My Rating
“The Harvester of Eyes!”
Gideon Cross was a model soldier. From the dark jungles of Vietnam – where he killed communists for Uncle Sam, to the mean streets of New York City, where he worked as a contract killer for a mysterious cult. Gideon was always good at following orders. That was until yesterday. The Harvesters of Night, a secret brotherhood that had taken him in and given his life purpose, had turned his whole world upside-down. They were not what they claimed to be. Not even close!
Mortals, yes. Well, some of them. Gideon Cross had received his supernatural powers through the Harvesters’ dark ceremonies. But those gifts came with a terrible price. Now, armed with abilities beyond those of ordinary men, Gideon has assumed a new identity – the Demon Hunter! His prey? Both man and demon alike. That’s right, the myths and legends are true. An ancient race of demons has returned to Earth, determined to unleash the Xenogenesis – an unholy invasion that will bring the denizens of Hell into the realm of mankind. Biblical times are upon us, my friends. Armageddon for those in the know!
But the forces of Satan cannot simply march through the gates of Hell without a little help from the living. Greed, corruption, and the promise of unlimited power have made mankind an all-too-willing accomplice. Two of New York City’s most powerful Mafia bosses stand ready to sell their immortal souls in exchange for something no amount of money can buy. The opportunity to become vessels for demonic possession! What better way for the lords of Hell to establish a foothold on Earth than through men who already command an empire of crime?
Gideon has only one chance to slow the coming invasion. He must eliminate these two criminal kingpins before they complete their unholy bargain. But can one man, even one blessed – or cursed – with supernatural abilities, stand against the combined forces of organized crime and the lords of Hell? Or will the Demon Hunter become the hunted?
Review
Now this is the kind of supernatural superhero story that gets my attention! Atlas/Seaboard Comics may not have enjoyed a long publishing history, but every once in a while, a title comes along that makes me wish Martin Goodman’s company had survived a little longer. Demon Hunter #1 is one of those books.
Gideon Cross is an interesting character with a rather unique set of supernatural abilities. Telepathy is one thing, but a magical cloak capable of producing enchanted weapons from its very fabric? Now that’s something you don’t see every day! Better yet, the cloak can send demons into a dark dimension simply by covering them. Talk about a handy piece of clothing! I especially enjoyed how these powers complement Gideon’s background as a trained soldier and professional assassin. This is not your typical costumed superhero fighting bank robbers on the streets of New York City.
The Story
The story itself offers an entertaining mixture of organized crime, demonic possession, and biblical Armageddon. I like the concept of a former cult assassin turning against the very forces that granted him supernatural powers. There is plenty of potential here for future adventures, especially with the Harvesters of Night and their plans for the Xenogenesis. In many ways, Demon Hunter reminds me of Marvel Comics’ Moon Knight. Both characters share a mysterious past, a rather intimidating costume, and a willingness to confront the darker elements of humanity. Of course, Gideon Cross takes things one step further by bringing actual demons and supernatural magic into the equation.
Interestingly enough, the character’s story did not entirely end with the collapse of Atlas/Seaboard Comics. Marvel Comics would later refurbish the concept as Devil-Slayer, a supernatural hero introduced by writer David Anthony Kraft. Although the two characters belong to different comic book universes, the similarities are unmistakable. It’s fascinating to see how an abandoned Atlas creation could find new life within the pages of Marvel Comics.
Of the Atlas Comics titles I’ve read so far, Demon Hunter ranks among the better ones. The story kept my attention, the character concept was intriguing, and the supernatural elements gave this book an identity of its own. Would I have purchased a second issue? You bet I would have! It’s a shame that Gideon Cross never received the opportunity to develop further under the Atlas banner. At least his supernatural legacy managed to survive in another form.
Four out of five stars.
