The Missionary #1 is a tale filled with a bit of comedy, action, friendship and outstanding artwork all wrapped up with a bit of heart. The latest DSTLRY premiere by writer Ryan Stegman and artist Jason Howard is something you really can’t go wrong with reading.

Bryce Hunter is a devoutly religious man whose faith is shattered when he catches his wife being…Intimate with an Elder from his church. This harrowing event sends Bryce spiraling into the hands of a demonic entity named Uvydus, instead of rejecting possession, Bryce accepts Uvydus.

Bryce wants to learn to be “bad” and Uvydus wants to be “less than completely evil.” But before Bryce can use this new partnership to finally live a little, the world’s greatest Exorcist sees Bryce as his greatest challenge. But that’s not even the worst of it as a murderous group of demons breaks free from Hell and threatens to re-shape earth into a kingdom over which they rule!

The Missionary is a story that focuses on themes of morality, redemption, and the power of friendship in the face of darkness. Bryce’s decision to accept possession by Uvydus sets off a chain of events that will test his beliefs and force him to confront his own inner demons.

A fresh and exciting story that combines horror, action, and a taste of comedy is just what the doctor asked for from DSTLRY. The dynamic between Bryce and Uvydus is reminiscent to the relationship between Eddie Brock and the Venom symbiote that Stegman is all too familiar with in his comic book lifetime, providing both thrilling and humorous moments. I found myself loving the scenes with these two over all the other parts of the first issue.

While the story is fantastic, the artwork by Howard is as equally outstanding. Jason brings the action-packed scenes to life with detailed illustrations that capture the intensity of each moment. From arguments to fierce gun fights, the artwork tells the story just as much as the speech bubbles. The colors by Tamra Bonvillain and letters by Shawn Lee complete the scenes with ease.

The Missionary stands out in the world of comics in a way that I feel that could’ve only have been told at DSTLRY. Stegman, Howard and the rest of the creative team did not hold back in this debut issue it is showed. The storytelling, artwork and design are top-notch and what we have come to expect with these oversized DSTLRY issues.

This debut issue of The Missionary delivers on all levels from emotional to humorous to action-packed. The thrills, suspense, horror, and heartwarming moments are wonderfully crafted by Ryan Stegman and Jason Howard. The hits keep on coming from the rag tag bunch over at DSTLRY and we are here for each and every one of them.

The Missionary #1 hit local comic shops on September 25, 2024 from DSTLRY.