David and Gracie are a young couple celebrating the birth of their newborn son, Matthew. They are surrounded by loving friends and family. However, no one can foresee the darkness coming to shatter their idyllic life. The baby contracts a mysterious disease that appears to be fatal. As time runs out for the infant, David’s desperation grows. Gracie’s devastation is too much for him to bear, and he fears losing everything. His vehement prayers for his son’s life are answered, but not how he ever could have imagined. The Devil makes him a tempting proposition. He can heal Matthew and guarantee he will live a full, successful life in exchange for David’s eternal service. Who can truthfully say what one would do when faced with a similar choice?
Foster presents a modern adaptation of a classic narrative. He cleverly adds a twist to confuse the character’s sense of morality. For example, is killing bad people really “bad,” or is it actually “good”? The author creates interesting characters. He develops them through dialogue and an emotional intelligence sparked by the illustrations. The art focuses on the characters’ personal features and portrays their feelings, making them relatable to the audience. The story is balanced between action and allowing intense moments to linger, building momentum. The use of crisp graphics and dark, rich colors perfectly enhance the narrative and establish the tone. Foster’s graphic novel will enthrall a wide variety of audiences. Readers will be waiting for the next installment since they are left with a compelling cliffhanger.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review