Review – Sons of the Devil #6 (Image Comics)

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Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Brian Buccellatto
Artist: Toni Infante
Release Date: 23rd March 2016

If history has shown anything in Satanic storytelling, it’s that occult practitioners aren’t good parents.

If a child is involved then it’s either the Antichrist, a sacrifice or a pawn in whatever dark game the Dark Lord is playing at the time because he’s still in the huff with God and humanity. Sometimes these stories make for some intense, terrifying experiences, as demonstrated by the previous story arc of Sons of the Devil. Not only did it tap into the anxiety that comes with being reminded of the existence of cults, but it blended the power of the unknown and the supernatural expertly, and applied it to a social realist environment to create a thrilling tale of mystery interwoven with human relatability. Protagonist Travis’ father procreated with the devil in mind, and now the past was coming back to haunt the product of his semen.

In this issue, the story picks right back up where it left off at the end of the first arc: Travis is still attending anger management meetings as part of his court ordered mandate; therapist at said meetings is an agent of Satan working in cohesion with his cult leader father; his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend in still far from smooth; he’s still being touted by the aforementioned therapist and cultist father to be ‘The Chosen One’ despite having no knowledge of his calling.

Up until now the series has been shrouded in ambiguity for the most part, although it does toss us some brief, disturbing insight into the villains to keep us engaged and wondering. However, the strength of the characters keeps it interesting, no matter what situation they find themselves in. At the moment it is masterfully setting up its protagonist for a sudden shock, something which will either make for his revelation or downfall. Right now he’s struggling get his ‘shit’ together, and unbeknownst to him, he finds himself about to become enclosed in something much more sinister than relationship troubles and anger issues.

Once again, the series hits yet another high point without giving too much away. The next issue cannot come soon enough. Sons of the Devil is the unsung horror series of the moment, but it’s much more than that, as it works just as well as a character drama. On every level, this is delivering in abundance and you owe it to yourself to revel in its terror.

Rating: 5/5.

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