Devilchild

    (Moonface, 2003)
™ and © Moonface Press

With a double-digit cover price, black and white interiors, and graphic-novel format, writer Andy Winter unabashedly takes his shot at the well–worn son–of–Satan concept. The day finally comes when waiter Troy Moore not only finds out that dear old Dad happens to be the devil, but that he wants him as an heir to the throne of Hell. On the front cover, though, it looks as if Moore is already sitting on an invisible throne—and a porcelain one, at that.

The cover is symptomatic of the book’s main problem, namely that Winter’s confidence doesn’t necessarily lead to successful implementation of his vision. Winter describes the book as “a black comedy full of bawdy British humor,” but true laughs are few, and he fails to recognize the difference between bawdiness and outright vulgarity. Artist Natalie Sandells shows weakness in other key areas, as well; her grasp of human anatomy needs work, and her inking appears to be little more than lines traced over the pencils.

The bottom line? At 11 bucks, the publisher is asking way too much for 84 pages of mediocre work from unknown creators. But those interested can order from the publisher or at www.amazon.co.uk.

— Jim Johnson
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