I’ve never claimed to be anything more than a fan of horror.
No industry insider.
No polished critic chasing perfection.
Just someone who grew up on the genre — watching, absorbing, and eventually writing about the films that stuck with me long after the credits rolled.
Six years ago, that passion became Hacked 2 Pieces. Before that, it was the simple pleasure of writing reviews for HorrorCultFilms — alongside a tremendous team who all shared the same love for the genre.
Hacked 2 Pieces started as a simple review blog. A place to share thoughts on the latest releases but mostly to bring you the releases that may be missed by the masses. For every Insidious sequel, there’s a Session 9.
For every big hitter, there’s something like The Objective — films that deserve to be seen, discussed, and remembered.
We are not the biggest voice in horror… and not trying to be. But place with a loyal audience — people who check in, read, and share the same passion for the genre that started this whole thing and I could not be more prouder of our reader base .
Over the last few months, I’ve been working on something different. An original horror online comic.
THE BECOMING.
The first chapter arrives on June 25th.
So…
WHY?
Because after years of writing about horror…the idea of creating something never really goes away. We all watch movies – have an opinion – perhaps feel we could do better. But while many horror fans dream of directing the next Elm St or bring Michael Myers back to Haddonfield for one more trick or treat – but that’s what they are – just thoughts and ideas.
So one Sunday afternoon, I sat down in front of a blank screen and revisited an idea that had been sitting with me for over 15 years. At first, it didn’t work. Not even close.
What followed was a frustrating few hours trying to get what was in my head… onto the screen. But then — something clicked. Three hours later, I had my first comic panels. A few weeks later… six full chapters.
And then came the question:
Do I release this?
Followed quickly by the only answer that made sense:
Why not?
THE USE OF AI
It’s a question that will come up — so it’s better to answer it honestly. Yes, AI has been used in the creation of The Becoming. But not to replace creativity. Not to tell the story. Every character, every moment, every decision comes from me.
AI is simply the tool that allows it to exist visually — bringing consistency, atmosphere, and scale to something that would otherwise stay locked in my head. I am not an artist – and will never pretend to be – so without AI… this doesn’t happen….with it… characters like Sheriff Harrison can come to life and the story of Merfill Town can be told.
Its not all perfect or simple. At times you feel like giving up as you give out a detailed prompt and an image comes back of someone who looks totally different to what you have created before. Even now I am looking back at the locked in chapters – ready for release – and see name badges missing – sleeves rolled up and then not – deeply frustrating – but I’ve come to accept that perhaps this is the charm of what is basically an amateur attempting his first ever horror story.
I get there are many who are against the idea – and I’ll understand the negative comments that are due my way – but basically I am not expecting anything from THE BECOMING – its just a horror fan, creating something he hopes at least one person out there will enjoy – if they do – then my job is done.
THE IDEA BEHIND THE BECOMING
Being a huge slasher fan, I’ve seen how most of them end. The final girl stands victorious. The bogeyman is dead… At least until the inevitable sequel — or that final jump scare.
But what if it didn’t end that way? What if there was no victory? What if killing the bogeyman doesn’t stop the evil… What if it creates it?
Because in horror — and maybe in life — evil doesn’t just disappear.
It finds a way to continue.
ENTER MERFILL TOWN
Every horror story needs a setting. Merfill Town is that place. Quiet. Familiar. Ordinary on the surface. A town where a murder has not taken place for nearly 80 years.
But like all towns in horror…there’s something buried underneath. A past people don’t talk about. A history that refuses to stay hidden. And now… something is starting again and it starts with a boy and girl in the middle of the woods – making out.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Becoming arrives June 25th on Hacked 2 Pieces and I hope at least a few of our readers enjoy the monthly chapters.
Horror has always taught us that evil can be defeated. That it can be stopped. Contained. Buried.
But The Becoming asks a different question:
What if it can’t?
This isn’t about killing the bogeyman. It’s about what happens next.
Because in the end— Don’t kill what you can’t stop.
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