Ever wanted to go to a heavy metal concert in Hell? Ever wanted to see what Lucifer was like before he became Satan? Ever wondered what would make an angel and a demon be friends? In this book, you get to find out in a story about friendship, brotherly love, and betrayal. ...Also booze and cigars play a big role. Purgatory Pub (Book 1) is the first of a 5 book graphic novel series created by the writer/artist Gabriel Dunston. A comic about religion, it is an After-Life Fantasy the follows the lives of an Angel and a Devil who live on opposite sides of town, but become the best of friends. Book 1 also follows The Archangels Michael and Lucifer. PURGATORY PUB! "Where your glass is always half-something."
What an EXCELLENT book! Wow! I was not expecting what I got. It has such interesting discussions of faith, belief, theology, mythology, and everything in between while maintaining interesting characters, active humor, and boasting unique and well-drawn art. It hits some solid emotional points very well. So confident! I can’t wait to read the other two.
Gabriel Dunston really knows how to reach his readers on a personal level. His comics are great for cozying up on the couch and will make you smile. They're always clever, thought provoking, and most importantly, laughter inducing. They will give you the warm fuzzies. The story itself had great atmosphere and the art, as always, was unique and fun! Dunston portrayed attention to detail in not only the characters, but with the environment too. I made sure to pace myself as I read so I could absorb the setting. Something about it (the quirky characters like the jerkface roommate Orthon) gave me a nostalgic feeling, reminding me of the 90's TV show Beetlejuice... ANYWAYS, the friendship and bond between the two main characters is fantastic! Their expressions and quick-lipped/snide remarks to one another had me cracking up! Also, it was heartwarming to see their ability to look past their obvious differences to help a friend in need. This bond between angel and demon was an impressive showcase of Dunston's ability to portray depth of character and a sense of knowing when to make things 'real'.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this great and unique tale!
This book ended up being more serious than I thought, with some exploration of theology and perception of truth based on biases. The funniest parts for me were: a demon who loves country and an angel who loves metal; an angel who can't see that Heaven is a snooty, gated community; a well-deserved ribbing of smug, elitist atheist conventions.