Synopsis: Only In Death Does She Find The Will To Live

Her legend begins in the 15th Century. Stripped of her innocence through her father’s betrayal, a pious, young woman. Hope, is sentenced to a trial by fire. She reluctantly accepts Lucifer’s offer to a life in Hell over a hideously painful death. Lucifer’s offer takes a diabolical twist as she discovers her true origins and the existing fate of her lost love and departed mother.

Unable to corrupt a soul of such purity, Lucifer banishes Hope to the horrors of Hell, where she must find the strength and courage to survive and ultimately return to free the souls of the ones she loves. Together with the valiant outcast, Cremator and her trusted companions, Vassago and the Nameless Wolves, she is transformed into the powerful warrior Lady Death and challenges the Lord of Lies for control of Hell itself.

The resulting conflict explores the depths of faith and love as an alternative to the corrupting power of evil.
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Lady Death 6.5

I never read the ‘Lady Death’ comic books, but I was aware of them – if only because the main character’s appearance leaves an instant impression.

I was barely out of my teens when this was first published and, well, I have to admit that she caught my eye (perhaps in the same way that Elvira and Vampirella had!). Having said this, it was not enough to get me to read her adventures.

However, many years later, I discovered that they had made animated video version of the comic book series. So, when I got a chance to get my grubby hands on it, I pounced; I decided that this would be the best way to get an overview.

What had I been missing out on all this time? The answer, in short: not much.

What we have here is (mostly) ‘80s-quality animation that looks like middle-of-the-road anime from two decades back. Add to this a relatively paint-by-numbers story and pretty lacklustre voice acting. In fact, I think it’s some of the worst voice acting I’ve heard in recent memory (after the ‘Spawn’ animated shows, which can be heartbreakingly bad).

Basically, it’s not a complete washout. But it’s certainly not a high quality affair either, that’s for sure.

To me, this is nothing more than the (afore-mentioned) ‘Spawn’ crossed with the likes of ‘Conan the Barbarian’. Neither are great, even if the originals are legendary and/or iconic characters – so this is hardly a match made in heaven for me. Oh well.

Still, this film provided me with a relatively short, painless look at the world of ‘Lady Death’. And, after all this time, I believe that my curiosity and interest have been sufficiently satisfied.