Outcast follows Kyle Barnes, a man who has been tormented by demonic possession his whole life. He has been labeled an “outcast” by the demons, although he is unsure what that means. He even has a newfound ability to “pull” demons out of others. In his quest to find answers and make sense of the world around him he uncovers a more sinister plot.
This issue begins right where the last left off with Kyle and Reverend Anderson having just exorcised a demon from a girl named Sherry. Kyle is troubled because the girl is now left in a catatonic state just as his own mother was. He is starting to question his faith and wonders if they both would’ve been better off before he had intervened.
In the meantime, the mysterious “Man In Black” visits another church member and they seem to conspire against Kyle and the Reverend. Whatever he is up to with these church members, it can’t be good. They all seem to be apart of some bigger scheme as the member states he is willing to be of service to whatever the “Man In Black” needs.
After arguing about which one of them is being willfully ignorant, Kyle decides to get out of the car with the Reverend and go for a walk. Kyle soon finds himself at the home of his ex-wife watching his daughter play on the swing. He is caught spying by his ex-wife and she calls him over to talk.
Kyle shows a lot of self-control during this emotionally charged conversation. She still blames him for their breakup and destroying their otherwise perfect lives. She still thinks that it was him who tried to choke their daughter to death and beat her senseless. The reader and Kyle know otherwise. It was her who was possessed and trying to kill their daughter. Kyle only put his hands on her to save them.
This issue comes to an abrupt end shortly after their conversation ends, but not before we see the “Man In Black” pay a visit to the good reverend.
Robert Kirkman, writer and creator of Outcast, has done it once again with this one. This comic series and especially this issue is exactly why he is a master of his craft. The art by Paul Azaceta is visually stunning and makes you feel like you are part of this world, alongside Kyle and the Reverend, like no one else could.
I have no doubt that this will be a big hit with fans just as The Walking Dead was. Speaking of a hit comic turned into a hit TV show, Outcast has been picked up as a show for Cinemax and will debut later this year. You can read more about that here.
I will be sure to tune into both and I recommend that you do too. The next issue is due out on July 29th 2105.
