The Atheist

    (Image, 2005-2008)
™ and ©

A more cerebral, more poetic take on the type of character popularized by The X-Files’ Dana Scully, Antoine Sharpe is, indeed, extremely sharp. Dubbed “The Atheist” by coworkers, Sharpe, a tough skeptic and cynic, uses unfailing logic and keen insight into the human mind to investigate (and usually debunk) paranormal happenings that pose a threat to national security. His latest case, however, gives the unflappable uber–detective cause for pause.

Thousands of dead folks grow bored awaiting Judgment Day and return to terra firma by entering the bodies of teens and 20–somethings. Once on solid ground, the possessed people head north to indulge their sinful natures, resulting in a baffling population explosion in the city of Winnipeg.

An inventive take on the subjects it explores (actual atheism, by the way, plays little if any role here), The Atheist reads a bit choppily, since a number of scenarios that play out are related only tangentially. However, a second or even third reading proves rewarding.

Hester’s oddly compelling “Circumcision” (reprinted from Taboo #7) is also included.

— Brett Weiss
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Issues from this title are available as part of 1 set
  • 1
    #1
    Regular Cover by Ken Meyer Jr
    Apr 2005
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Phil Hester  ·  A: John McCrea, Phil Hester
    B&W
    3 copies from $0.99
  • 2
    #2
    May 2005
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Phil Hester, Mike Raicht  ·  A: John McCrea, Dalibor Talajic
    B&W
    4 copies from $0.99
  • 3
    #3
    Feb 2006
    Cover: $3.50
    W: Phil Hester, Mike Raicht  ·  A: John McCrea, Dalibor Talajic
    B&W
    3 copies from $0.90
  • 4
    #4
    Nov 2007
    Cover: $3.99
    W: Phil Hester  ·  A: Will Volley, Dalibor Talajic
    B&W
    2 copies from $1.75