It’s Lucifer versus his son (and some goons)…who ya got?!
So what’s it about?
The official summary reads:
A shocking death sows chaos in Hell and forces leadership over the kingdom into question. In Los Angeles, Lucifer takes radical measures to preserve his own domain on Earth as the staff of Ex Lux confronts their strange fate at the hands of Malphas. Not to be overshadowed by affairs below, God’s new pawns descend from Heaven with a mission to end Lucifer once and for all.
Why does this book matter?
The sword on the cover of this issue is a good indication of what you’re in for–namely, tons of sword battling. Given the plot heavy issues prior to this, bring on the action, especially with the excellent Lee Garbett on art.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Time to throw down bitches.
Opening with seven pages of all-out sword battling, Garbett does a great job blocking the fighting and keeping the action clear. Dressed in a common black suit Lucifer looks badass, which helps exhibit his calm and calculating demeanor. This action natrually leads to the inclusion of Lorin who gets to show off her abilities a bit, which devolves into a selfie taking situation that’s a bit kooky. The kooky nature suits Richard Kadrey’s writing and it’s a reminder his take on the series continues to integrate clever ideas and funny moments. This oddball tact helps make even the strangest scenes realistic and that’s only added by Garbett’s work.
Much of this issue is all about Lucifer battling his son, but like the battle itself it leads down roads that are surprising. There’s also some clever plotting to get characters imparted with new information (Lucifer is none too happy his ex is dead) that should pay off in future issues. Kadrey massages each story thread well enough so things are either changed, changing, or ready to spring into the plot. It’s also nice to see God and his eventual takedown is still on characters’ minds.
Interesting place to get stabbed ::cough::Jesus::cough::
It can’t be perfect can it?
In a strange random turn, Lucifer asks an employee to see Sante. Why now is somewhat confusing, though knowing Lucifer he probably wanted the poor kid to get marked. That said, the inclusion of this sequence is shoved into the issue in a strange way. Not necessarily a deal breaker, but a jarring scene as to the flow of the issue.
Is It Good?
Overall this is another good issue, progressing the plot threads, but most importantly dropping fantastic action in a relatively action-less story arc so far. As always, Lee Garbett’s art continues to be a staple of this series success.
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