Be Not Afraid is an unsettling, emotional tale of spiritual folk horror. Jude Ellison S. Doyle‘s haunting story along with Lisandro Estherren unique illustrations and Francesco Segala moody colors make for a premiere issue that leaves an impression.
Cora Reims lived the isolated life of a simple farm girl until one fateful summer day, prophetic visions brought her a visitor made of pure light… an angel. In the aftermath, Cora gave birth to a child, a Nephilim: the offspring of an angel and a human woman, seemingly imbued with evil itself.
17 years later, that child’s cherubic appearance can no longer hide his monstrous nature. Frogs boil in their skins as he passes. Crops rot. The townspeople live in fear, knowing that atrocities follow closely behind him.
Now, on the eve of his 18th birthday, Cora receives a new vision… Heaven itself has called upon her to destroy the abomination born of her own flesh and blood.
Be Not Afraid is a truly unsettling exploration of religion, shame, and the despair of feeling unworthy of love–both from God and even your own mother. Writer Jude Ellison S. Doyle crafts a harrowing and deeply haunting spiritual folk horror that I honestly wasn’t prepared for, even being familiar with Doyle’s previous work.
The artwork from Lisandro Estherren perfectly complements the story at hand and Doyle’s dark narrative. The illustrations are as disturbing as the story with an almost poetic quality that shines in each and every panel. The addition of colors by Francesco Segala is moody and atmospheric that captures the essence of Be Not Afraid which gives a truly immersive and terrifying experience.
This debut issue leaves an unsetting impression on you, but it’s one of those stories that should be revisited over again to allow it to sink in and sit with you for a while. The unique, terrifying, and emotionally resonant story stays with you long after the fine panel. It’s something unlike most in the genre and has me at a loss for words.
Be Not Afraid #1 is the type of comic that lingers in the back of your mind, creeping into your thoughts long after you close the book. Jude Ellison S. Doyle crafts a rare blend of horror and heartache that demands multiple readings to peel back the meaning and emotion felt on each and every page. With raw, unsettling visuals by artists Lisandro Estherren and Francesco Segala, this debut issue is a standout in the horror genre making it a must-read.
Be Not Afraid #1 hits local comic shops on June 4, 2025 from BOOM! Studios.
Be Not Afraid #1 Covers Preview
