THE DEMON #1 (DC COMICS)
Jason Blood and Etrigen.
Two very different souls connected for an eternity. With the current world in a shroud of Darkness, Blood looks to attempt to stop the evil once and for all.
It is a valiant notion but failure means one thing. Etrigen is chopping at the bit to run free. Who will falter first?
THE DEMON #1 by James Harren, Dave Stewart, & Clayton Cowles (DC Comics) kicks off an all new story.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the chapter.
THE DEMON #1 by James Harren, Dave Stewart, & Clayton Cowles (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Harren takes this initial outing into a few different directions to start. From Camelot to Gotham City, Blood’s life has been anything but normal. Seeing demons roaming free in the streets prompts swift action. The writing shows the friction within as Etrigen’s taunt start striking chords. Readers can pick up on the animosity while Blood attempts to free some souls. The end result ushers in more questions as the spotlight swings to another key player.
Morgaine Le Fay’s introduction comes with an edge to its’ writing. The dialogue she carries has a sharp tone as dreams of grandeur take over. Its’ reception is less than kind. This leads to more politicking as the future looks bleak for the ailing Le Fay. The moment provides a quick pivot back to Blood, who appears lost in fantasy. Harren stages this to question readers about what’s next. Blood’s breakdown leads into a dark path. Pacing picks up at this stage with Le Fay attempting to make moves. The jumps allow for Blood to close the show with much released onto society. This builds up the closing page impact as another soul enters the fray with much unpredictability.
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As for art, Etrigen couldn’t ask for better than Harren. The Gotham City problems start amplifying after a full shot of wholesome Camelot. Blood’s galivanting leads into a unique full shot of him standing in the middle of chaos. Creatures get a grotesque look as Blood attempt to fight. These looks pick up traction as Blood fends off attackers. The visuals feel bold in presentation. It adds to the chaos ensuing, which gets worse when Le Fey becomes involved.
Her introduction is complimented by a solid full page vision. From here, the meeting with others leans into the troubling state of affairs. Readers watch as LeFey’s plans start burning up in front of her. This spins events bac to Blood and a dreamlike state that came to life. Panels look fantastic as his journey moves into new ventures. This caps with a chilling vow of combat. More hijinks ensue as the actions take over with drastic results. It helps the final act unlock some doors as moments keep combusting. The final page shakes up the stat quo, leaving readers with questions looming till next time.
FINAL GRADE: 8.3
Jason Blood’s fight sees old evils and new threats arise in a peculiar opening bout. Harren delivers a striking visual experience while the story heavily stages events with questions about. A perfectly staged welcome for Etrigen’s latest adventures.
Let me know your thoughts on THE DEMON #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
