Advance Review: ‘Exorcists Never Die’ TPB
Exorcists Never Die by Steve Orlando and Sebastián Píriz is a gripping addition to the realm of supernatural fiction, where the veil between our world and the evils beyond is tantalizingly thin. Originally published as a 6-part limited series earlier this year, the collected story will be released as a trade paperback on November 22nd by Mad Cave Studios, who provided me an advance copy for review.
Orlando's narrative prowess shines throughout the pages of this dark and suspenseful tale about El and Syd, two Combat Exorcists looking to save the world from the forces of Hell. The story introduces us to these complex and relatable protagonists, whose journey into the eerie world of sin is both compelling and authentic. Orlando's character development ensures that we not only root for the heroes but also empathize with their inner struggles and fears, aided by the added depth of the characters having personal history and baggage between them. This emotional context adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making the threat of supernatural elements feel all the more tangible and unsettling.
One thing that sets Exorcists Never Die apart is Orlando's ability to seamlessly blend genres. A book about exorcists isn't just a horror story; it's a fusion of horror, suspense, and dark fantasy. The pacing of the plot is executed well, with Orlando and Píriz keeping readers at the edge of their seats with immersive dialogue and detailed action sequences from the get go. Unexpected twists and turns riddle the story, creating an intense atmosphere that ensures you'll never know what's lurking around the corner (or on which layer of Hell!).
Píriz’s art brings to life the goriness, vileness, and profaneness that an end-of-times battle with the seven deadly sins calls for in the most striking ways. The book’s visual storytelling is as compelling as the written narrative. The illustrations are hauntingly beautiful and complement the dark themes of the story perfectly. The attention to detail in the visuals ensures that the supernatural elements come to life on the pages, immersing you in a world where the boundary between reality and the supernatural blurs. Highlights of the book are the full-page depictions of heavenly spells the two main characters use during battle.
Overall, Exorcists Never Die is a perfect for fans of horror and the supernatural. Steve Orlando's storytelling prowess, coupled with the mesmerizing artwork of Sebastián Píriz , makes this book perfect for the Halloween season. It offers a fresh perspective on the eternal struggle between good and evil, leaving readers haunted by its dark and thrilling tale that leaves readers with a chance to make their own conclusions on how the story ends.
Rating: 7/10
