hotshot freestyle komics issue 12

Kisha, Demon Eater Vol. 1

Written by Newton Lilavois, Art by Gian Carlo Bernal (August 2023)

Synopsis

Ancient African demon king, Kishi, has hundreds of demon sons, but one day he fathers his first and only daughter- Kisha. Kishi disdains his daughter. But Demon Kisha seeks the approval of her father, so she starts devouring her demon brothers to gain his attention and love. Angered by her actions, Kishi imprisons Demon Kisha to prevent her from consuming his sons. 

Centuries later, sixteen-year-old Louisiana native Kisha Beaumont accidentally releases Demon Kisha from her prison and becomes possessed. Things get worse when she becomes the target of a demon hunter. In desperation, Kisha is sent to an estranged aunt in Kansas who has the power to exorcise Demon Kisha. But when Kisha gets to Kansas, she discovers her aunt’s town carries dangerous secrets. Kisha needs Demon Kisha to survive.

As a fan of indie comics and someone who is trying to carve a path in the indie comic world Kisha: Demon Eater is a refreshing comic book to come across. Not only is it entertaining, but for a budding comic creator, there are a lot of well-thought-out lessons on how to make a great comic.

The main premise follows two “Kishas” and how their very different stories collide. We’re introduced to the first Kisha, both a demon and the proverbial demon eater. Her story begins deep in the heart of Africa, where two female villagers are about to be devoured by two viciously well-designed hyena demon brothers… only for them to end up on demon Kisha’s menu instead. We soon learn that she and the defeated foes are actually siblings. This brutal introduction is all part of her effort to earn favor in her demon father’s eyes. The story starts with a bang.

From there, we meet the other Kisha, the true protagonist along with her family and friends. The shift in tone is a little jarring at first, as we jump into what feels like a teen Scooby-Doo-style tomb-raiding adventure. I’m a fan of in medias res storytelling, and while the abrupt shift might throw some readers off, it ends up making sense. The escapade leads to the two Kishas merging into one body, with demon Kisha possessing the modern-day version.

The Art

One of this comic’s biggest strengths is its art. Gian Carlo Bernal’s work is phenomenal, and the direction likely a collaboration between writer and artist is sharp and deliberate. From interviews and podcasts, it’s clear the artist had a strong hand in shaping the visual tone and storytelling. Subtle nods to pop culture and folklore drip off the pages. One standout moment? Kisha’s Game of Death–inspired yellow jumpsuit, straight out of Kill Bill. The art also shines when it comes to the settings and locations within the book—each area feels unique and detailed.

 

The Storytelling:

Another major strength is the story structure and pacing. From the smart use of splash pages to how each scene functions like its own mini-story with a beginning, middle, and end this thoughtful layout keeps readers engaged. It elevates the book beyond many of its contemporaries. The world-building is also expertly handled: rather than heavy info dumps, we’re fed just enough to stay informed without being overwhelmed.
The world Lilavois creates is strong, rich, and ties into some of his previous works most notably Crescent City Monsters. I always appreciate when creators do this well it adds a layer of authenticity and cohesion to their storytelling universe.

The Characters

The two main Kishas are well-developed and compelling. In the second half of the comic, the modern-day Kisha now bonded with the demon really begins to shine. Her dialogue and story beats drew me in. Midway through the story, a new bounty hunter like character is introduced, who honestly deserves his own spin-off comic. I didn’t want the story to end. Very few indie books make me wish I could jump straight into the sequel, but this one did.

I’d absolutely recommend this book to any indie comic fan especially if you’re looking for a great female lead, a story that blends horror and action, and top-tier artwork. Or all of the above. I can’t recommend Kisha: Demon Eater enough. If you’re interested, grab a copy at the Dream Fury Comics website.

Kisha, Demon Eater Vol. 1

From splash pages to how each scene functions like its own mini-story with a beginning, middle, and end this thoughtful story keeps readers engaged.

GOOD

Great artwork

Strong story structure and pacing

Good character development

The lettering is done well

BAD

The story feels a bit uneven early on, especially right after the initial demon Kisha intro. The transition into the modern story could be smoother.

UGLY

N/A

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