Jason Howard on Developing the Demonic Denizens of THE MISSIONARY
Out now, The Missionary #1 is a hellishly good time. Writer Ryan Stegman and artist Jason Howard meld horror and action into an adrenaline-fueled story that stars a submissive grocery store manager (who may have just lost his job), Bryce, who openly greets a demonic possession after seeing his wife commit adultery. This new tryst with the demon Uvydus turns into a sometimes touching, often bloody "partnership" (check out the Red Label Edition of the first issue for even more carnage) as the two navigate Bryce's quest to pursue the dreams he's always neglected, landing Bryce in the garbage bags of a local dive bar.
The Missionary #1 Cover A by Jason Howard
The issue also introduces a menagerie of new demons and fallen angels hellbent on rewriting the rules of celestial dominance. We won't spoil their potential plans, but the designs of these unclean spirits is a striking conglomeration of classic horror, biology gone wrong, and svelte design provided by Howard. He walks us through process of creating the new denizens of damnation in the process work below.
The Missionary #1 Cover B by Ryan Stegman
Celestdius
Celestidus is our main baddie. I wanted a design that felt regal but fallen. Someone who is proud and convinced of his own rightness. A lot of the design exploration is trying to find visual ideas that will be fun to draw, and also give him some unique ability/power.
We settled on this version. The black tech is a sort of hell growth, and as it covers his body we can visually see him succumbing to the influence of hell. I like that he feels dangerous.
EREBUSA
Erebusa plays a key role as the story continues, but at first I didn't have a great handle on what would make her unique. I like this version OK, but I wanted something a little more unsettling and strange.
Her final design hit that unsettling look, and as we developed her character more she’s become one of may favorites to draw!
BAELROK
Baelrok is the muscle. So we knew we wanted someone big and hulking, a real physically imposing guy.
This is his final design. I honestly like them both. But he even changed a little as I drew him on the pages.
