I Need to Talk About Abel (Because I’m Already Obsessed)
I love Abel’s design. From everything we know so far about him, I’d say his design fits his personality quite well. Just by looking at his appearance, you can already tell he’s Adam’s son. For example, both have the first letter of their names on their clothes, a similar body build, and other shared features.
But the thing I love most about Abel’s design is the dent in his halo. Its presence strongly suggests that Cain most likely exists in Hazbin Hotel, and that Abel was indeed murdered by him. For those who don’t know: in the biblical story, Cain murdered Abel by smashing his head with a rock—hence the dent. It’s a subtle nod to his past, and I think it’s really clever that they included that detail in his design!
I also really like that they gave Abel blond hair. In some classical portraits of Cain and Abel, Cain is depicted with brown hair (like Adam in the show), while Abel has blond hair—visually emphasizing the contrast between good (Abel) and evil (Cain). On top of that, Lilith has blond hair too. Since Eve was specifically created to replace Lilith, it makes sense that she might look very similar to her—including having the same hair color. So Abel likely inherited his blond hair from Eve. Adam has brown hair, and honestly, I’m glad Abel didn’t inherit it from him. Abel having a different hair color from his father visually reinforces how different he is from Adam.
I’ve absolutely already fallen in love with Abel, based on what Viv has told us about him so far. And I’m very sure that when we actually get to meet him, I’ll love his character even more. I’m just so relieved he’s nothing like Adam—thank God. I think Abel’s adorable. He is baby and must be protected at all costs. The way he says ‘Yepparoni’ is just too cute.
I’m really glad Viv added Abel to the story—and likely Cain in the future as well, hinted at by the dent in Abel’s halo. The story of Cain and Abel would be a great way for Charlie to be confronted with how complicated redemption actually is. That’s why I think Abel’s inclusion is so important. Not every person in Hell is good or innocent, or deserves a chance at redemption and forgiveness—something both Emily and Charlie seem to believe. Some people are in Hell for a very good reason. Do murderers and rapists deserve redemption and forgiveness? No, they do not. And the story of Cain and Abel is a perfect way to challenge Charlie’s beliefs on that. Cain brutally took Abel’s life out of jealousy—does that mean Abel should forgive him? Even if Cain tries to redeem himself? Absolutely not.
I don’t think we’ll see Cain this season, since there’s no VA announced for him, but I could definitely see characters mentioning him—or maybe we’ll get a flashback or a story about him. I can see him showing up in Season 3 or 4. Either way, I’m really eager to learn more about his and Abel’s dynamic. What was their relationship like before the murder? Were they ever close? I need to know.