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Blood of the Demon #7
Review posted: 29 Sept 2005
Writer: John Byrne, Will Pfeifer
Artist: John Byrne
Publisher: DC Comics
4.75 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by John L. Daniels Jr.
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The Spectre, under the spell of Eclipso, tortures Etrigan the Demon
Intricate detailing and strong graphic
depictions of The Spectre torturing The Demon reminded me of other
graphic encounters within the DC universe.
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in very graphic and detailed panels. The Demon carries scars from many
battles but they were scratches compared to what the Spectre inflicted
on him.
The Spectre taunts the Demon while dismembering his body. In one
panel Etrigan says, “If you want my life you will have to take
it!” The Spectre — more ominous than ever — says,
“Your life, what use will I have for that? Your leg, however,
that I’ll take. In fact I will take them both!” All the
while Jason Blood — Etrigan’s human alter ego — is
deteriorating into dust, aging rapidly as Merlin’s ancient spell
to keep him alive is fading. While The Spectre is torturing Etrigan,
Harry Matthews (who bought Merlin’s corpse to Jason
Blood’s apartment) and Detective Kincaid resurrect the form of
Jason Blood.
The pencils by John Byrne are his best ever! Nekros’ (aka Sam
De La Rosa) inking is comparable to, if not better than, that of Jack
Abel. Intricate detailing and strong graphic depictions of The
Spectre torturing The Demon reminded me of other graphic encounters
within the DC universe, for instance Batman having his back broken by
Bane and Superman being pummeled by Doomsday. And just recently Blue
Beetle being shot in the head by Maxwell Lord. It seems that artists
are pushing their skills to the limit to get the pictorial point
across, and in this issue the vision of the Spectre pulling apart The
Demon by his limbs will be a definitive mark in comic book history.
This book has a great story and a landmark meeting between two
icons of the netherworld. Nevertheless, why is the Spectre after the
Demon? We still don't know, and we may never know until October 2005
when the first issue of Infinite Crisis hits the stands.
—CCdC— Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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