We Have Demons #2 is written by Scott Snyder, penciled by Greg Capullo, inked by Jonathan Glapion, colored by Dave McCaig, and lettered by Tom Napolitano. It is a ComiXology Original series published under Snyder’s Best Jackett Press imprint. Following the end of the first issue, Lamassu “Lau” Cullen meets her father’s partner Gus who happens to be one of the demons that he fought against. Gus reveals that her father believed that a meteor made of Halo-the only material capable of killing demons-is headed toward Earth. However, there may be a traitor among the demon hunters…
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As with the first issue, this comic is split into three “chapters”, and each one contains enough story for a whole issue. This time, the focus shifts from Lam to Gus and his life story, which Snyder approaches with the appropriate amount of gravitas in his script. The idea of a formerly demonic creature turning to the side of the angels is nothing new; Hellboy remains the prime example of this trope. What makes Gus stand out is his fatherly demeanor. Before he was infected with Horn, the substance which gives birth to new demons, he was the leader of a warrior tribe in addition to being a devoted husband & father. Gus also forms an unlikely bond with Lam and looks after her; it even turns out that bond extends to Lam’s childhood in a surprising twist.
Snyder also tackles the nature of faith, and how it can lead people to do great or terrible things. Faith is literally a superpower, as it supercharges Halo-forged blades; it also proves to be a struggle for Lam, as she can’t summon the belief to power the blade in her prosthetic. Gus’ own beliefs are touched upon as well; Lam’s father believed he could change his demonic nature, and Gus believes that Lam holds to key to ending the demon war. That faith leads to a shocking ending that upends Gus’ faith; I never saw it coming, but it definitely hits home.
The art team continues to deliver action and horror in equal measure, with Capullo & Glapion delivering some seriously disturbing images. Demons often appear as normal people before their faces twist into horrific grimaces, with razor-sharp protrusions jutting from their skin. They also get to deliver some insane action, including a fight aboard an airplane that’s a visual feast for the eyes. Napolitano continues to display their word balloons as twisted orange branches of hatred, filled with all manner of colorful curses. McCaig delivers rich color art that is a study in contrast; the demon slayers wear pure white jumpsuits and carry glowing blue-white blades, while the demons themselves have dark grey skin and fiery reddish-orange eyes.
We Have Demons #2 continues to escalate the war between humanity and demons while exploring how faith can be a driving force for others. With the issue ending on a hell of a cliffhanger (pun completely intended), the next installment is slated for an explosive & emotional confrontation and I can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.
We Have Demons #2 is available now to read via Comixology Unlimited.
Rating: 4.5/5
