We Have Demons #1 is the first of eight titles Scott Snyder is launching with ComiXology and it’s out this week. It also features the reunion of Snyder with superstar artist Greg Capullo in what might be one of his coolest stories yet. In this new series, fans can expect deep worldbuilding, a whole new way of thinking of demons, and a story all about faith. It’s a first issue that feels bold right down to its opening trigger warning.
Given this and two more titles are on the way from Snyder and ComiXology in just this month, it’s safe to say Snyder is having an explosion of creativity since departing DC Comics with Dark Nights: Death Metal. It’s obvious from page one that We Have Demons is taking chances and delivering a story comics fans should be excited about. The comic is heavier on prose, allowing Capullo to flesh out key moments that span millennia. It’s a story that aims to reinvent the concept of angels, demons, and the faith humanity clings to in order to stop evil dead in its tracks. Or maybe it’s about a young girl learning about her father?
This issue opens with captions written on the left of the page running from top to bottom with five panels detailing a meeting our protagonist, Lam, is having with a very normal-looking couple. This deviation from the norm allows the words to live on their own while Capullo’s art keys in on specific elements referred to or referenced in the captions. This style runs through the first third of the book with conventional captions taking over as the story goes on, but it’s evident from this choice this book is going to be a little different.
A page from ‘We Have Demons’ #1.
Credit: ComiXology
As a sucker of creation myths, this story doesn’t disappoint. In fact, the length and scope of this story makes this first issue feel like a steal at $4.99. Told in chapters, we learn about the true history of the Earth and Lam growing up with a pastor father and the rocky relationship they had over the years. By the end of the story, we’ve got just enough information to go on to understand the truth behind Lam’s dad, what she needs to do, and the amazing world she’s uncovered that she’ll be joining in on.
This story is also quite good at flipping what we may think about faith. It’s not really a religious story so much as a twist on the idea of faith and religion. Its roots are revealed and feel like a good blend of fantasy, actual religious faith, and adventure storytelling. Pacing-wise, the story is light on action scenes in the first half as it front-loads exposition and setup to start. With setup out of the way, though, the following issue will likely be action-packed.
That’s aided by Capullo’s art, which is coming in hot with high detail with an edge. There’s gore, of course — this is a demon story after all — but also slick design in clothing and panel composition. Due to the style of storytelling in the first third, you can tell Capullo is leading the charge with visual ideas and a strong sense of focus. We’re getting snapshots of a scene rather than a sequential story told visually.
Jonathan Glapion is on inks with Dave McCaig on colors who each complement Capullo well. There’s a darker edge to a book like this that Glapion is suited for while McCaig makes some color choices that draw the eye well — key when the art is more like snapshots alongside the captions in the opening section. There’s a cool blue used on Lam’s dad at times that gives you a sense he’s lying or keeping secrets.
We Have Demons #1 is an exciting start to Scott Snyder’s new collaborations on original stories. It’s an example of how creator-owned titles take chances and can excite readers who want something different. We Have Demons is brimming with ideas well worth exploring.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.