Avengelyne #1 — Rob Liefeld and Daniel Maine Bring the Angel Home to Image
The Avenging Angel returns in a brand-new origin for Image Comics. Rob Liefeld and Daniel Maine team up to reframe the clash between faith, demons, and a mysterious celestial visitor who challenges a priest losing his way. This is a fresh start for a legacy character, built on explosive art and high-stakes supernatural drama.
There is a specific kind of energy that comes when a creator returns to a character that defined their early career, but with the freedom of a new publisher and a fresh narrative approach. Rob Liefeld’s Avengelyne is exactly that—a figure who has danced in the shadows of comics history, now stepping fully into the light. This isn't just a reprint or a nostalgic look back; it is a brand-new beginning designed to welcome longtime fans and introduce the character to a whole new generation. The setup here is pure, classic superhero storytelling with a supernatural twist, centered on a conflict that feels both ancient and urgently immediate.
At the heart of this new volume is a compelling, character-driven premise. We meet a Priest who is slowly losing his faith, struggling with the silence of the divine. Into his crisis steps Avengelyne, a mysterious angel whose arrival sends ripples through the spiritual and physical worlds. Her presence doesn't just comfort the faithful; it attracts dangerous attention. Belisle, a wealthy and powerful demon lord, takes notice of her emergence, setting the stage for a cat-and-mouse game where demonic forces are actively trying to corrupt or destroy her. It’s a story about belief tested by evil, and an angel who refuses to be silenced.
Visually, this book is a love letter to the bold, kinetic style that Liefeld pioneered. Daniel Maine’s art brings a modern, sleek energy to the design, balancing the ethereal beauty of Avengelyne with the gritty, imposing threat of the demonic antagonists. The cover by Maine sets the tone perfectly: striking, atmospheric, and full of motion. This is the kind of issue that begs to be held, with dynamic layouts and a clear, confident visual language that makes every page turn feel inevitable. It captures the spirit of the character while feeling entirely fresh.
For those who followed Liefeld’s early work in the nineties, or who grew up with Spawn and Vampirella, this feels like a reunion with an old friend who has grown up. The connection to Hollywood is also buzzing, with pre-production underway for an adaptation involving Lucky Chap Productions and Warner Bros., signaling that the world outside comics is paying attention too. But right now, the comic stands on its own merits as a potent, self-contained debut.
The stack is moving quickly on this one, so if you want to catch the first chapter of this new era, keep an eye on the release window. It’s a bold statement from Image, and a reminder that some characters are just waiting for the right moment to come back and save the day. Trust me, this is the one that’s going to start conversations in the shop and at the dinner table.