Publishers: DC/Vertigo
Writer: Holly Black
Artist: Lee Garbett
Colourist: Antonio Fabrela
Editor: Ellie Pyle
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Price: $3.99

Lucifer #1 is a murder mystery: Who killed God? (No, it wasn’t Friedrich Nietzsche). To solve the case the angels recruit Gabriel, who lost his grace after bedding a demon. The main suspect is Lucifer, recently returned to Earth. The king of Hell just wants to open a nightclub. After Lucifer quickly convinces Gabriel he’s innocent the both pair up for a buddy-cop adventure.

It’s a fresh concept but some plot lines feel forced. The reason the angels recruit Gabriel it to keep the investigation and God’s death secret. But if he’s really dead the hosts of heaven are going to find out eventually anyway. Also, characterizations are thin; Lucifer should be more clever (“Pot meet kettle,” says the fallen angel to Gabriel), and you can’t tell the angels apart from their dialogue.

Lee Garbett’s art is striking and keeps your eye focused more on the page than the story.

Neil Gaiman created the Lucifer character for DC and it is a pity Gaiman is not on hand to pen or, at least, co-write Lucifer #1; Holly Black has big shoes to fill in and in Lucifer #1 those feet are not quite big enough. The premise is good, but ultimately the proof will be in Hell’s pudding. Still, there’s just enough here to keep you reading. In your face, Nietzsche!

Reviewer: Joe Lovece
Reviews Editor: Steve Hooker