Often with comic events, the spin-offs are rather lacking. They just don’t have the same quality as the main story in numerous ways. Many times they come off as side quests that just gives characters something to do. The clear goals is that the characters are enough to sell the issues. Other times, they feel like they’re story that couldn’t be shoved into the main series. Generally, they’re a mixed bag. Devil’s Reign has been breaking that trend with spin-offs. They’ve been solid in their own ways, telling their own stories that could take place even without the event. Devil’s Reign: Winter Soldier #1 is a prime example of that using the event to focus in on Bucky Barnes’ journey and to set up what’s to come for Captain America.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Devil’s Reign: Winter Soldier #1 focuses in on the files that Wilson Fisk has on Marvel’s heroes. It’s a bit of info that has been brought up a few times in the main series dancing around what it means. Bucky is having issues sleeping, having nightmares of the crimes he committed in the past but can’t remember. He’s hoping that some of his history is locked away with Wilson.

Lanzing and Kelly deliver a heist comic with a bit more depth. Each character sleep walks in their own way eventually clashing in brutal results. They’re two sides of the same coin with one awake to the crimes and horrors he’s committed and the other asleep and completely unaware. There’s a layer to the comic that’s very smart and deserves to be examined by readers.

The art by Nico Leon is fantastic. Leon is joined by Felipe Sobreiro on color and Joe Caramagna on lettering. The issue’s art has an interesting mix of being both an action heist comic and somewhat dreamlike. The transition from one to the other is impressive and the result is a comic that slowly involves into being a nightmare visually. The team does it in a way that’s subtle and doesn’t go over the top so it’s distracting. Instead, the art balances things between the action and spy elements and that of the horror that follows.

Devil’s Reign: Winter Soldier #1 is a solid issue that stands on its own. While it’s part of Devil’s Reign, it feels more like a one-shot that will lead to something down the line. It’s a perfect example of a character’s involvement in an event enhancing their story instead of just being a part of the event. A fantastic issue that has us excited to see what Lanzing and Kelly does in the future with Captain America’s corner of the Marvel Universe.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Nico Leon
Color: Felipe Sobreiro Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics