Gerry Duggan and Garry Brown’s genre-mashing series, Falling in Love on the Path to Hell, details the beginning of an incredibly unlikely love story. As the period of the cowboy and Samurai begin to fade (Fun fact: These periods had some overlap.), Asami (a samurai warrior in the east) and MacRaith (a gunslinger in the west) die fighting; however, the future lovers awake together in purgatory, ruled by a merciless band of warriors. They must work together to survive against the warriors, fight the undead, and find a way to escape. The only question is whether their love can flourish in this hellish landscape.

Before anything else, I think it’s important to discuss the title of the series. It’s long, edgy, and expertly summarizes the overall plot of the story. It follows the current trend of overly descriptive anime titles (such as I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level). The anime influence, especially “iseki” anime, where a character or characters are transported to another world, is evident throughout the four issues. It’s here, with this title, that you can first see how effectively Duggan combines the best of each story type.

Falling in Love on the Path to Hell delicately mashes genres together; beneath the surface of violence are the echoes of a horror story, a war story, and a rom-com, especially when you put the two leads together. Asami and MacRaith’s introduction to one another is a highlight of the series. Their meet-cute starts as awkwardly as it does violently. Everything that happens afterward, whether it’s the relentless attacks of the undead or the tender moments they have alone, elevates the story.

Undoubtedly, Duggan has created a rich story that is matched in Brown’s illustrations. The background imagery alone, especially in the purgatory settings, is out of this world. There’s an ethereal feel to the landscape that offers new inspiration for any artist looking to create a version of the afterlife. Of course, the characters and the actions themselves are just as well done. There’s respect for the various cultures that are depicted in the series, with each character just as unique as the next. The action itself is gritty, dark, and an absolute blast to witness. Chris O’Halloran’s colors and Joe Sabino’s lettering add to the series, enhancing the banter between the characters as heads roll and blood is spread throughout.

Falling in Love on the Path to Hell is truly a special story. It’s outrageous, cheeky, and just the right amount of tender; it’s exactly what comic books are meant to be, in the best way possible. So, if you’re looking for a comic that truly exemplifies what comic books can do that no other art form can, look no further.

Creative Team: Gerry Duggan (story & art); Garry Brown (story & art); Chris O’Halloran (colorist); Joe Sabino (letterer); Elliot Gray (designer); Virginia Duggan (editor); Rich Fowlks (productions artist)
Publisher: Image Comics
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