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
Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
Source: Graphic Policy
