EX OCCULTUS #2 SEAL OF SOLOMON

CREATOR/WRITER: Robert James Russell

ART/LETTERS: James Emmet

COVER ART: J. R. Fleming

*Warning: Contains Spoilers*

Saint James Comics released its second issue of
Ex Occultus with “Seal of Solomon,” and I must say this issue is a marked improvement from the first.

In between issues, Saint James has been releasing Wakefield’s Diary, short stories designed to give readers a little something in between releases of Ex Occultus and a platform to let the company try out new artists. I would add it also helped hone the overall writing and publishing abilities as I was quite impressed with the look and feel of this title.

Ex Occultus centers on the duo of Sir Francis Wakefield, the seasoned vet, and his young apprentice, Hollander, who are occult investigators, a cross between Indiana Jones and Sherlock Holmes with some added Lovecraftian elements. The two work off one another quite well which helps the story progress as the young Hollander asks the questions the reader is left wondering with Wakefield filling him (us) in on the details.

This issue, the two are asked to acquire a magical ring, one which gives the bearer control over demons and other evil powers. Wakefield and Hollander are walking a fine line here as they have a choice between retrieving the cursed ring (and keeping the payment) and being the more responsible as to not let its evil power get into the wrong hands. I’ll admit I was a little apprehensive at first (having read Wakefield’s Diary) of their decision to go after the ring in the first place. However, I was quite pleased with how things turned out as both Wakefield and Hollander have -- and retain -- some sense of moral character. It’s that quality I like about Ex Occultus as it is not just another “thug for hire” or “mercenary on a mission” sort of tale.

Artist James Emmet did a good job with this issue. The grey tones and black coloring were not too excessive, the character details were right on as it was easy to tell who was who, the layouts and panels were consistent. I’ll admit I would have liked to see the “Sons of Baal” look a bit more detailed and “demonish” in their first appearance as I felt the issue was building up to this; however, the scenes with Hollander vanquishing them were done quite well and made up for that.

Written well with quality art and likeable characters along with an appealing theme, Ex Occultus #2’s “Seal of Solomon” is one fun and entertaining read. I’m quite happy with it!

For more information on Ex Occultus and Saint James Comics head on over to http://whoissaintjames.com/

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