Be Not Afraid #2: A Terrifying Descent into Faith and Fear
The latest issue, Be Not Afraid #2, throws readers directly into the deep, dark waters of faith and damnation, questioning the very nature of divine intervention. From the visionary team at BOOM! Studios, this chapter delves deeper into the psyche of its protagonist, Cora, and the terrifying celestial forces that surround her. The story masterfully blends psychological trauma with theological horror, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling. For fans who appreciate stories that linger long after the final page, this is a must-read, and we are excited to explore it on our fan-powered platform.
The creative team behind this haunting tale builds a world steeped in atmosphere and dread. The story is crafted by writer Jude Ellison S. Doyle, whose script probes the terrifying ambiguities of faith. The visuals are brought to life by the distinct, gritty style of illustrator Lisandro Estherren, with colors by Francesco Segala that paint a world washed in shadow and fear.
What to Expect in Be Not Afraid #2
In Be Not Afraid #2, the narrative peels back the layers of Cora’s life, revealing a past marked by pain and a desperate search for meaning. We see flashbacks to her youth in the isolated town of Enoch, where her burgeoning faith is met with skepticism and scorn. Her relationship with her mother is fraught with tension; a simple request to go out with a friend is treated with suspicion, and her claims of receiving visions from God are dismissed as sickness or delusion. This difficult upbringing has clearly shaped the adult Cora, a woman jaded by her past yet still entangled with the supernatural.
The issue digs deep into the trauma that has defined Cora’s journey. The loss of her father is a pivotal event, one that her friend Cindy suggests has left her mother a hollowed-out shell of a person, barely leaving the house. Yet, for Cora, this loss is intertwined with her faith. She believes God has a plan for her and her family, a belief that isolates her further. Her faith becomes a source of conflict not just with her mother, but with her church. The local pastor, rather than embracing her visions, warns her that they may be temptations sent to lead her astray and asks her to stop attending church for a while. This rejection from all sides—family, friends, and organized religion—leaves Cora utterly alone, with only a mysterious celestial visitor for company.
The Theology of a Cruel God
The true horror of Be Not Afraid #2 lies in its chilling theological questions. Cora is visited by a being, Mr. Phim, who claims to be an angel—God’s “right hand” sent to walk the Earth. This is not a benevolent, comforting figure. This angel is a cold executor of divine will. When Cora questions why her son, Jordy, was killed instead of being taken to Heaven, the angel delivers a shocking response: Jordy, a half-human Nephilim, is a “ruined, halfway thing” who could never serve the Lord because he has his own will.
The comic plunges into even darker territory with its interpretation of God’s nature. The angel’s words are a brutal refutation of every comforting belief Cora holds. To justify Jordy’s death, the being tells her, “Cora, God has killed every human being He’s ever made. Including His own son.” This line is the thematic core of the issue, presenting a vision of a creator who is also an executioner, where death is not a tragedy but a fundamental part of the divine plan. It forces both Cora and the reader to confront a terrifying possibility: what if the ultimate power in the universe is not a source of love, but of relentless, brutal judgment? This is the kind of challenging storytelling our community at The Comic Book Addicts loves to discuss.
The creative team brilliantly brings this grim theology to life. Lisandro Estherren’s art is raw and expressive, capturing the emotional turmoil on Cora’s face and the terrifying otherness of the angel. The use of heavy shadows and textured lines creates a world that feels oppressive and decayed. This is perfectly complemented by the stunning cover artwork that sets the tone for the horrors within. Francesco Segala’s colors are masterful, using muted, earthy tones for the past and stark, dramatic reds and blacks for the supernatural encounters. Simon Bowland’s lettering also deserves praise, distinguishing the cold, precise speech of the angel from the desperate, human cries of Cora. These elements combine to make this one of the most compelling new comics on the shelves. For more on this series, you can visit the official BOOM! Studios website.
Creative Team:
- Created By: Jude Ellison S. Doyle & Lisandro Estherren
- Writer: Jude Ellison S. Doyle
- Illustrator: Lisandro Estherren
- Colorist: Francesco Segala
- Letterer: Simon Bowland
- Designer: Madison Goyette
- Assistant Editor: Caroline Butler
- Editors: Allyson Gronowitz & Elizabeth Brei
In conclusion, Be Not Afraid #2 is a masterpiece of modern horror. It’s not a story about cheap jump scares, but a profound and disturbing examination of faith, trauma, and the terrifying possibility that we are at the mercy of a God who is anything but merciful. The issue challenges readers to consider whether Cora is a victim of divine wrath or if her tragic life has caused her to manifest a “helper” who reflects her own deepest fears. It’s a powerful, unsettling story that solidifies the series as a significant work in the horror genre.
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