A brooding thriller, Angel #1 (BOOM! Studios) takes aim at the suspenseful genre in many thoughtful and intriguing ways. A clever spinoff of Buffy The Vampire Slayer starring David Boreanaz, Joss Whedon’s vampire without a soul examines the sins of his past before he can find inner peace.

Meet Angel – a vampire cursed with a soul who has spent centuries protecting humanity from the monsters that lurk in the dark in an attempt to redeem himself for the crimes committed by the monster he was when he was first turned. But now, when the trail of the most recent demonic uprising takes him to Sunnydale, he realizes that the restoration of his humanity can only come if he takes one more life: a certain Slayer from Sunnydale who he’s never met…but may now be his greatest enemy.

Here are 5 reasons why you should read Angel #1:

5) Angel’s History!

first three pages from Angel #1

out on May 29th #btvs #boomstudios pic.twitter.com/SzU1F0gJEd — Gleb Melnikov (@GlebMelnikov8) May 2, 2019

Jeanine Schaefer, Executive Editor of BOOM! Studios, states “The questions weighing on Angel — the possibility of redemption, whether or not we own our own mistakes, and how we weigh the value of the lives around us versus our own — remain extremely relevant today. Bryan and Gleb are tackling that head on, set against the centuries long backdrop of the horrors Angel has seen and committed, revealing aspects of Angel’s history that are sure to shock longtime fans.”

4) The Writing!

Writer Bryan Hill examines the dark side of Angel’s history, specifically Angelus. Interestingly, we actually witness one of Angelus’ many heinous crimes, the murder of a slayer. Hill is able to tell an interesting and complex solo adventure for Angel, without Wesley or Cordelia by his side. Letterer Ed Dukeshire does a great job highlighting the existential themes of redemption, just like the show.

3) The Artwork!

Let’s be honest here, David Boreanaz has matured over the years, especially with Bones and SEAL Team. I love how artist Gleb Melnikov captures a younger and vibrant Boreanaz, but more withdrawn. Melnikov illustrates a somber and lonely Angel, while poking fun at his all-black look.

2) The Colors!

Colorists Gleb Melnikov and Gabriel Cassata capture a vibrant and vivid world around Angel. Everything else has color except for Angel, who lives in the darkness. Red, the color of blood, is a major tone painted in the backgrounds.

1) A Great Start!

Full of stirring emotion and gripping suspense, Angel #1 starts off the horror/drama series in all the right ways. With the tease of a new big bad, I can’t wait to see what happens in the next issue.

Angel #1 arrives in stores on May 29th, 2019.

By Jorge Solis

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