With the FBI believing Michael to be the new Deviant Killer and Derek questioning their relationship, the writer’s connection to the history and the mythology of the killer gradually gets revealed. As tensions arise along with mounting paranoia and fear, sometimes the answers are found in the past. But sometimes, it’s not the answer you were hoping for. James Tynion IV and Joshua Hixson showcase one specific afternoon in 1999 for young Michael in The Deviant #5, demonstrating his fixation and obsession with the Deviant Killer. 

A highly personal work of horror by Tynion, the focus on young Michael strikes a strong chord with many LGBTQ+ people who often feel alienated by their newly discovered queerness in a cis heteronormative society. Personally, having Michael being forced to hide his queerness and failing to hide his true feelings from his bullying friend hit super close to home. Paired with the accused Randall being arrested as the Deviant Killer and viewed as a queer monster, it all snowballs onto Michael. Tynion captures the raw anxieties, fears, and shame that many of us had as queer kids growing up and how that carries on to the present. If you are not cis or heterosexual, then you might as well be a monster. 

Despite not physically appearing in the issue, the specter of the Deviant Killer still haunts the story, specifically in the moments of young Michael and his friend. As the mythology of the killer grew since the 70s, it has only grown more prevalent and accessible due to websites on the internet acting as hubs to spread it further. While Randall may be an actual person or how people did get murdered, the facts do not matter as long as the fabricated monster continues to exist and feast on the public consciousness. 

Considering how his friend forces Michael to get into the mind of the killer by looking at gay porn, Tynion pointedly demonstrates how often queerness and deviancy get conflated with each other. Even their friendship becomes tested as Michael’s hidden queer feelings slip during a playful wrestling match that quickly ends. “You’re just as fucked up in the head as he is,” his friend jokingly tells him before realizing Michael’s interest in him and his friend leaving the room. Trying to redeem himself, Michael suggests they break into the killer’s home and explore it. We do not know what happens to Michael and his friend inside the house after Michael gives him a Santa hat to wear and brings out a pair of lights, mimicking how the Deviant Killer leaves his victims. All we can see are lights turning on in the window, leading the reader to interpret what might have happened.

Hixson’s art and coloring capture the moody psychological horror tone of the story. His slightly changing facial expressions reacting during the wordless sequences and the reflection of the computer on Michael’s glasses showcase his talent. His strong visuals make an already engaging story even more enjoyable. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering has an evocative and emotional vibe that fits the changing tone of the dialogue. With Tynion’s strong writing, Hixson’s art and colors paired with Elhaou’s letters make The Deviant #5 another incredible issue in this fantastic series. 

Tynion and Hixson build upon the previously established substantial character work while developing more of Michael in The Deviant #5. Although the issue reveals some of Michael’s past, it also creates further questions that tie into the relevant and current explored themes. Tynion and Hixson demonstrate the alienation and fears one can hold when one sees oneself as the “deviant.” 

Story: James Tynion IV Art/Colors: Joshua Hixson Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.4 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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