A potential successor to the dying pope is killed at the Vatican. Long-time atheist and hard-edged London detective, Charlie Northern, is put on the case by a Vatican priest, and long forgotten friend. He must solve the case that the local police cannot, coming face to face with hundreds of years of conspiracy and corruption in the seat of the world’s wealthiest religion. The beautiful artwork of Humberto Ramos unfolds a story of religion, atheism, murder, and mystery, as told by Paul Jenkins. The two are the creative team behind the much more kid-friendly Fairy Quest.

Revelations comes off as a compelling mystery thriller that would entertain fans of Dan Brown’s work, or those who like a good Sherlock Holmes mystery.

I really liked the first issue. It’s focus is not on the murder act itself, or getting dragged down into details of the mystery. Instead it zeroes in on the characters themselves giving us ones with personality spilling over. Sure they might be cookie-cutter, the lapsed religious guy, the priest, the priest who’s clearly up to something, but they’re still all fun and entertaining. The main character of Charlie Northern especially is fantastic, especially his smart ass comments and observations. That alone entertained me throughout the first issue and has me coming back for more.

Then there’s Ramos’ art. The man is one of the best artists out there, and here he seems to channel Ben Templesmith for a look that’s distinctly Ramos but darker and grittier. It’s a perfect style for this comic.

Judging by this first issue, mystery fans will not want to miss this tale of corruption through the eyes of an outsider.

Story: Paul Jenkins Art: Humberto Ramos
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy