The Infernals #1 is built on one of those pitches that’s so good I’m almost angry I didn’t think of it. The pitch in question is “What happens when the Antichrist has a family?” Yes you read that right: Abraham Morgenstern is the son of the Devil himself. But Abe’s been diagnosed with cancer…and it’s terminal. Therefore, the forces of Hell approach him with a singular task; decide which one of his three children – Nero, Jackal, or Baphomet – will inherit his demonic duties. It turns out that the Morgenstern siblings have their own hangups and their own personal lives which might make selecting the next herald of the Apocalypse more difficult than Abe intended.
The story of The Infernals comes courtesy of Ryan Parrott and Noah Gardner, and the former might be familiar to fans – especially when it comes to this kind of story. Parrott’s Rogue Sun is full of the same hellfire and family drama that permeates The Infernals #1, and I’m happy to report that Gardner is on the same wavelength. The duo slowly peels back the lives of the Morgenstern family, showcasing how each of them is using their infernal gifts to wreak havoc upon the Earth. There’s one line that stuck out to me though: upon receiving the news about his cancer, Abe reflects on his life and says “My old man sent me to end the world. But instead…the apocalypse is within me.” It’s a haunting, poignant piece of dialogue that tells you everything you need to know about the series, and about its protagonist.
Equally haunting is the artwork from John J. Pearson and Lola Bonato. Abe looks extremely gaunt; the years have not been kind to him, as evidenced by his sallow skin and sunken eyes. Even more haunting are his children, specifically little Baphomet. Put it like this: if you told me she’d escaped off the set of The Ring, I would totally believe you. One page features a collection of demons, each one differing in size and shape but looking as though they’ve been wreathed from mankind’s deepest, darkest nightmares. When all is said and done The Infernals #1 might be one of the most visually arresting books put out this year, and we’re not even halfway through 2024!
Finally, a special shoutout has to go to letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. Otsman-Elhaou has been unique for the way he plays around with letters and captions in comics; it’s never going to be your standard “Biff Pow Punch.” Here he’s exceeded himself: cries of pain and agony spiral around the corners of the page, rendered as harsh, jagged chalky lines. Demons speak in word bubbles that are blacker than night, and Abe’s own thoughts are placed in captions that resemble pieces of scrap paper. In fact the entire issue feels like some sort of twisted family scrapbook – which may have been the intention.
The Infernals #1 is a hellishly good read. It presents a unique look on theology, as well as the struggles we have with our loved ones. So the next time you have a fight with your family, look at it this way: You’re not related to the Antichrist.
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