Demonology 101
'Demonology 101 is an online graphic novel written and drawn by Faith Erin Hicks, from December 2001 to June 2004. It tells the story of Raven, a 16-year-old demon being raised by a human in ordinary human society. In addition to the normal trials of teenage life, Raven must also deal with her uncertain origins, her adoptive father's past, and the supernatural world which intrudes on their lives. Faith Hicks has stated that the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer was one of the major inspirations for this work, and one can definitely see the parallels, at least at the beginning of the story. The comic is a coming-of-age story, but it deals with a wide range of issues, including issues of acceptance and exclusion, issues of trust and issues of free will. It is available in its entirety online, at no cost.
Major Characters
Mostly spoiler-free.
- Raven, a 16-year-old demon. The only outward signs of her supernatural origins are her pointed ears, so she is able to pass as human in ordinary society. At the beginning of the story she is shy and introverted, due to not having had much experience with humans her own age. During the course of the story, she juggles her ordinary high-school life and friends, her relationship with her adoptive father, her demonic nature and the supernatural world which can't seem to leave her alone.
- Gabriel, a 36-year old man and Raven's adoptive father. Gabe's past is filled with a number of secrets which are revealed during the course of the story. At one point in his life he was a member of a secret society called Network, where he researched demon activity. During his time with Network, he adopted the infant Raven, a society foundling. Two years prior to the beginning of the story, Gabe left Network in order to live a more normal life with Raven.
- John, an acquaintance of Gabriel's from Network. He and Poe used to be in a relationship, and he has never quite gotten over that.
- Poe, an acquaintance of Gabriel's from Network. She has a romantic interest in Gabriel, and used to be in a relationship with John.
- Mackenzie and Malcolm, Raven's friends from high school. They are ordinary humans who are dragged into various extraordinary situations through their friendship with Raven.
- Isaac Jenner, a villain. The immature and spoiled head of a powerful and wealthy family which has made pacts with demons in the past. He blames Gabriel for a family misfortune and plots his revenge.
- Sachs, a loyal retainer to the Jenner family.