Hexed review

A supernatural noir

Lucifer (real name Lucy Jennifer Inacio das Neves) is the young protagonist of this story. Although it has nothing to do with the Sandman series, the truth is that parallels to other Vertigo franchises like Hellblazer are known. Lucifer is an anti-heroine whose special abilities keep her moving through the supernatural world, tormented by her past and her identity as a true villain.

We won’t find the origin of this character here, instead we have to go back to Fall of Cthulhu, a Lovecraftian-themed series where Michael Allen Nelson himself gave life to this young thief. Years later, it was her charisma and how enjoyable it was to work with the writer that got her to appear in her own series.

In the first of the issues covered here, we’re cleverly introduced to art gallery owner Val Brisondy, a violent thug who survives by executing dubious moral orders. But really these missions to steal some valuable things are little jokes. The biggest part comes when someone from your past comes back to turn your life upside down…

But this will be only the first adventure of the two included in this volume (consisting of four issues), and the second is a high simulation, in terms of length and the ambition of the plot. But despite the fun and charming nature of this adventure of magic and demons with a certain young adult touch, it is definitely the work of the artists that draws the most attention in this volume.

Emma Rios and Dan Mora

The first story included here was originally published fifteen years ago and was at the time the most important work in the career of Galician artist Emma Ríos. His work here helped him grow his career and gain the respect he enjoys today as a cartoonist, impressing the American public with his striking line and his ability to create the unique atmosphere that such series require.

Dan Mora is a cartoonist who has evolved tremendously over the years, and check out his work here (originally published over a decade ago) which is impressive yet fresh at the same time, featuring recent comics such as Once and In the future or with his work at DC Comics, he established himself as a cartoon superstar.

Although the style of both can be included in the same line, each of them has virtues and special characteristics when trying to capture the adventures of Lucifer in vignettes. However, on the contrary, they do not do a different job to make the reader satisfied. Both leave us with pages that enhance the quality of the story and make this comic stand out from their art and especially appreciated.

With a youthful taste

Despite how dark the plot of these three authors is (just look at Moran’s bloody cover), in fact the story is full of adolescent touches that make us think of novels like Charmed or Supernatural. Although we can compare it to other famous series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which the screenwriter himself mentioned as an inspiration.

This behavior is not necessarily positive or negative, but it is good to know that expectations do not play against anyone. With a lighter tone, a supernatural noir setting, and art more akin to manga than mainstream superhero comics, people who might enjoy Hexed will find a product to their heart’s content.