The Hangman Returns picks up five years after The Hangman. Kente Cromwell Sr has assumed his given name and has been returned to Purgatory to finish his time in hopes of entering Heaven. However, back on Earth, his wife has been killed and their son, Kente Jr, is hellbent on revenge. Using the powerful Ring of Light, Kente Jr is not only killing supernatural creatures, but he is killing humans as well. BA, the Bad Angel, then helps the Hangman escape again in hopes of stopping his son. Meanwhile, the defeated demon lord, Hangoctuforre, plans another assault on the Earth using a fallen angel, a sorcerer, demons and vampires to help. This once again brings together the vampire slayer, Jericho Caine, the demon hunter, Father Tom Padilla, and the wizard, Alexander Merryweather. A new hero, Susan Taki, joins the fray and they must convince the reluctant Hangman to join the upcoming battle.