As someone who grew up watching Touched by an Angel, a comic with the title Touched by a Demon felt like a necessary read. Comic creator Kristen Gudsnuk flips the familiar premise on its head, swapping wholesome angels for a washed-up demon who’s trying to be better. What starts as a clever story quickly turns into something much darker and more unsettling than I expected.
Bifrons, a washed-up demon stuck in Hell, misses the good old days when he lived in Heaven. Looking for a shot at redemption, he sets up shop on Earth as a life coach for mortals, determined to rack up enough good deeds to earn his way back upstairs. With help from his loyal assistant Zuzu and a soul named Elaine, he tries to guide humans toward salvation. But the big question remains: can a creature of pure evil really change — or is he doomed to fail?
I am one of those many people who grew up watching Touched by an Angel on CBS, a drama that ran nine seasons from 1994-2003. So naturally, the title Touched by a Demon would draw me in. I guess that was the point Gudsnuk is trying to get across with her new series at Dark Horse, one that she is writing and illustrating.
We have all either been the person or at least know the person that struggles with who they currently are and who they want to be for real. This is the heart of what Touched by a Demon is and it plays so well. A demon who is stuck with the choices he has made, but doesn’t really have the ability to change these decisions.
While the comic may have a play look, the story is dark as hell (see what I did there). Throughout the first issue we see that Bifrons and his loyal assist Zuzu are really trying to change and be better, but what seems like good things ultimately turns sour…in a way that even this season horror reader saw my jaw drop. It’s dark.
The artwork has a nice blend classic comics as well as Manga-inspired illustrations, something Gudsnuk has perfected over her many comics. However, Touched by a Demon is more adult than some of her other series she has crafted over the years. This story features some amazing and fun artwork to accompany the dark humor and horror vibes.
Touched by a Demon is a dark, yet humorous tale of the attempt at redemption, but when you can’t get out of your own way. Kristen Gudsnuk crafts a story that will leave you in shock and awe, while also wanting more with this premiere issue.
Touched by a Demon #1 hits local comic shops on January 21, 2026 from Dark Horse.
Touched by a Demon #1 Preview
