Hyde Street #5 Review

 

Creators: Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: Francis Portela

Colorist: Brad Anderson

Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover Artists: Ivan Reis, Danny Miki & Brad Anderson; Francis Portela & Brad Anderson; Leila Leiz & Alex Sinclair

Designer: Steve Blackwell

Editor: Brian Cunningham

Publisher: Image Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: April 2, 2025

 

Miss Glee Goodbody has stayed in her shop since she arrived on Hyde Street. She has not reaped souls as quickly as Pranky, but her products have delivered consistent results. Miss Goodbody only needs two more conquests to return to the world she left behind. Will Mr X-Ray help Miss Goodbody fulfill her contract? Or will the former advertising executive doom her enterprise? Let’s grab a container of Devour, leap into Hyde Street #5, and find out!

 

Story

While most people see the world as shades of gray, Miss Goodbody sees only black and white. Glee didn't let anyone take it easy at Iron Dance. She challenged her aerobics students to push themselves. They didn't belong in her class if they didn't give their best.

 

It’s easy to say that Miss Goodbody pushed her students too hard. But in Hyde Street #5, Glee is as tough on herself as on her students. Her parents taught her to strive for excellence. Her body was a gift, and Glee needed to cherish it. So, Mrs Goodbody always pushes her limits. She denies herself anything that would impair her physical perfection. If she weakens, she looks around. Too many people invite failure via indulgence.

 

Mr X-Ray appeals to Miss Goodbody’s sense of fairness. In Geoff Johns’ story, the man who hooked his graphic designer on drugs wishes to build a neighbor watch to deter Pranky’s predations. Mr X-Ray wants to help his fellow residents escape Hyde Street. The former advertising executive doesn’t share the Matinee Monster’s insistence on saving all their visitors. Still, people should get a choice to reform instead of being tricked into damnation.

 

Miss Goodbody perceives in Mr X-Ray the same weakness she decries. Anyone who doesn’t sacrifice for physical perfection is unworthy of the gift of life. Damnation, or indentured service to the Scorekeeper, is what they deserve in Hyde Street #5.

 

Art

Miss Goodbody pulses with energy as she yells at her aerobics student. While the teacher's hair tumbles around her face like a VO5 commercial, hairs spring loose from Trisha's perm to dangle before her eyes. Her mouth looks as wobbly as her legs as Miss Goodbody urges Trisha to move or die. Francis Portela’s art shows Glee doesn't give up on her students. She jabs her finger at Trisha’s nose and leans closer, insisting she work harder. Spittle flies from Miss Goodbody's mouth as Trisha's eyes roll up, and she collapses amid the lycra-clad crowd.

 

While lavishing bright colors on energetic art that evokes the 1980s 20 Minute Workout TV series, Brad Anderson hints at why Miss Goodbody is so hard on her student. Glee wears a green leotard, lavender leg warmers, head- and wristbands, and pink earrings in Hyde Street #5. Lavender earrings complement Trisha's green eyes. The student wears a pink headband, wristbands, and leg warmers. If Trisha tried harder, she could make her tightly curled auburn hair as lustrous and full-bodied as Miss Goodbody’s.

 

Uppercase black letters fill dialogue balloons as Mr. X-Ray appeals to Miss Goodbody. White letters in black boxes bring readers into the present as the former aerobics instructor welcomes visitors to her shop in her favorite green and lavender. The letters grow bold for intonation, swell or change color, and rarely shrink as Miss Goodbody protests her innocence. Sound effects enhance Miss Goodbody's adherence to her code, making a pivotal choice and a counseling opportunity. Thanks to Image Comics and Ghost Machine for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Miss Glee Goodbody is a winner, although she doesn’t see herself in those terms. In Hyde Street #5, the proprietor of Fat-Free aims for excellence and never waivers. She will do anything to achieve the results she desires. But Miss Goodbody swims in dangerous waters. She knows a moment of weakness can invite a feeding frenzy.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For more covers see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.