Los Angeles is a very weird place, that we know. But ground zero for a holy war? Is this the new Mad Max or what…
Written by Sean Lewis
Illustrated Ben MackeyAward-winning playwright and This American Life personality SEAN LEWIS teams with red-hot artist BEN MACKEY for an all-new ONGOING SERIES! Dexter-style action collides with a Preacher-esque sensibility in this crime/horror series for mature readers. Blaise, Lucy, and Sebastian discover a Holy War is erupting and they, unwittingly, are the next generation of Saints poised to fight for a heaven that God has abandoned. The occult rises in a spectacular, action-packed first issue crammed full of heavy metal, sex, and deadly one-liners.
In the interest of full disclosure, I was raised a good Catholic boy by my mother. As I got older, like so many of my peers, I began to question the teachings of Catholicism as a teen. As an adult, I firmly identity and align myself with many modern atheists. Furthermore, I can say that I have read the King James version of The Bible front to back twice. Let’s be clear, whatever you believe is perfectly ok with me. It is always a touchy subject when religion of any kind is broached by modern media or entertainment. Every once and a while though something/someone comes along that really seems to grasps the big idea.
“Saints” begins the story with a hilarious send up of modern death/black metal culture and it is not for the faint at heart. This is the first introduction to Blaise a man who is trying to navigate these ridiculous waters of Los Angeles. From the onset Blaise is not who we think he is, which is saying something. He is haunted by a recurring dream that looks like stained glass art inside a church. What does it mean is the fundamental question Blaise is looking to answer. Along his journey he is met by Saint Sebastian a solider in this holy war. Sebastian like Blaise is trying to figure out where he fits in. Lucy, a Virgin Mary-esque figure, is along for the ride as well. These three misfits do understand that there is a great evil upon them that must be stopped at all costs.
The plot is difficult to paraphrase without giving a lot away. Anyone familiar with the stories of the Bible will notice many a biblical reference. Sean Lewis strikes me as someone who has either studied religion or is at least practicing religion. To his credit, Lewis does not try to make any grand assumptions or ideas. On the contrary he defines his characters clearly giving all of them a reason to be participating in the proceedings. Lewis also toys with the idea of the rigid religious rules with great glee. When Sebastian is first introduced, you get the idea of what he is all about based on appearance. Quickly though that perception is shattered into a million pieces and rebuilt with new parts. Having such depth already for issue #1 is tough to execute, especially for a new writer. Given Lewis’ playwright background “Saints” #1 feels like act one of a larger play. Like a great play the act break in the final pages really amps up the anticipating for issue #2. I worry that the eventual meeting with the character in the final pages drags on too long. I am all for great moments like that but do not take too long, I will lose interest. The collision should happen very soon to raise the stakes even higher. The intentions are clear on both sides why not let them go at it?
Benjamin Mackey approaches all of this with an almost child’s book style. Each character has a “fun” look do them given the dark subject matter. Sebastian for instance looks like he should be in the pages of J. Crew’s fall collection. Mackey takes a similar approach with Lucy who is very reminiscent of paints of the Virgin Mary. When the focus of the art changes to the dreams of Blaise, the panels are set up much like a church window; segmented and wildly colorful without being gaudy. In fact the line work is very rigid as if it were done in glass. This level of detail propels Mackey into a level of versatility most artist would like to achieve down the line. If there is one criticism I can lay against Mackey is the color choice for all the non-dream scenes. The pallet is mostly dark grays and blacks which render most of the finer details mute. Considering how much action occurs in the book it is a major misstep for solid artwork. I will say that maybe this is just first issue jitters and it could improve. But this could potentially be a major turn off to new readers who see the cover and expect something else.
Continued belowI can say with honesty this was not the story I thought it would be. I find this to be a blessing in disguise for numerous reasons. For one, putting a “Preacher” comparison in the solicit text is almost painting a target on the book. For a first time comic writer and artist that sets the bar unreasonably high. In conjunction with that there was no telling how much religion would be in the book. It is used sparingly and I use that term very loosely in describing it. I am not sure what the full intention is of the book, is it to poke fun or question religion? That particular aspect remains to be seen thus far. For now there is a nice balance of an interesting hook and solid execution.
Where both Lewis & Mackey succeed is the two work very well together. Both men seem to have a great grasp of the story they want to tell and play with it. The religious imagery is never overdone, a fear I had initially. Both tread very lightly on the pro or anti-religious rhetoric, another major fear I had too. The story is crafted in such a way that no matter what your side there is something you can gravitate towards. It did make me wonder if the shock moves are to be coming in future issues. That begs the question of is it being done for story sake or genuine shock value? Inevitably the images most associated with the Bible might make an appearance as well. How will that be handled? I am curious for sure and want to see the reaction of other people. These minor story quibbles aside, the art is the item that needs the most attention. The color choices are the area that needs the most improvement going into the next issue. I will say that if the story does move into the daylight hours, this could be easily fixed. If not perhaps a colorist outside of the main creative team could be in order.
“Saints” is one of those comics that seems destined for something much bigger. Personally I was thinking of Green Day’s “Jesus of Suburbia” from American Idiot while I was reading this. The characters are working towards a larger goal even if humanity has no idea what they are doing. The human element of the story shines through making lightening the mood when needed. If this is how the apocalypse is starting, I cannot wait to see how it ends.
Final Verdict: 7.2 – For a first time comic writer, this is a very strong start for Sean Lewis. The same can be said for Benjamin Mackey. While this is not entirely “Preacher” it is a nice take on religion and how it can impact everyone’s lives. Recommended.
