EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #1, from Mad Cave Studios on 4/12/23, begins a holy mission when two exorcist warriors infiltrate an auction from Hell hosted by the 7 Deadly Sins.
The Details
- Written by: Steve Orlando
- Art by: Sebastián Píriz
- Colors by: Sebastián Píriz
- Letters by: Carlos M. Mangual
- Cover art by: Sebastián Píriz (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: April 12, 2023
Is It Good?
EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #1 is okay. There’s a lot to like in this first issue, and if you’re into supernatural warriors kicking all sorts of demon booty, this story is right up your alley. This issue isn’t perfect, but there’s potential here.
Steve Orlando’s script centers around a pair of exorcist warriors, Syd and Ellen, with a contentious history who accept a mission to infiltrate a skyscraper descending to Hell to stop a massive soul auction hosted by the demons representing the Deadly Sins. How’s that for a premise?
Orlando’s premise is the big positive of the issue, and it’s a solid one. Who doesn’t like seeing God’s warriors kick some demon butt? The details of the auction aren’t explained in full, but the introduction to the characters is reasonably solid, the demon/exorcist fights are creative, and the mission is clear.
Where does this issue fall short, if at all? The dialog. The dialog is stiff, forced, and at times painfully inorganic. To Orlando’s credit, he’s trying to flesh out the background of the exorcists and the rules of their magic abilities, but it comes off like two characters speaking their thoughts out loud for the benefit of the reader. Imagine going to the store to pick up a gallon of milk, and as you’re paying for said milk, you loudly exclaim to the cashier, “I’m buying milk right now. Calcium is good for my bones, and I like fresh milk with my breakfast cereal!” You average bystander would probably back away slowly and dial 9-1-1.
How’s the art? Sebastián Píriz is a consistently good artist, and there’s nothing in this issue that changes that assessment. Better still, Píriz’s design for Sloth is attention-grabbing, and if the story delivers on the promise that things get uglier from here, we’re looking forward to seeing Píriz’s creative flexing on more demon horrors to come.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with Syd and Ellen entering the front door of an accounting firm in a building with unusual architecture. To most human onlookers, the building rises several stories, but to the demon-possessed workers inside, the building tunnels straight down to Hell. Syd and Ellen constantly bicker over their falling out from years of professional conflict over promotions and recognition.
When Syd and Ellen enter the office, they’re greeted by a mild-looking account. But as soon as the protagonists remove their cloaks to expose their Holy armor, the accounts turn into ravenous demons. The fight finishes quickly, and the exorcists descend through a trap door to stop a soul auction.
We conclude the issue with much bickering and the slow embrace of Sloth.
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Final Thoughts
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EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #1 is a decent start to an interesting premise about exorcist warriors infiltrating a soul auction. The ideas are unique, and the art team delivers strong character designs. However, the character- and world-building are achieved through painfully stiff dialog.
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