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“Please allow me to introduce myself
I’m a man of wealth and taste” – Sympathy For The Devil by the Rolling Stones
The lyric us fitting for the type on individual who readers met in the pages of a brand new series from Image Comics. His name is Abraham Morgenstern.
Morgenstern is the son of Satan himself. He is also dying. With a vast fortune and empire at stake, a choice has to be made on who takes over the business amongst his three children.
Check out Issue #1 Review Here!
Will it be Nero, a ticking timebomb of pure instability? How about Jackal, the conflicted quiet one? Or what about Bee, the troubled youngest?
THE INFERNALS #2 by Ryan Parrott, Noah Gardner , John Pearson , Lola Bonato , Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou looks to provide some answers as to who will take the unholy crown.
The series is a big hit amongst the NI Bullpen so it’s a joint review from assistant Editor Marty Stoked and myself (Ken – NI Comics EIC). Let’s take a look at how issue #2 follows up the explosively dark debut?
LETS TALK ABOUT THE WRITING!
KEN: Gardner and Parrott put the dysfunctionality of the family front and center. Abraham has never had the best tact when it comes to his family. The dynamic between him and Nero (who is clearly becoming the breakout star of the series) is filled with mistrust and disappointment. This rolls into the family working on their first assignment. The friction is apparent and crafts some excellent drama.
The dark humor is another strong area of this book. Readers will have a solid laugh when a certain “sacrifice” is made. Its’ result is another well-placed moment to break up the drama filling the book. At the end of it all, the book’s anchor is the broken family. The writing has built up the core characters strongly enough that with the new members added into the mix, nothing feels too forced. the pacing will lock readers in as the business keeps booming!
MARTY: Parrott and Gardner masterfully craft a tale that navigates the complex dynamics within Abe’s family, particularly focusing on the internal strife among his three children vying for control of the legacy. The thematic exploration of Good versus Evil intertwined with corporate mentality adds layers of intrigue, leaving readers questioning the moral compass of each character.
The decision to spotlight Nero, the eldest son, while utilizing his brother Jackal as the negotiator, adds depth to the familial conflict and heightens tension throughout the issue. Moreover, the infusion of humor at strategic moments serves to break the tension, enhancing the overall intensity of the narrative.
HOW BOUT THE ART AND LETTERING?
KEN: Pearson’s visuals mesmerize readers with each changing direction. The opening panel of the children around Abraham’s bed speaks volumes with small moves. Pearson delivers on an incredible two page full spread during Abraham’s reflecting. This is perfectly complimented with another full-page introduction of a key player setting the stage for the next phase.
The “sacrifice scene’ art deflects from the dark humor a touch but adds some solid facial reactions, including during the fallout. The closing moments shift gears as Otsmane-Elhaou’s letter sends home the latest chapter. With a huge full page spread capping off the kids’ first attempts at being CEO’s, its’ no doubt that the art is ramping up on the intensity and imagination of this unique story.
MARTY: Pearson’s artwork continues to impress with meticulous attention to character design, particularly evident in Jackal’s enigmatic presence and Nero’s simmering disdain. The use of colors to reflect the characters’ powers and the ominous backdrop effectively enhances the eerie atmosphere of impending doom.
A standout feature lies in the lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, where the manipulation of word bubbles during Nero’s displays of power adds a surreal quality, emphasizing the characters’ mental state. The subtle details, such as the glowing red eyes and green-tinted bodies, skillfully convey the characters’ lack of control, deepening the sense of unease.
N.I. BULLPEN FINAL GRADE: 8.6
KEN: The latest chapter of the shady side of family business hits’ its marks with a sensational follow-up chapter. The writing team of Gardner and Parrott bring out the devilishly best of the Morgenstern family with steady drama and dark humor. Pearson (along with Bonato and Otsmane-Elhaou)’s images grab readers with haunting visuals that never let go. Things are only going to heat up more form here so definitively don’t miss the latest chapter. 8.5
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MARTY: Infernals #2 is a testament to the creative synergy between its talented team, delivering a riveting continuation of the series. With its gripping narrative, stunning artwork, and meticulous attention to detail, this issue is another solid installment in the series! Prepare to be enthralled as the saga unfolds, unraveling the mysteries of the infernal apocalypse with each turn of the page. 8.75 out of 10
