Book Review: Death Vigil vol #1

Book: Death Vigil volume #1 (issues #1-8) written and illustrated by Stjepan Sejic

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Gifted? Join the Death Vigil in their ongoing war against the ever-growing power of the Primordial Enemy! Only catch is you have to die first. Become a corporeal immortal Death Knight and obtain reality-altering weaponry in the never-ending battle between good and evil.


Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Review:

This wasn't bad but it did start out a little slow and kind of dragged a little in the middle.

This first volume centers around a reaper named Bernadette "Bernie" who along with her chosen few in the Vigil are fighting against the Primordial Enemy who is trying to escape the underworld. Necromancers are helping to release the Primordial Enemy and it is up to the Vigil to stop them.

The eight issues are mainly told from Vigil member Sam's point of view. He died on Halloween 12 years ago after trying to stop a mugging but Bernie gave him a chance for a second life. The story also centers around Clara who was killed by her boyfriend Jon, a necromancer. Jon murdered her to use her in a ritual but his plan was stopped by Sam and Bernie. However, Clara was given a chance by Bernie to become immortal if she joined the Vigil. Unbeknownst to everyone there seems to have been a problem with Clara's transformation.

This is a standard good vs. evil story that's filled with monsters as the Vigil try to stop the Primordial Enemy. The Vigil were joined in their fight by a necromancer and his daughter Mia, the group also have to stop a crazed researcher and a former ally who are seeking revenge against Bernie for a decision she made. The duo's revenge was also connected to the Primordial Enemy's plan to take over.

Overall, this had great artwork but I think the characters were probably more interesting than the story. Yet I do wish Vigil members James, Marlene, Raven and Grace got as much focus as Bernie, Sam and Clara. I found it interesting that after they return from the dead and join the Vigil each member has a unique weapon and powers that aids them in their fight. The weapons are something that has meaning to them and it takes them a while to find out how to connect with it and use it.

I wouldn't mind reading more from this series, it seems like it may be heading into an interesting direction.