Cam works as an underpaid adjunct philosophy professor, and Starr works as an overworked nurse, and the world seems to be against both of them. Yet their daily problems and hurdles are not random, but because of Collar and Rake, two devils whose sole job is to make their lives a living hell and hope they can climb the infernal corporate ladder. Sensing the system is broken, the two devils cross a significant boundary and recruit their assigned humans to assist them with flipping hell on its head. Charles Soule and Ryan Browne offer a comedic take on good, evil, and what we might do to rise above the ranks of life in The Lucky Devils # 1.

As a teenager, I fell in love with C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, with which The Lucky Devils #1 shares some DNA. Approaching the notions of morality from more of a philosophical bent than a purely religious angle, Soule and Browne do an excellent job of introducing the cast and the world and its rules. I feel a kinship not only with Cam and Starr but also with Collar and Rake due to being a late twenty-something working and trying not to drown and give in to temptation, hoping the future will work out. The notion of the devil on your shoulder is not a wholly original concept, but their approach of using their humans to break the system makes it fresh and enjoyable.

Regarding morality, Rake and Collar make their humans the most influential people on Earth not through sinful actions but by working together, creating a cog in the typical hell workflow of promotions and success. Their rebellion lies not in the disgust of the corruption of humans but in the idea of them not being able to advance in their jobs based on how good of people Cam and Starr are. As a result, the four characters are essentially in a forced alliance since they cannot truly escape anything on their own. Approaching the corporate rat race through this hellish lens highlights the depths we might go to to find another route or path forward.

Browne’s art and colors drive home the frustration and monotony of trying to survive as an adult. Whether on Earth or in hell, the mundanity will kill you slowly and surely. I also appreciate Browne emphasizing the humor of the narrative while never dropping the severe stakes. Along with letterer Christopher Crank, the visuals expertly thread life’s naturalism, the darker and grosser aspects of hell, and the hardships they experience.

As a fan of their previous collaborations, Soule and Browne delivered another hit with The Lucky Devils #1. It’s a hell of a good time and devilishly delightful. 

Story: Charles Soule: Art/Color: Ryan Browne
Letterer: VC’s Christopher Crank
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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