‘Exorcists Never Die’ TPB (review)

Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Sebastián Píriz
Published by Mad Cave Studios

Exorcists Never Die is a comic series that thrusts readers into a thrilling world where martial arts, religious mythology, and complex interpersonal dynamics start off promising, yet while it manages to create a narrative that’s as action-packed, it landed with a ham-fisted dud.

At the heart of this series are Syd and El, combat exorcists whose mission takes them into the depths of the underworld to disrupt a soul auction.

This journey demands they confront a series of demons embodying the seven deadly sins.

Each sin the pair goes up against becomes a personal challenge, a battle transcending the physical realm and forcing Syd and El to look inward and outward and reflect upon their inner turmoil and demons.

Thus, this makes their quest more than just a physical battle but a journey that profoundly explores their tumultuous relationship. Orlando tries to make the character development as intriguing as the flashy supernatural combat, but that aspect of the story fell flat for me.

Nevertheless, I respect Orlando’s storytelling for its depth and adherence to religious mythology, adding authenticity and intrigue to the narrative.

The depiction of demons and the utilization of angelic properties in combat are drawn from established lore, showcasing Orlando’s commitment to creating a story that respects its mythological roots while delivering a fresh take on the exorcist genre. This careful balance between innovation and tradition enriches the narrative, offering readers both surprising twists and a sense of familiarity with the mythological elements employed.

The artwork by Sebastián Píriz stands out for its dynamism and creativity, particularly in depicting the high-octane action scenes and the detailed portrayal of the demonic and angelic beings.

Píriz’s art, coupled with his coloring, brings the story to life with vibrant visuals that capture the battles’ intensity and the underworld’s eerie atmosphere. The character designs and settings are visually striking and deepen the storytelling, providing visual cues to the characters’ personalities and the dark world they navigate.

Nevertheless, the story never rises to match the brilliant and dazzling Godwave splash pages.

Exorcists Never Die is to be applauded for its attempt at a compelling blend of action, mythology, and character-driven storytelling, and the series is an easy recommendation for readers interested in supernatural action comics, especially those who appreciate a strong foundation in religious mythology.

The intricate relationship between Syd and El adds a personal stake to their mission, making their battles against the demons as much about their inner demons as the literal ones they fight. This series is a testament to the power of creative collaboration, with Orlando’s narrative prowess and Píriz’s artistic vision combining to create a visually stunning and engaging comic.

Sadly, for readers looking for more sophistication in their stories, Exorcists Never Die never goes beyond the superficial. The tension between the two characters is forced, and while Syd and El clearly have a love and hate for each other, the reasons for it are never explored in a satisfying manner.