MIRACLE KINGDOM #1, from Scout Comics on 3/29/23, introduces readers to Winston Donovan – a special auditor who debunks faith hucksters and charlatans on behalf of the Boss upstairs.
The Details
- Written by: Michael McCarthy
- Art by: Alonso Molina Gonzales
- Colors by: Ichsan Ansori
- Letters by: Lucas Gattoni
- Cover art by: Alonso Molina Gonzales
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: March 29, 2023
Is It Good?
MIRACLE KINGDOM #1 is a pleasant surprise. Set in the world of faith healers, televangelists, and religious con men, Michael McCarthy’s script gives readers a little taste of hope via the enigmatic Winston Donovan.
McCarthy’s script centers on a mother who seeks out Donovan’s help to save her son after he stopped taking his medication at the behest of faith healer, Lester Benny. Donovan is an auditor with the Good Deacons Society who has a reputation for exposing religious charlatans. Lester Benny, however, could be the real deal.
In terms of tone and vibe, MIRACLE KINGDOM #1 reads like a charming episode of Highway To Heaven starring the late Michael Landon. Real people experience real troubles, so Donovan takes “assignments” to expose the lies and restore the broken. McCarthy’s story is completely grounded, but little hints of magic and whimsy suggest something more is going on, which gives the comic an air of fantasy that’s quite enjoyable.
Alonso Molina Gonzales’s art is, likewise, clean, fresh, and wholesome. Gonzales’s character designs are memorable, the figure work is excellent, and the facial acting is strong. The overall look of the artwork is super clean.
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]
We begin with a mother slowly, patiently walking into a nondescript office building in San Francisco. By referral from a friend, the mother seeks out the help of an auditor named Winston Donovan. She believes her permanently-ill son has been brainwashed into stopping his medication by a zealous preacher named Lester Benny, and she needs Donovan’s help to expose the preacher.
Donovan is reluctant to take the case, but a sudden accident convinces him to rethink his decision. Donovan visits Lester Benny’s church and curiously finds visitors who truly appear to be healed. When Donovan confronts Benny about his “miracles,” Benny’s answers check out, but his attitude seems fishy.
Elsewhere, the producer of Beny’s television show captures Donovan’s visit on video and sends his staff to investigate. We conclude the issue with a message to the home office, investigating the investigator, and a brilliant exit.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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MIRACLE KINGDOM #1 is a charming, wholesome, and possibly magical story about an auditor who exposes religious con men. The script is tight, well-constructed, and oozing with intrigue. Gonzales’s artwork is fresh and super-clean.
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