This is it! The mini-event Devil’s Reign wraps up with Devil’s Reign #6 that has emotions running high and the fate of our heroes and New York City hanging in the balance. It nearly nails the dismount with an ending that’s surprisingly satisfying even if in some ways justice doesn’t prevail.
Written by Chip Zdarsky, Devil’s Reign #6 has the heroes attempting to confront Wilson Fisk and his deputized villains as well as Purple Man’s army. They have the difficult task of taking on the hoards of individuals while trying not to hurt them and also fighting villains while the whole city watches. Kingpin has murdered Mike Murdock sending Daredevil and Elektra/Daredevil in a rage. Elektra thinks Fisk has killed Matt while Matt is out for revenge due to the murder of his “brother”. It all creates of a hell of a satisfying battle where we get to see what these heroes are really made of and how much they truly stand and believe in what they’re doing.
Will Fisk face justice?
Zdarsky answers that in a series of endings that shift all over from what might have been a rather unsatisfying finale to one that feels oddly appropriate. It sets up an unknown and intriguing future not just for Fisk but for his son, Daredevil, and Elektra/Daredevil. There’s also the future of Luke Cage who will become the Mayor of New York which has all sorts of potential and feels so right for the character built of grassroots street level activism.
The art by Marco Checchetto continues to be solid. Joined by Marco Menyz on color and lettering by Clayton Cowles, there’s a lot to pack in visually. There’s massive battles with dozens of individuals to the focus of the highs and lows of events emotionally. Everything is solid delivering such great emotional punches when needed. From the sadness to the happiness of loss and discovery to a simple moment of news breaking over the phone, the visuals take us on the rollercoaster of a ride that Zdarsky has set up. There’s so many small details here that really make the story and moments, it’s really solid and impressive work.
Devil’s Reign #6 is a great ending. While I wish it was a bit more self-contained, it’s set up of what’s to come doesn’t quite make you feel like you absolutely need to continue. With one more follow up issue to come, the event is one of the best Marvel has recently released keeping things compact, focused, and delivering actual emotional punches. While in the end the good guys win and the future seems brighter, it’s also a reminder that even in victory it doesn’t mean justice will completely prevail.
Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Marco Checchetto
Color: Marco Menyz Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
Source: Graphic Policy
