent randomly curses the Trump Administration.
- Regrettably, something to get used to, given this era of comics.

Notes:
(1) On the heels of "New Talent Showcase," I'm relieved to be back on solid ground—as far as skill and competence goes.
- Though, I'd feel better about it if it wasn't a past-his-prime Keith Giffen.
(2) This features stories by established horror novelists. Strangely, they only write the scripts: Giffen wrote all the plots.
- You'd think it'd be the other way around.

A spirit of Harley Quinn torments a man and causes him to go on several murdering sprees.. #CreepyStuff