The road to Hell may be paved with good intentions. However until this issue Hellcop Virgil’s reason for his trip there have been self serving. As we enter issue # 3 of Image Comics new series Virgil begins to realize the situation is about more than clearing his name. Unfortunately, he has to escape the spiritual/dimensional equivalent of a maximum security penitentiary to do any good with what he has discovered.
Hellcop # 3
Written and Illustrated by: Brian Haberlin
Colored by: Geirrod Van Dyke
Lettered by: Francis Takenaga
After finishing this issue I couldn’t shake the feeling that this series isn’t living up to it’s title and potential. Don’t take that to mean this comic from Brian Haberlin isn’t interesting. In all actuality the premise of the series is fascinating. No disrespect to Dr. Spock but Hellcop proves there is yet one more frontier to conquer. That mankind moved right in and set up shop is a testament to our never ending quest to conquer.
The problem I have is that I am struggling to connect with the character of Virgil. If there is more to this individual it hasn’t been revealed in this series. Noticing the personality Haberlin devotes to supporting characters like Taj proves it isn’t the writer. I can only hope as the conspiracy unfolds more of what makes Virgil matter to the story are revealed.
During his journey Virgil meets a character who makes a reference to Dante’s Inferno. The irony is Hellcop Virgil is not the guide and may ultimately find himself wondering if he can trust those who are showing him the way.
The human mind has conceptualized countless takes on Hell. Brian Haberlin has chosen to present 1301-A as the more barren than fire and brimstone version. It conveys the message that this might be a nice place to visit but you wouldn’t want to live here. However, it is in the design and detail of this dimension where the series most shines. From the explanations of the physics of the environment to humans efforts to best understand it.
Reading Hellcop # 3 I can’t help but find similarities to the film Minority Report. For instance both stories show how humans are quick to take advantage of powerful forces to our own ends. Also, both stories involve an innocent turned wrongfully convicted on the run. The only thing difference the two is the charismatic character to deal with the conspiracy.
Score: 8.6