A few missteps can’t ruin the story in the second issue of Satanic Hell from Zeno Telos Press. Between the introduction of a few new characters, the band’s first gig in Dallas and the anticipation of what’s next, the plot still has our complete attention.
Grigoris Douros has crafted a well-rounded story that is smart, sexy and surreal. Issue two simply continues the trek. This issue is all about building. It shows the reader who the real enemies of the band are, their intentions and what’s at stake. It leaves the reader with questions, intriguing ones that are similar to the pondering left by issue one. Will this band risk their lives to play their music? Is the political and religious force in Dallas really prepared to kill Satanic Hell? How will these two forces collide?
Regardless of that, this issue does have an almost completely different feel from the first at times.
The pop culture nods (the Kreator albums being burned) and hi-jinx in this issue (mention of gay religious pornography) are a nice diversion considering the political force behind the book. Douros’ ability to pace the comic and still entertain and tease are a main attraction in the book. The same goes for the solid art of Jimmy Kerast and Kevin Enhart. As gritty as the best thrash metal around, the book has a unique look that is ultimately appealing and in its own way, beautiful.
The problems lie in a few sloppy story transitions. A sex scene between a reporter and one of the band members happens out of nowhere, while a conversation they have in bed is even more strange. Before you know it, the scene is over and the band is off to the next part of their adventure. While Douros’ pace is extremely solid, it feels like he and his team tried to jam too much into this issue. Considering how solid the first issue was, this could have been the “fun” look at the characters with the added background missed in the first issue.
Even though it accomplishes this feat, there are a few situations you feel deserved more time than others.
As from those small quibbles, the latest issue of Satanic Hell still manages to shred, rip and finger-pick your imagination’s heart strings.
To pick up a copy of issue #2 head to SatanicHell.com. Issue #1 will be available for free August 18.
Leave a Reply