“The Deviant Killer was apprehended half a century ago. So who’s behind the grisly slaying of a young man in a Chicago department store…and why does Michael see so much of himself in the man locked behind bars for the original murders? The Deviant #2 continues a chilling holiday tale that’ll keep you guessing as to what’s going on.

Written by James Tynion IV, The Deviant #2 is an amazing second issue. The issue builds on the debut issue, and itself, so well, creating a chapter full of tension.

The Deviant #2, and the debut, make the case that this series is the heir to Silence of the Lambs. It’s themes feel like they build out of that masterful story asking more questions and continuing to make audience uncomfortable with its details. It’s a hell of a series that is making the case for it to be a “holiday classic.”

The issue does an amazing job of delivering an emotional punch as Michael struggles with how to approach the comic he may or may not want to write. Like Silence of the Lambs, it’s not a story about a potential killer but Michael’s connection to those events and the killer. We also get to see how the world has changed and hasn’t over the decades as Michael lives life with his boyfriend. And that’s where the story gets interesting.

Tynion adds some sadness to it all with that detail. It isn’t the clear unspoken homophobia and distrust Michael is subjected to when getting details from a victim. Where Tynion makes things interesting is the serial killer that is Randall. Michael’s connection with Randall shows a sadness about Randall and the life you can tell he wished he had. It’s a moment that makes what is a deplorable individual somewhat sympathetic. We can feel sorry for him, even so slightly.

The art by Joshua Hixson continues to be fantastic. Joined by letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, the comic oozes tension, sadness, and chills. The colors, the presentation, the look on a face, body language, it all comes together to create a horror comic that isn’t just about the gore and body count but is twisting psychological mindfuck. There’s a coldness and calculation that comes through the art that not only plays off the wintery holiday but the characters themselves.

The Deviant #2 is a hell of a second issue. It is up there with horror tales making readers guess as to where it’s going to go and if there’s not something more sinister and deeper going on. It’s an instant classic right now that every horror fan won’t want to miss.

Story: James Tynion IV Art: Joshua Hixson Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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