Steve Orlando is one of those creators with an absolutely insane creative range....and after reading several of his books, is it because he is also insane? His work ranges from some modern indie insanity on Commanders in Crisis, Creep Show, Project Patron, Search for Hu, or Loaded Bible to some of the wildest DC and Marvel characters (Man-Thing, Darkhold Omega, Doom Patrol, a S-Ton of Symbiotes and several one-offs during the Rebirth era at DC), is there anything he can't do?
Seeing that Steve Orlando was bringing his talents to South Beach (right, MCS is in heat country?). I was thoroughly excited to get a preview of Exorcists Never Die (April 12), all I can say from the cover pic, this looks like its going to be the high intensity we tend to get from Orlando and then some.
Exorcists Never Die (Mad Cave Studios)
By: Steve Orlando, Sebastian Piriz, Carlos M. Mangual
Releases: April 12, 2023
Mad Cave Studios offers the following synopsis of the story:
Syd Miller and Ellen Blair are the world's two premier combat exorcists. The only problem? After a nuclear breakup years ago, they can't stand each other. But when the biggest soul auction in history kicks off beneath Los Angeles, Syd and Ellen have no choice but to come together to raid the Hellscraper, an infernal tower going straight down into the Earth. With thousands of souls on the line, Syd and Ellen must fight their way to the bottom or die trying.
I recently finished Peter Milligan's absolute banger of a run in "Sacrament" (from AWA/Upshot) and knowing the dynamic between two individuals performing an exorcism is exceedingly important...I am highly intrigued to see how the "nuclear" breakup of Syd and Ellen impacts their ability to repel the forces of evil. Now it's time to give this puppy a read before my next class comes in!
Initial Reactions While Reading
I'm only 6 pages in and Orlando has already turned it up to 11! I also really love Piriz's use of shadows and how the characters work through them as they work towards the "Hell Tower." Also, this first reveal of exorcist and demon alongside their ensuing battle is an amazing sequence, which I know the initial 2-page spread will pay off better on paper!
Oh shit, do we get to see an embodiment of all 7 sins at a soul auction? Hell yes!!!!!
Right now Sloth looks like a psychedelic Groot, and I love it!
Holy shit! This epic summon of our first aspect of the faith is AMAZING!!!!!!!
I love how this feels like an Anime battle (or at least what I've seen from watching things like Bakugan or Yugioh with Toby).
Final Thoughts
I absolutely loved every second of this voyage into the heart of evil. The story hook is phenomenal, the art is outstanding, and the action is great! I think Orlando and Piriz have teamed up for another high octane thriller which Mad Cave Studios have been producing lately. I am waiting with bated breath for issue 2 not just for the continued descent through the tower, but for the reveal of our next Sin!!!!!!
You should pre-order this puppy now, with a FOC date of around March 10th! Secure your copy today!!!
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