REVIEW: ‘Killadelphia,’ Issue #12

Killadelphia #12 is written by Rodney Barnes, illustrated by Jason Shawn Alexander, colored by Luis NCT, lettered by Marshall Dillon, and published by Image Comics. The grand conclusion to the “Burn Baby Burn” story arc features James Sangster Jr. and his father tracking down Abigail Adams, intending to put an end to her reign of terror. Meanwhile, Tevin Thomas descends to Hell to strike a bargain with the demon Corson.

This issue is double-sized and for good reason: it wraps up several plot threads from the arc, including the Sangsters’ family drama and the decimation of Philadelphia. Barnes’ script ping pongs from the burning streets of Philly to the depths of hell, never once losing momentum. Barnes also ends the issue with not one, but two massive cliffhangers that set the stage for the third story arc. He does admit that “there was too much story to tell” in a single issue, but that doesn’t bother me because the ending is perfect enough to keep a reader hooked for future issues.

Nearly every person in the cast of characters gets a chance to shine. The Sangsters are the standout, particularly as James Jr. and James Sr. finally seems to have put their past behind them. The relationship between father and son has been the driving force of this book, which makes the cliffhanger all the more shocking.

Alexander and NCT pack the issue wall to wall with disturbing imagery, particularly when Tevin goes to Hell. The creatures in Hell are the stuff of nightmares. There’s a slug with a massive row of teeth where its stomach ought to be and pigs hanging from meat hooks with skulls stuffed in their mouths. The demon king Corson is also an imposing figure; Alexander draws him roughly the size of a building and perched atop a throne of skulls, while NCT paints his flesh a bloody red to match the reddish-orange flames of Hell.

Barnes and Alexander also provide the grand conclusion to the “Elysium Gardens” backup story, with Bill Sienkiewicz providing the inks to Alexander’s pencils and gray tones. This provides a nightmarish element to the story, particularly where the werewolves are concerned. They rip through their victims, their glowing yellow eyes and razor-sharp fangs burning into the reader’s brain. Sienkiewicz is no stranger to horror, having illustrated comics including the “Demon Bear” arc of New Mutants and the comic adaptation of Dune for Marvel. His inks really make Alexander’s art sing and add to the horror element. Barnes also provides a cliffhanger that hints at this story intersecting with the present day events of Killadelphia.

Killadelpha #12 provides the grand conclusion to the “Burn Baby Burn” story arc, ending on a massive cliffhanger and packing its pages full of horror elements. With a third story arc on the horizon and a television series in the work, Killadelphia continues to carve its place in the pantheon of great horror stories.

Killadelphia #12 is available wherever comics are sold and through Comixology using our affiliate link.