Based upon the beginning of Image Comics new series, the devil may be part of the “dirty” details but he stays out of the delivery room. Although technically the start of the End Times writers Noah Gardner and Ryan Parrott imagine takes place in a barn. It’s probably for the best considering who Beelzebub has as head of obstetrics. As for the rest his life, The Infernals #1 doesn’t show what hell young Abraham raised, but we get a glimpse at the hell has wrought.
The Infernals #1
Chapter One: Bethlehem
Writer:Noah Gardner & Ryan Parrott
Artist:John J. Pearson w/ Lola Bonato
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
The Infernals #1 opens with readers transported to the day of Abraham’s birth in 1945. “Somewhere in America”. Given the generic barn that serves as the birthing room Satan’s strategy for domination wasn’t very specific. Still given the father, I doubt the devil even got the young woman’s name. This gives the story a bit of ambiguity, as if to indicate the devil can – or is – everywhere. What we do know of Abe’s backstory comes with ominous undertones, courtesy of artist John J Pearson along with Lola Bonato’s opening scene.
As a bad moon rises in the background, a scream of agony erupts from the barn. Amidst the anguish of his mother’s pain, an adult Abraham provides a commentary that reflects his own birthing pains. Because it seems his “biological” parents are both aware of what – or more importantly, whose – child is this? But if his last name, Morgenstern, comes from his mother’s side, then perhaps that is why The Infernals doesn’t make it seem like Abraham is completely in the family way.
Because what Gardner and Parrott provide in this comic is an image of what Lucifer’s kid really is – human. Despite all the power that his parentage may provide, Abe is not only flesh and bone, but his condition is currently fatal. This pox upon humanity has only a month to live max as cancer claims its own. But perhaps that type of thinking is truly what The Infernals is attempting to point out. Evil has always been a part of Abraham’s life, with the entity Sam(hein(?)) acting as a confidant it seems since his birth. But the story doesn’t suggest Abe is without a soul. Instead, he is simply heir to the worlds oldest profession. Unfortunately, his “early retirement” has him thinking of the children; specifically, his three.
The Infernals #1 casually introduces readers to what was supposed to be the cause of our destruction. However, after being introduced to rosemary’s grandbabies,I’d imagine even Heaven wouldn’t mind if Abraham stuck around. The heir’s behaviors take up the biggest portion of this comic book. This gives us our best looks at the nature of the beast that it apparently Abraham has been keeping at bay. From his three offspring readers comprehend the impulsiveness, indifference and insanity scripture speaks of when referencing the sire of Satan.
The night has come for Abraham Morgenstern, as it does with all who are born from woman. With all his loved one coming together for his homecoming it is how he conducts his final business meeting that makes one thing clear. Abrham intends to go out on his own terms; his own man. And if that pisses everyone off in the process – even his father – well, isn’t that what he is here for after all?
To Hell With It.
Score: 8.8