Locked behind bars and blamed for the recent killings, Michael waits in a jail cell as the public believes him to be the new Deviant Killer. His partner Derek takes it upon himself to solve this decades-long, horrific mystery to free his partner from prison. Derek realizes he can only save Michael and clears his name by meeting the original accused Deviant Killer, Randall Olsen. As Derek works on his investigation, FBI Agent Hall reaches out to a true crime fan who sells replica Deviant Killer masks that match the one found in Michael’s closet. The Deviant #7 by James Tynion IV and Joshua Hixson gives Derek and Michael a potential light of hope out of this extremely dark tunnel.

The issue’s highlight lies in Derek and Randall’s conversations as two generations of the LGBTQ+ community talk to each other. Even before prison, Randall had to build up high walls to survive in society and only made them higher since being framed as the Deviant Killer. Seeing the worst homophobic aspects of society firsthand made him into a bitter ghost of a man that others could project their thoughts onto. Derek does not back down and can break his shell by giving him hope that the future can improve by citing his relationship with Michael. More importantly, it lies in the solidarity of the different generations of the LGBTQ+ community to fight back against oppression. Derek acknowledges the darkness that Randall experienced but does not look away or escape but understands it. Unlike Michael’s preoccupation with his personal history and feelings towards Randall as a monster, Derek sees the man’s flaws first. I applaud Tynion for not pulling any punches in this confrontation and making Randall into a fascinating and complex queer character. Lastly, I do find it interesting how he also highlights the more subtle homophobia that still exists in the modern day with the online trustworthy crime merchant describing Agent Hall as “faggy” after he leaves. As a Black gay FBI agent, he does not experience as much overt and explicit homophobia but more dog whistles, such as in the case of his interactions with Paul. Even if you belong to a high office, you are still defined by your queerness. Despite not explicitly stating his overall emotions towards the case, it becomes hard to ignore how much of his identity as a gay man impacts how he sees the case compared to the other cis het members of law enforcement. 

Conversely, Agent Hall questions a woman who sells serial killer memorabilia and merchandise to true crime fans. During their talk, Tynion demonstrates how people like her do not care about the victims or even any of the people involved but are more invested in the mythology and how to sell it, especially after she decides to market her masks tied to real-life crimes due to the killer using one. Although not all true crime fans lack humanity like her, the presentation of Midwestern Nice, in contrast with her capitalistic nature, underlines the horrific nature of capitalizing off real-world tragedies for profit. Especially now with true crime becoming a hot bed within entertainment, it can become easy to fall into the crafted narratives instead of understanding the real world consequences these events cause. Obsession creates a black vortex that sucks you in and will gradually drain the air from your lungs. 

Hixson’s atmospheric visuals capture the chilly and melancholic nature of the story. I appreciate Hixson’s continuing the slow and deliberately paced narrative in his drawing, colors, and paneling. It all feels well structured, with each moment serving a specific purpose that draws the reader deeper into the story. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s emotive lettering makes the story more thrilling and enthralling.

Tynion and Hixson are crafting a unique tale in The Deviant #7 that touches on themes and ideas extremely close to me and other members of the LGBTQ+ community. I give Tynion a lot of credit for taking these big swings and hitting another home run in this issue. Even when it feels like darkness has fully engulfed your life and you have no hope left, sometimes you need a helping hand to help you swim to the surface and find the light.

Story: James Tynion IV Art/Colors: Joshua Hixson Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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