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Baziel stalks the streets of Paris in disguise, murdering and torturing the humans he has grown to hate. When he gets caught in the crossfire of a holy war between a group of Hellspawn and Seraphim, an old face reminds him of everything he has lost! Violator: Origin adds a new chapter to the history of Violator!
- Written by Marc Andreyko
- Art by Jonathan Wayshak
- Colors by Brad Simpson
- Letters by AndWorld Design
- Creative Director Todd McFarlane
- Published by Image Comics
The Violator We Know in Violator: Origin 3
The evolution of Violator from the dutiful angel Baziel, to the fallen demon he is now has been a wild, fun story. We started in Heaven, then prehistoric times, sailed through a world Vikings, and now we find ourselves in Paris. In the dark and dangerous streets, Violator moves hidden in his skin suit preying on the humans he has grown to despise.
After just such a night of murder and debauchery, Violator finds himself surrounded by Hellspawn powered plague doctors. Before Violator can get his hands dirty, Seraphim show up to battle! Now Violator is confused as to what all of the forces are really after and he goes from predator to hiding in the shadows.
The Evolution of Character in Violator: Origin
As we’ve followed Violator thus far it seems as though has just been trying to survive and make sense of everything that has happened to him. Confusion, anger, and fear directed his movements. In issue 3 however, it seems that Violator has become the sadistic bringer of chaos we all know now. We open on him dragging dead bodies with ridicule for his victims. He has developed a hatred for humans.
Violator has come a long way from issue 2!
Now, we’ve seen him succumb to hatred and anger. He has nothing but disdain for “The Creators” works. There is something of Baziel still left in the demon though. That aspect of his character is revealed when one of the Seraphim that come to battle the Hellspawn is a familiar face, Gloriana, his former “soulshare”. A soft part of Violator for her is there any he even goes as far as to save her in the heat of battle.
Body Horror and Color Work in Violator: Origin
Gritty, stylized art takes the panels and pages of this book to dark place and that’s what makes it great! The gore and pestilence drives the themes of horror and makes for some really disturbing images. Even the angels, or Seraphim, carry a note of horror on themselves. There’s an awkwardness to them that just puts your mind askew to their assumed nobility.
Colors are the driver of this vehicle. Black and blue carry the night as sick oranges and yellows, the day. The pale and nauseous green of the Hellspawn highlights the pestilence of the time period. The bright burning flames of the angels swords cut through all of the darkness. Every color choice brings this world to life in a purposeful way.
Everything Points to 8.5/10
I’m living the journey of Violator, and it’s good to start seeing the more sadistic and playful version of him once again. If anything, it can’t get a little on the nose at times, but it’s all in good fun. Violator’s character arc is well executed, and to see a bit of warmth still left in his heart is intriguing. The artwork is a horror fans dream. The over stylized deformities of Violator in his meat suits will leave you with some powerful imagery. The colors of that will give it a lasting effect. This series continues to build and evolve in a wonderful way!
