Last Time
When we last left our combat exorcists, they had defeated Sloth, Lust, and Gluttony. Not without some conflict and delving into each other’s issues, but victorious, nonetheless. Now they had reached the fourth of the deadly sins, Greed. And Greed was the gold standard for temptation (see what I did there?) Would Syd and Ellen be able to resist?
Confronting Greed
After their last confrontation with Lust, Syd had decided to let Ellen take the lead on this temptation. He had proven susceptible to Gluttony, and he had seen Ellen in a new light afterwards. She had proven her worth and her abilities. So, he stood in the background as Ellen bantered back and forth with the golden dragon. Greed was not impressed. ALL who had come in the presence of Greed had succumbed to the lure of his treasure horde. Eventually, all who dare become a part of his Golden expanse.
Ellen’s Desires
Ellen attempts to shield Syd as Greed lets loose his golden flame. Appearing to encase them in a golden shell, as all who enter have done. Another piece of his personal collection. It is while encased, that Ellen sees what she values most. Recognition for her job and her skills. A promotion by the Bench from Combat Exorcist to Pugilist Precept. She becomes an instructor for the young who seek to follow in her footsteps. While at the same time, still continues to do field work as only she can. Both Syd and her friends celebrate her great accomplishments. Even taking on Lucifer.
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Syd’s Desires
As for Syd, his ambitions in this state are much more sedate. All he wants is a life with Ellen. Spending time with her and perhaps having a pet dog. Eventually growing old together. While Ellen finds it hard to believe that this is the extent of Syd’s desires, she knows that if they are both not careful, they could be forever trapped there. Their golden forms kept along with Greed’s other treasures. She appreciates that Syd wants them together. But for now, the one thing they both know is, that Greed cannot defeat them TOGETHER! They clasp hands and the golden shells explode out.
Turning Their Backs on Greed
With the combat exorcists freed, Greed is angered that they dared to refuse him. As he rages, Syd and Ellen prepare to take on the dragon with Tamiel, Angel of the Unseen. This required that they turn their back on Greed, which is considered a personal affront to the Dragon. Not only did they set Tamiel on him, but they also refused to acknowledge him. In spite of all he had offered. This proves fatal to the dragon. As the one thing that Greed requires is the victim’s acceptance of it. He warns that Ellen and Syd will die human and poor and have nothing. This is the last thing spoken as Greed fades away. As do his minions.
Three to Go
In the aftermath, the only thing left of Greed is a golden dagger. Syd offers for Ellen to take it. But she reminds him that her desires were mainly things for herself. She was almost drawn in by them. But Syd’s only desires was for them to be together. While they worked together, he had earned the dagger. Four of the deadly sins down, three to go. As they spoke, the next challenge was already in waiting. The Sin of Envy.
Thoughts
As in the previous issues, Steve Orlando and Sebastián Píriz’s intriguing story centers on how Syd and Ellen’s own personal demons follow them in their confrontations with the deadly sins. It is as much as them overcoming their own psychological baggage as it is conquering their opponents. Considering their own personal relationship, this will no doubt be true going forward. Envy is a sin that could encompass both of them. Will they continue to find a way to overcome and bring Envy down? Envy certainly wishes HE could bring people down like that. Must be nice.
One of the interesting things about Ellen’s vision is that while she is accomplishing all the things that was her desire, she still wants Syd to be there. Appreciating her successes and even celebrating them with her. But considering Syd’s family obligations, he seems to be okay with Ellen outshining him. As long as they are together. This was certainly not the case at the beginning of the narrative. He resented Ellen’s implications that he was getting by on name alone without putting in the work. It is through this mission that Syd has realized that perhaps Ellen was not wrong. Growth can find its way under many circumstances. In this case, when facing demons and sins. Sounds like your typical visit to the therapist.
Mad Cave Studios Exorcists Never Die, Issue 4 by Steve Orlando, Sebastián Píriz and Carlos M. Mangual is available on the Mad Cave Subscription site and where great digital comics are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.