Review - Exorsisters #1 (@imagecomics)

"Smells like a mix of sulfur and tragedy. A demon was here recently."

Throughout history there have been numerous instances of individuals confronted with things they can't quite explain. Often times the explanation turns to the supernatural as a means of rationalizing things and in Exorsisters #1 from Image Comics that rationalization involves a pair of sisters solving cases. The issue is written by Ian Boothby, illustrated by Gisèle Lagacé, colored by Pete Pantazis and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

Did you sign a deal with the Devil? Has your fiancé been dragged to Hell? Then Kate and Cate Harrow should be the first ones you call for timely soul retrieval at a reasonable rate! But why are these identical twins so different? Is there a darker secret?

Demon hunting certainly isn't a new plot device, but Boothby uses it to rather comedic effect with Kate and Cate Harrow. The entire first issue follows them investigating a mysterious event with equal parts humor and drama, allowing each of the Exorsisters to bring a different emotional approach to the proceedings. Boothby uses each to balance one another while at the same time fleshing out the world they inhabit; one where trips to Hell are quite frequent and there's a sense of levity to the underworld. The issue is paced very evenly as well, with Boothby spending plenty of time with the sisters in all manner of setting to really convey to the reader how they operate. Boothby even adds a pretty interesting twist at the end of the issue that promises to give the series a bit more life so it's not just a mystery of the week type series.

Lagacé uses an illustrative style that's very friendly to readers of all ages in its approach. The two main characters have a look that blends together black and red very well; Lagacé uses this to really impress upon the reader their abilities to delve into the underworld to investigate issues arising. It's readily apparent that Lagacé didn't want to deluge the reader with images that are too demonic and horrific so her lighter approach definitely helps to underscore the humor in the story. The relatively simple panel layouts throughout the issue also keep things moving in a very easy to follow way. Pantazis keeps things bright with vivid colors throughout the issue, again lightening the otherwise dour mood.

At its core, Exorsisters #1 is a whodunnit with a couple of fun twists that keep things light. Kate and Cate are really good at what they do, which means the reader gets a glimpse into what is presumed to be a rather turbulent lifestyle. The concept of the book is engaging (albeit somewhat ho-hum) in that Boothby blends together equal parts Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and The Good Place. The artwork by Lagacé is somewhat bubbly and similar to what you'd see in a BOOM! Box title. Exorsisters #1 is a fun comic that will likely appeal to younger readers.

Exorsisters #1 is available now.