Devil’s Reign has been one of the best Marvel events in some time. The story has kept things rather grounded and an organic continuation of a story that’s been going on for some time as opposed to some random global threatening event. There’s been some action but the series so far has been a bit more low-key. Wilson Fisk has continued his attempt to win re-election through manipulation. The heroes are standing against him. There’s a new law banning heroes, something we’ve seen before. But it’s all worked. Devil’s Reign #5 is a good entry in the story but is a bit bumpier than previous issues.

Written by Chip Zdarsky, the heroes have rallied to confront him and his Thunderbolts. Fisk has capture the Purple Man’s kids and added their abilities to the plan. There’s a ratcheting of things up leading to the expected fisticuffs as well as an action by Fisk that was rather obvious.

Devil’s Reign #5 has sort of been in the news due to a death being spoiled in Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #3. But, is it? What would happen feels a little obvious and plays out as expected. It’s not really something that’s been spoiled in the traditional sense. It feels a bit more soap opera instead. The fallout has one of two paths as well and it’ll be interesting to see which is taken in the end. It’s all rather too predictable and falls a bit too much into the two sides fighting. What has been a solid four issue build up begins to show its faults. It falls into a lot of punching on top of a narrative that feels a bit choppy as well, like a scene or page is missing.

The art by Marco Checchetto continues to be great. With color by Marcio Menyz and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic looks fantastic. There’s interesting moments like when the final fight begins, the coloring feels like it shifts like a cloud has been lifted. There’s also a little bit of restraint as well. Fisk’s key scene feels like it should or could have been more brutal.

Devil’s Reign #5 continues an entertaining event series but it falls into some traps like the expected extended fight. I hoped the series would deliver something a little different and with one more issue it might, but, this is an issue that feels like it’s a bit rougher than the others delivering something we’ve seen before far too many times.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Marco Checchetto
Color: Marcio Menyz Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Devil’s Reign has been a fantastic even so far. It’s been a mix of action, twists, and a story that has something to ponder below its surface. Devil’s Reign #4 continues all of that as the series begins to hurtle towards its finale. It brings everything together for an issue that sets up what’s to come in the final two issues and is full of emotion.

The heroes are beaten down. Wilson Fisk has a grip on New York City with his new Thunderbolts as well as Doc Ock’s creations patrolling and keeping the peace. Add in that friends have gotten hurt and you have that low moment for them all before they can rally and turn it all around.

Fisk is struggling too. He’s being taunted by Doc Ock, his son hates him, and he can’t remember the identity of Daredevil. But, most importantly, he can’t find peace. He has almost everything he wants, power, wealth, a wife, and yet he can’t settle. It’s an interesting issue that shows the compulsion of the character that’s his undoing.

Writer Chip Zdarsky has kept the event grounded which is partially why it has been so successful. Some of the grander characters are imprisoned letting the “street level” characters shine. Even Captain America has taken a back seat to Daredevil and Jessica Jones when it comes to decisions. Zdarsky has show with Devil’s Reign not every event needs to be world threatening. There are times entertainment can be derived from simple things like policy that has gone wrong.

Zdarksy is helped by Marco Checchetto‘s art with Marcio Menyz‘s colors and Clayton Cowles‘ lettering. The trio have put together a story that has gloom in its visuals but it’s never depressing. There’s an overcast about it that fits the narrative but never causes it to drag. The characters look great as well. The art is able to balance a jail break with an emotional moment between father and son. The series has been fantastic at capturing the emotion of the characters and this issue is a prime example. You can feel the anger of Jessica Jones. You can see the frustration and guilt of Matt Murdock. Visually, the comic is impressive with a fantastic match of story and art.

Devil’s Reign #4 is another solid issue of Marvel’s best event in quite a while. The story is one that is influenced by what has come before but delivers it in a new and updated twist. There’s some real emotion here and a lot that will make you pause and think. With just two more issues left, it’s up in the air as to how this all will end but one thing guaranteed is there’s going to be some shifts when things are all done.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Marco Checchetto
Color: Marcio Menyz Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Marvel’s recent events have been rather mixed in quality. Some start off really strong to only sputter by the third issue. Others just never quite click with the concepts better than the execution. Devil’s Reign #3 bucks the trends going three for three with quality and entertainment.

Mayor Fisk has tightened his grip on New York City and looks to running strong in his re-election thanks to the help of the Purple Man. Standing in his way is Luke Cage who has decided to step up to run against Fisk for Mayor and the remaining heroes who have gone underground to do what they do best.

Written by Chip Zdarsky, Devil’s Reign #3 does a fantastic job of balancing a lot of plot threads, giving each more than enough time to grow in their various ways. Ben Reilly’s arrest, Luke’s campaign, Sue Storm in jail, Doc Ock, and more, it’s all packed into an issue that barrels ahead.

What I think Zdarsky does amazingly well is deliver a story that’s downright depressing in may ways but doesn’t feel dark. There’s still a glimmer of hope through the frustration so many of the heroes are showing. What’s great is also the “street level” heroes are taking the lead in this event with characters such as Captain America taking a backseat and following their lead. It’s an interesting dynamic that puts Daredevil, Luke Cage, and even Miles Morales more in the spotlight

The art is fantastic as well. Marco Checchetto delivers a style that fits the mood, helped by Marcio Menyz‘s colors and Clayton Cowles‘ lettering. Like the story itself, there’s a darkness and cloud that hangs over the art but at no point does it feel depressing. There’s a frustration that oozes off the page as the heroes feel beat down but not beaten. There’s also some humorous moments through it all as well, nailing the little bit of levity that Zdarsky’s script brings. The art also transitions so well from debates around a table to full on action without missing a beat.

Devil’s Reign #3 continues what is one of the best Marvel events in some time. There’s a depth and layer to the story that can be enjoyed as well as its surface level details. It includes some heavy hitters while also not allowing them to steal the spotlight. This is an event that has potential to blow up bigger in the Marvel Universe, and there’s an energy about the story and art that captures that so well. This is an event that’s not to be missed.

Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Marco Checchetto
Color: Marcio Menyz Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics