With its third issue, Basketful of Heads still reads like a twisted update of an old EC horror comic (that’s a good thing). The difference with this issue is that it’s finally introducing some plot elements and expanding the world these characters find themselves in, if just ever so slightly.

This issue allows June--and the reader--a moment to breathe and take stock of the situation. June has an axe. She cut off somebody’s head with it. For some reason, that head--belonging to one Sal Puzo--is still alive. Sal and his friends broke into June’s boyfriend Liam’s house for some reason. They cut off one of Liam’s fingers and kidnapped him. And now June wants answers.

Writer Joe Hill lets us get to know the vile Sal a little bit more this issue, smartly giving June someone to talk to (even if it is the disembodied head of her would-be rapist). The bizarre connection and camaraderie that builds between June and Sal is one of the more interesting and truthful details that Hill builds into this story, an element of both realism and character that deepens the absurd horror of their situation.

Artist Leomacs and colorist Dave Stewart collaborate well here, using the literal storm building around June to generate atmosphere. The art creates tension masterfully here. Deron Bennett’s lettering is solid as well, using the letters and the balloons to show character and motivation and mood.

Basketful of Heads #3 is another solid entry in what is turning out to be the best of DC’s Hill House horror comics line. It’s dark, it’s weird, it’s disturbing, and it’s funny. It’s everything you’d want out of a horror comic.

Grade: A