Review – Lucifer #8: Countdown to Judgement

Lucifer #8 – Dan Watters, Writer; Sebastian Fiumara, Max Fiumara, Aaron Campbell, Artists; Dave McCaig, Colorist

Ratings:

Ray – 8/10

The main cast of Lucifer is split up in Lucifer #8, an issue taking place over less than two days, as Lucifer deals with the consequences of his decision to bring Sycorax back from the dead. Now with only days before she’s taken to hell, she’s determined to make the most of it, while Lucifer is ready to make a bargain with an entirely different pantheon to save her – but their enraged son Caliban may have different plans.

Sycorax is greeted on her island by a gang of witches who worship her and were partially responsible for her resurrection, and while she’s at first hesitant to get involved they win her over to participating in their mass. This brings conflict with Mazikeen, who knows Heaven is searching for Sycorax and wants to keep her safe. This scene would be a lot more effective if it wasn’t for Mazikeen’s extreme speech impediment, which becomes more distracting by the issue. There has to be a better way to get across her dialogue.

Better are the other two segments, starting with Caliban’s. A monster who hates what he was born to be and is raging against both Heaven and Hell, he invades a Catholic Church seeking answers.

However, the real action takes place as Lucifer invades the Egyptian underworld. The once imposing kingdom is now a ruined labyrinth as the Old Gods have lost most of their worshippers. While they have nothing, they still host Lucifer at their table once he passes a gruesome test – but they can’t agree to host Sycorax given their limited resources. The dispute escalates once Caliban invades, and a massive betrayal sets off a compelling showdown. A gross cliffhanger is a little hard to figure out, but the story as a whole continues to deliver tension in this great battle between the kingdoms of the afterlife. Caliban in particularly is becoming one of the most compelling antagonists in this line.

To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.

Disclaimer: GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.