Take 10! Vengeance Unleashed

A New Hellscape: Gus Moreno and Jakub Rebelka’s Mesmerizing Comic Debut

In the heart of the BOOM! Studios interview series, TAKE 10!, we dive into a tale of dark redemption. Rising literary star Gus Moreno, lauded for his novel This Thing Between Us—a Best Book of 2021 by NPR—ventures into the graphic novel domain. Teaming up with visionary artist Jakub Rebelka, Moreno crafts a haunting new series, WHEN I LAY MY VENGEANCE UPON THEE.

Father Barrera’s Journey

The story tailspins into an abyss of guilt and exorcism. At its center is Father Barrera, a fallen priest grappling with his culpability in a child’s tragic demise. As penance, Barrera is sent to a desolate South American village, Puerto Cristina. Under the looming shadow of the radical exorcist Father Stygian, Barrera endures his new and relentless assignment. In a place where exorcism is typically Vatican-regulated, Stygian stands out with his archaic methods, unnerving Barrera further. His last apprentice—a grim note—ended life in despair not long ago.

As Father Barrera delves into Stygian’s arcane practices, the island’s demonic ties tighten around him. The sequence of possessions grows incessant. What could these disturbances mean, and how do they link to a patient in an unyielding 50-year coma?

The Tale’s Dark Soul

The series title, When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee, captures the intense theme of retribution. Moreno explores layered dynamics of revenge within the plot. Two priests harbor secrets while tackling evil in a distant Chilean locale. Adding to the intrigue, a sinister force pursues them, seeking its revenge. Both Barrera and Stygian are neck-deep in this deadly dance, driven to shield their island or unleash fury upon those who dare intrude.

Creating the Comic Vision

Moreno relates the challenging shift from writing prose to scripting a graphic tale. “Imagining the story visually wasn’t enough,” he recalls. Directing Rebelka on scene presentation was worrisome until initial sketches shattered those doubts. He likens Rebelka’s contribution to a sports team signing a new star, elevating the narrative’s visual allure. Once solid synergy formed, Moreno focused purely on story refinement, trusting Rebelka’s artistry.

Inspirations and Aspirations

Driven by a blend of genre classics and thrillers—True Detective, Pulp Fiction, and The Exorcist—Moreno weaves a complex, multifaceted narrative journey. His workspace reflects his creativity—a standing desk amidst a sea of books, artwork, and even Lego sets offer inspiration.

Into the Comic Connoisseur’s World

What’s on Moreno’s reading radar? Currently, The Material by Camille Bordas occupies his curiosity while BRZRKR volumes pile up. Meanwhile, a perfect comic session involves coffee on the sofa, dog in lap, perhaps a serene counterpoint to the tumultuous themes he writes about.

His future dream casting? Delroy Lindo and Tenoch Huerta ideally embody the fierce spirit of his series, providing the narrative’s human core. To his characters, he offers sage counsel—urging main players toward self-forgiveness, telling antagonists simply, “Leave us alone.”

Mark your calendars. The graphic series WHEN I LAY MY VENGEANCE UPON THEE #1 hits shelves on January 1, 2025. Don’t miss it at your local comic shop or snag a digital copy from mainstream content providers. Prepare for a journey into horror, redemption, and the ancient battle of good versus evil.