EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #2, from Mad Cave Studios on 5/24/23, takes the duo of demon destroyers one level lower in the Hellscraper to confront Lust. It gets wet and messy.
The Details
- Written by: Steve Orlando
- Art by: Sebastián Píriz
- Colors by: Sebastián Píriz
- Letters by: Carlos M. Mangual
- Cover art by: Sebastián Píriz
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: May 24, 2023
Is It Good?
EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #2 brings El and Syd one step closer to stopping the demonic soul auction by facing off against Lust in the ultimate gauntlet. Steve Orlando gives the readers insight into El and Syd’s relationship history through flashbacks while giving readers oodles of mystical demon-fighting action. Does this second issue elevate interest in the series? Well, it depends.
When last we left Syd and El, they infiltrated a “Hellscraper” that extends down into the depths of the Earth, with each level guarded by a demon representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Syd and El fought and beat Sloth, and the methods they used gave readers some insight into the nature of their powers and their respective temperaments. Now, the exorcist duo faces off against Lust, stirring up old feelings between the former lovers.
At a high level, the premise is interesting. Orlando has a ready-made arc that anyone with even a cursory amount of Biblical knowledge could understand, wrapped in a fresh plot. As each demonic representation of one of the Deadly Sins steps forward, Orlando has a pre-packaged opportunity to explore the different facets of conflict two people could experience in their relationship. The more you dig, the more opportunity for meta-commentary Orlando presents, so you can appreciate the story on multiple levels.
Unfortunately, it’s in the details where this issue suffers. First, the dialog is painfully stiff and clunky. There are multiple panels where you can’t imagine a real person saying certain phrases and sentences out loud. Second, there are too many references without any context. Syd and El keep referring to powers, spells, demons, and skills as though there should be weight and meaning to what they’re saying, but it sometimes comes off as gibberish.
For example, “Hasmet was still a risk — Annihilation only destroys what ranks below it. Luckily, Lust was a stooge before the fall.” Could we get a translator on this one? Is there some kind of D&D Handbook that’s required reading before picking up this comic? A writer must understand the reading audience, and this dialog demonstrates Orlando is translating ideas in his head meant primarily for him, which makes for rough reading.
Thankfully, Sebastián Píriz’s artwork is solid. The character designs are memorable, the demonic horrors are creepy, and the action is interesting, even if you don’t understand what spells are being cast.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #1 review to find out how Syd and El defeated Sloth.
We begin with Syd and El taking a romantic tumble down a fleshy shaft after defeating Sloth. Overcome with amorous feelings, the two quickly separate when they realize they’re under the influence of Lust.
Through flashbacks, we see how Syd and El’s relationship was never an easy one due to unresolved feelings of resentment, jealousy, and differences in life outlook. Now, Lust’s influence brings those old feelings to the fore as they try to figure out how to fend off the demon’s attack. Unfortunately, striking Lust causes him to multiply, so the direct approach isn’t the best one.
We conclude the issue with the bigger hammer for the right nail, conflicting tactics, and a figurative and literal split up.
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Final Thoughts
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EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #2 digs deeper into the metaphorical nature of the plot as Syd and El battle the deadly sin of Lust while battling their own unresolved feelings towards each other. In concept, this story is an intriguing exploration of the conflicts couples experience, but the rich depth is overshadowed by painful dialog and clunky execution.
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