EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #3 – Comic Review

EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #3, from Mad Cave Studios on 6/28/23, continues the descent in the Hellscraper as Syd and Ellen come face-to-face with Gluttony.

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: $4.99
• Release date: June 28, 2023

Is It Good?

Steve Orlando’s meta-commentary on the ups and downs of relationships, as told through a literal fight through the seven deadly sins, works… until it doesn’t. EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #3 has some interesting talking points, but a strange convolution of sin muddies the metaphorical waters.

When last we left Syd and Ellen, they managed to overcome the mystical misdirections of Lust to draw one level closer to the soul auction below. When the pair were ready to leap to the next level, Syd kicked Ellen to the side to deal with lingering demons so he could race on ahead. Now, Syd selfishly races to attack Gluttony head-on while Ellen struggles to catch up.

Steve Orlando’s central premise about a fight through different kinds of sin as a metaphor for the troubles a couple experiences in their relationship is a novel idea. Whether the sin is the fault of one or both parties, the net result causes hurt and damage that will either develop strength through healing or create a permanent rift. Attacking Gluttony is a surefire way to explore how Syd and Ellen’s relationship suffered through unhealthy excess.

Therefore, the down point is an oddly absent demonstration of gluttonous behavior. When Syd attacks Gluttony alone, he’s temporarily overcome, but his actions don’t read as gluttonous. He wants the glory of victory all to himself (greed), and he regularly compares his skill, talent, and success record to Ellen’s (envy), but there’s nothing gluttonous about Syd’s possession or the twisted words he spews when Ellen arrives. Orlando set the pattern of the story but suddenly doesn’t follow it.

How’s the art? Quite good. Sebastián Píriz lets the artistic freak flag fly with a creepy, gross, and intimidating personification of Gluttony. Drooping folds of flesh adorn a massive demon intent on inflicting suffering through unhealthy pleasure, and Sebastián Píriz makes you endure every panel in sickening detail (in a good way).

Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

Check out our EXORCISTS NEVER DIE #2 review to find out how Syd and Ellen defeated Lust.

We begin with Ellen fighting her way through the horde of leftover demons remaining on Lust’s level of the Hellscraper. Simultaneously, Syd races to the next level with a wild-eyed look to confront Gluttony alone.

When Ellen clears the level, she races to catch Syd, but she finds he’s already been overtaken by Gluttony’s charms. Gluttony doesn’t have a horde of demons to summon, so it uses a Syd as the instrument of destruction against Ellen. As the two fight, Syd hurls one insult after another, describing how he deserves all the glory because he’s the better fighter.

We conclude the issue with memories that create a breakthrough, opposing spells, and disintegration.

Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.

Click Here To Buy This Comic

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.