Joe Hill's Layer Is a Dark Journey into the Psychology of Power

Published on January 07, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Cover of the comic The Cape showing Eric with the cape floating over a nighttime urban landscape, with his silhouette gradually transforming into a dark and threatening figure.

Joe Hill's The Cape: a dark journey into the psychology of power

In the universe of contemporary comics, this work stands out for its innovative and disturbing approach to the superhero archetype, taking the reader down a path where innocence collides with the abysses of the human condition 🦇.

Deconstruction of the heroic myth

The narrative radically distances itself from genre conventions, presenting a seemingly benign object that becomes a vehicle of moral perdition. Through Eric, Hill explores how cultural fascination with the supernatural can reveal the darkest facets of human character.

Key narrative elements:
  • Progressive psychological transformation of the protagonist
  • Subversion of the traditional concept of responsibility and power
  • Exploration of the duality between childhood fantasy and adult reality
"The true horror does not reside in the monster, but in the mirror that reflects back our own darkness" - Central reflection of the work

The visual language of corruption

Zach Howard deploys a distinctive graphic style that perfectly complements the narrative, using the contrast between everyday scenes and moments of extreme violence to emphasize the moral deterioration of the main character.

Highlighted visual aspects:
  • Panel composition that reflects progressive degradation
  • Use of color to mark emotional transitions
  • Character design that evolves with the plot

Reflections on human nature

This work transcends entertainment to become a penetrating social commentary on our relationship with power and the consequences of acting without moral restraints, reminding us that ethical boundaries are more fragile than we think 💭.