Benito Andino III: Creator-Writer-Letterer

Edwin “ARTEX” Badillo: Artist-Colourist

Following on from the impressive Dark Daylight Day; Cardinal Sin Part 1, I was excited to take a look at the follow up comic in the series entitled I welcome Death: Cardinal Sin Part 2. Another visually creative Lovecraftian style horror , which as a very different stand alone story creates a whole new nightmare.

Marco committed suicide, but he doesn’t remember. It doesn’t matter because now he faces judgement judgement by the goat, the pig, the book and the feeder to give himself a second chance at life – but it always comes with consequences…always!!!

Whilst being judged he is given the power of immortality, but with the desire to die every day it is a high price to pay when you can’t die!!

Writer Benito Andino III creates another horror nightmare with his second story in the series, which continuous themes of pain, torture and suffering. It does feel like a stand alone story, but as with the first comic they are connected by The Nothing who once again play a vital role – even though their abilities and intentions are not yet fully explained. The only thing you can guarantee, when The Nothing is around death will always be nearby. 

Marco is a condemned man who must now face judgement for his suicide and is led through his purgatory by a demon Johnson Calver Esquire Attorney at law, or as he is referred to more briefly ‘The book’. Whilst Marco makes his way through several unique characters are introduced on the way; which includes the barbaric keeper of silence Abraxas and a deformed double-faced female creature. The appearance of both these characters feel all too brief, but they are extremely memorable thanks to their actions and visual appearance. It is however with the main demons that the story really begins to take hold, with the brilliantly creative characters perfectly depicting a hellish world of purgatory.

One of those making judgement was The Feeder who due to her insatiable appetite takes pleasure in consuming those unfortunate souls who are put before her. Although it would be easy to argue that being ingested is not the worst part of the process, as once consumed they become a part of her. Imprisoned inside her body the lost souls remain trapped and very much alive.

The Feeder is a distinctly memorable demon due to her overweight and grotesque appearance. A vision which is made all the more disturbing as her body is stretched apart, by those trapped inside trying to escape. It is a grim representation of gluttony with her malformed appearance reflecting a dire sense of greed.                

Following on from the Feeder the next judgement was done by a hybrid, part man part goat. Yet even though his character is a domineering and powerful beast, I was more fascinated with his slave who is aptly called the Needle Gimp. An armless man whose legs are tied together with barb wired, which forces him to wriggle his body like a worm to move. His teeth have been removed and replaced by syringes which act as constant reminder of his time as a former addict. The look of the Gimp which is one of Benito’s most original characters and the punishment brilliantly incorporates the proposed the sin.

Benito once again builds a sense of foreboding horror throughout the story, but despite the dark tone also incorporates some unexpected humour. This comes primarily from The Book, who despite his appearance of a demon has a more human personality than the others. With a sarcasm, humour and on occasions a more mortal nervous disposition. This suggests that despite his powers, he is as much as slave as the others to those making the judgements.

Benitos often references previous comics to show a connection in the series and this time, he refers back to events relating to the classic Heavy Weight Messiah. A comic actually holds a special significance to me as it was the first comic that introduced me to Benitos work and in reflection had a very different style to the work he is doing today. A reflection not only of his progress, but his ability to evolve both in story telling and visual execution.

Where the first comic had a more subdued style with the colours, I Welcome is visually striking in contrast. Amongst the dark eerie visions of the surrounding world in which Marco finds himself, the demons flourish with the bright neon colours which are bursting from the page. The colours of the double headed woman is one of those that stand out for me. The bold neon colours are so striking, you can imagine both the characters and words of a physical comic being glow in the dark ink, which would be a great way to read them under the covers at night.

I Welcome creates a brand-new chapter in the Cardinal Sin series, which despite being a standalone story, continues to build on the universe which the previous chapter had introduced. Once again creating a vision of pain and suffering which the main protagonist has to go through. The story introduces the reader to a series of new and interesting characters, even if some of the introductions feel all too brief. However, this is an introductory story, so hopefully we will see some of these characters again in the later issues as the story is developed further.

Benito continues to show his imagination and his ability to expand on the universe which he is creating. He continues to draw me in with each connecting story and the strength of the Cardinal Sin series continues to be one of my favourites comics that he has done. Leaving the story on a cliff hanger ending, it continues to leave me wanting more and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series comes together.

Philip Rogers

Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!