Deadface - Earth-Water-Air-Fire #1

By Eddie Campbell

Charon is rowing idly by boat to the place of death is how this one opens. Enzo, the Ferryman over Styx, says they're going to Tartarus, the man correcting it should be going to Sicily, Bacchus is having trouble getting let through for only having ID with his 1st name, but he's passed through by another officer who knew he was the wine god. The officer shares how the Mafia was also in town before Bacchus confirms being off to visit "the Old Man" for his b/day. The "Horse doctor" is introed, white teeth his defining mark.

Bacchus next goes over how many times Sicily'd been sought after by Humans and gods, the last mentioned being Garibaldi, who was viewed by the locals as only another conqueror, then segueing with Hephaestus' backstory. He also tells where Heph.'d set up his lair on Mt. Etna with metallurgic genii, and others. So, when he feels unburdened from his birthplace and Greece, he founds a couple of secret societies, 1 group devolving into "deformed little people". Enzo is then informed of a body being found with his pants on backwards, and soon to be calling to see if anyone's been missing.

Meanwhile, puppet-looking singer, Vinnie Bossanova is singing a Xmas tune a couple months early, and some fella, Vincenzo decides he was actually singing about the Cosca Banquet the next day, he going along with Angela and staying over since he'd invited her to come to the U.S., he having to slip away from his bodyguards. Bacchus is relating to Simpson of next seeing the Old Man, he then continuing with when he'd last seen Heph at the mtn was when he'd lost his eye. He then explains the 3 eyes Heph. made, 1 future-seeing, an eye of fate, and the evil eye. Simpson asks where the 3rd eye'd gone, no one knowing.

As for Bacchus' eye, he'd forgotten it at a pub, and was too embarrassed to go back for it. Back with Vincenzo, Angela doesn't give him the warmest of welcomes, saying he's arrived a bit premie. As she's finishing freshening up, Vincenzo takes his pants off, then must draw his gun from his boxers as 2 guys come at him, he shooting em up before Angela comes out. Bacchus continues telling of Heph's strong qualities, including cleverness and humor, but timing being his clumsy point.

Vincenzo is running and hides on a boat, but he's found, and held by knife point, now. He's thrown overboard in bits, his eyes saved. Bacchus notes of the Old Man being ill at ease this night. I like the start, so far! I'm looking forward to continuing!