We review the second issue of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's brutal demonic beatdown comic.
The first issue of We Have Demons from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo was one of our favorite premiere issues of the year. Concluding that comic was an exhilarating and slightly nerve-racking experience. Can these two legendary metal AF creators maintain the momentum of that first experience? We have good news: We Have Demons' second issue is nearly as good as the first, and it only doesn't surpass the previous outing because it's so clearly a narrative in progress. There's no beginning, there's no ending, but there is a whole lotta bloody beautifully middle.
The story jumps ahead of where we left off last issue. Gus, the Demonfolk partner to Lam's recently deceased father, is in full-rage mode. The monster-man apologizes to the reader. We were initially told this story would be a celebration of faith, but faith seems impossible when we meet Gus on page one of issue two. The creature is about to rip our heroine apart. Welcome to the end of the world.
Then, we jump back again. Snyder is tricky that way. Through Gus, we learn more about the Godfolk/Demonfolk history. Their war is ancient, raging for centuries, with both sides giving up limbs left and right. If you're a Capullo junkie, this is the comic you've anticipated throughout your fandom. The artist rips into these pages, splashing the panels with glorious, gorgeous carnage. Gus is a gift, providing endless, twisty angles to marvel, plunging into violence on both sides, but featuring a large, expressive face for Capullo to lose himself. Snyder provides the character's thoughts, but one look at his mug, in whatever state, and you know exactly what he's thinking.
And that's why We Have Demons is so damn rad. It is the headbanger, badass comic it sells on the cover, but Snyder and Capullo are also surfing extreme emotion. This comic is flowing with hurt, and we're connecting to these characters through their pain - sharing that pain even. Their struggle with faith is our struggle with faith, and as this issue states specifically , that battle only gets tougher as you get older.
What Scott Snyder is achieving with these Best Jackett Press/ComiXology originals is incredibly inspiring. These artists are at the height of their powers, and they seemingly have an opportunity to do whatever they want, free from editorial or corporate input. Seeing them dominate these pages makes us wish all our favorite creators had the freedom to run wild. We're jealous for those that don't have such an epic opportunity, but we're also thankful that these two do.
Quickie Review: We're two issues into We Have Demons, and I'm already anticipating a climax. I don't want it to come, or at least, I don't want it to go too early. These issues are a breezy joy to read, and I want to revel in this world for as long as possible. The comic is passionately gnarly, but busting with heart. And it delivers, yet again, a rigthous "Oh, shit" cliffhanger. 9/10
We Have Demons #2
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo
Inker: Jonathan Glapion
Colorist: Dave McCain
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
On Sale: Now!
Synopsis: As Lam and the Angels continue the mission that her father started, Gus tells the story of a man who lost everything, and the one person who deemed him worth saving. The best-selling creator duo of the last 25 years, writer SCOTT SNYDER and artist GREG CAPULLO, present a new blockbuster series--WE HAVE DEMONS! Years in the making, this title is bursting at the seams with epic, character-driven action for teens and adults alike! Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and in print via Dark Horse Books.