IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Ryan Ferrier
Illustrated by Valentin Ramon
The angel Adriel has peaced out of Heaven, breaking the treaty between Satan and God. Meanwhile in Hell, following their cruel punishment, Teddy and his demon-sponsor Costello get proper turnt up. Teddy is soon sobered by the discovery of a guidebook that may hold the key to his possible atonement...or escape.
God I love this story Ryan and Valentin have created this completely off kilter, irreverent tongue in cheek slanderous book that just rocks my world. So much in comics today is so serious and it’s great to see something poke fun of what so many people believe and have a good time doing it. There was a time when comics were fun, an escape from reality and a way to get lost in worlds that filled your imagination and in all those ways that’s what this does.
Ryan’s storytelling and weaving in the bigger picture of the impending war between heaven and hell with Teddy’s own personal story is extremely well done. That Teddy’s story kind of weaves in and out of said bigger picture is also something great to see. His characterization and the love he has for his girlfriend are kind of inspiring that he meets a hot girl, Imogen, in who is able to read the enochian book and send him topside without trying to sleep with her is the kind of love story that I wasn’t expecting here.
That Satan has taken a keen interest in Teddy is wonderful as well for a couple of reasons. It adds something to Teddy that we may not quite see yet as well as set up something else as we see here. The jealousy we seein Costello at being left out of his sponsee and then there’s Lucifer’s right hand man Astaroth who doesn’t like being left out in favour of Teddy. Of course when the two drink to commiserate it ends up being somewhat expected and hopefully what comes from this will also be what i’m hoping for!
I kind of like God being a bit of a douchebag. It reminds me of Chuck when his sister wanted revenge on Supernatural. That resignation that there’s nothing for him to do but wait for the inevitable. Though I am hoping that Adriel meets up with Teddy and the two stop both sides from becoming dominant and restore balance, but perhaps that’s a pipe dream on my part but still with what i’m seeing here it would be incredibly fun.
I really am impressed with Valentin’s interiors. The way he gets to showcase his talent and imagination with the denizens of Hell is amazing!. His eye for storytelling through pages and panels, with highlighted segments within panels is a real joy. Plus his use of backgrounds makes me happy and really does wonders to flesh out the worlds they live in which gives you a better understanding of where they are. I like the angles and perspective he uses and the anatomy of his characters even when they shouldn’t work, pig people, actually work really well.
This is like you’d expect and that’s all of it’s charm! Interesting, funny and completely offensive and charming at the same time this something to read when you want to have fun with comics again!