Holier Than Thou by Mike Ragsdale and Pablo Arias
Published: September 2018
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In this 192-page graphic novel, Satan rethinks the nature of his job and searches for a second chance, throwing Heaven and Hell into utter chaos.
Holier Than Thou is a throwback to some of the most striking and interesting comics outside of the superhero genre that came out during the 1990s, a combination of Spawn, Preacher and Stray Bullets. There’s a lot of conversation in some sections, but there’s also plenty of places where the art is allowed to do most of the talking, creating a welcome balance between philosophy and style.
Religious satires are nothing new, but Ragsdale manages to formulate a unique take on the operations behind life after death, both in the demonic “bad place” and the slick, militarized “good place.” Much of the dialog debates the influence of God and free will on human lives, but the story is at its best when it’s telling a joke. The sequence where a Grim Reaper ends his frustrating bus ride early had a particularly entertaining (if sick) sense of humor.
Pablo Arias work is caricatured to the point of grotesque, but always stunning. Much like an old Mad Magazine parody, even attractive characters have lines on their faces, and sinful, flawed characters are covered in gruesome details. Arias really gets to shine when he’s creating demonic monsters and somehow manages to make them some of the cutest members of the supporting cast.
Holier Than Thou is a pet project that took many years to come together, and I appreciate it when industry outsiders find a way to produce a quality book. That said, this graphic novel is absolutely for adults only. If you’re okay with language, graphic violence and can handle a few pokes at Catholic religious concepts, Holier Than Thou is a hell of a good time.