Exorsisters Volume 2 finishes an ironic humor series Image Comics collects on October 28. Writer Ian Boothby works with Pixie Trix Comix artist Gisèle Lagacé to close out this supernatural action-comedy. Joining them are colorist Pete Pantazis and letterer Taylor Esposito.
Background
Exorsisters follows the titular characters Cate and Kate Harrow, “twin” exorcists who literally go to Hell and back for a paycheck. Except Kate’s actually Cate’s soul, it’s complicated. What’s not as complicated is that there’s a primordial evil who wants to annihilate existence. Wouldn’t you know it, these two are all that stand between this “First Shadow” and his goal, which brings us to the plot of Exorsisters Volume 2.
Exorsisters Volume 2: Kick At The Darkness
Exorsisters Volume 2 is new reader friendly by giving the reader an outline of the main characters’ backstory. All while showing Cate’s and Kate’s character. Neither of them would prefer to live in ignorance and bliss of paradise. To the reader, their backstory shows an empathetic angle, allowing them to share Cate’s refusal of a retcon attempt. It’s also a treat for returning readers who reward them for paying attention to the details. Naturally, the sisters are always at a disadvantage in their situations, but they use it to their advantage throughout the series. That’s the essence of action-comedy, using whatever’s available to use as reactionary forces against an antagonist.
It also shows a duality between horror and comedy. The main antagonist, the First Shadow, is by all accounts holding the cards, so everything looks helpless. But thanks to the reader empathetically connecting to the sisters, they become part of the way to defeat him. How? Because Ian Boothby systematically introducing the reader to plot elements of Exorsisters Volume 2 to clue them in to the big finale, one that feels very satisfying.
Why So Serious?
Gisèle Lagacé has a relaxing art style that befits the comedic elements of Exorsisters Volume 2. Like how can you take some things seriously when an old-timey cartoonish fly is in a panel, which benefits things by quite a lot when scary looking shadow hands are in the same panel. That doesn’t mean things don’t get serious; claw marks on Kate still look serious even if most pain is transmitted to the antagonist.
Pete Pantazis’ colorwork decorates Exorsisters Volume 2 with plenty of detail to make emotional moments flashier. Sometimes flames benefit from brightness, while exaggerated faces have a red background with rising lines to further utter terror. On that note, Taylor Esposito’s letter work does whatever is necessary to enhance the visuals. That look of utter terror, for example, has an empty wordmark to emphasize screaming from the face. Otherwise, lettering is minimal so that it doesn’t take away from the humorous art of Lagacé.
Exorsisters Volume 2 Gives You A Good Time
Exorsisters Volume 2 brings the reader a good time by being both new reader-friendly and contrasting a bleak situation. When facing the end of the world, it might be best to have fun while doing it. Laughter really can be the best medicine when facing insurmountable odds.
