BOOM! Studios; $4.99 

I've always enjoyed Hellraiser when it explores the twisted world of the Cenobites instead of simply throwing another unfortunate soul in front of the puzzle box. Hellraiser: Resurrections – The Deep Gospel #1 does exactly that, and I have to say, this might be my favorite issue of the revival so far. 

Written by Tini Howard with artwork by Jenna Cha, the story brings back the Priestess of Pain, who finds herself at odds with the Engineer after he attempts to rebuild her. Rather than accepting her place, she takes a path that leads deeper into the horrifying world of Hell and the brutal process of becoming a Cenobite. 

What I enjoyed most was getting a closer look at the mythology behind these creatures. There's plenty of disturbing imagery, violence, and that uncomfortable atmosphere you'd expect from Hellraiser, but there's also a fascinating story about identity, control, and refusing to submit to someone else's will. 

Jenna Cha's artwork is fantastic. The grotesque designs, disturbing environments, and brutal action make this feel like a proper Hellraiser story. Even the lettering and sound effects add to the unpleasant, nightmarish experience in the best possible way. 

Tini Howard really seems to understand what makes this universe interesting. The Priestess of Pain isn't simply another monster waiting to torture someone. She has her own ambitions, and I'm curious to see how that might eventually affect her relationship with Pinhead and the rest of the Cenobites. 

The Deep Gospel #1 is a nasty, beautifully illustrated piece of horror that has me even more interested in the upcoming ongoing series. With five one-shots leading into that launch, this revival is shaping up nicely. If you're a fan of the original Hellraiser films, particularly Hellbound: Hellraiser II, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. 

–Scott Schlazer