Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Joshua Hixson
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Thanks to Image Comics for the review copy!
A new horror themed Christmas tale from visionary writer James Tynion IV and acclaimed artist Joshua Hixson. As Christmas approaches the infamous “Deviant Killer” seems to have returned although the man accused for these atrocities has been locked up for 50 years. As the accused is interviewed by a young writer behind bars we learn that Santa might not be the only thing going bump in the night this holiday.
Tynion has done it again! I continue to marvel at the creativity and originality that he is able to churn out on such a regular basis. At some point you have to sit back and wonder what’s locked inside that head of his that he doesn’t tell us! haha! Joking aside. The first issue of The Deviant is unsettling, disturbing, and wrought with horror and at times it feels like it may be one of the most personal or introspective stories Tynion has written. You can’t help but get caught up in the psychological elements put on display in this book. Take away the sheer horror and there are some parts of this story and the characters themselves that are just plain sad. In this way Tynion does a fantastic balancing act of creating a purposely dramatic tone that he can build the horror around. Pushing the level of anxiety and intrigue to constantly climatic level peaks. There’s a fantastic conversation that is had between our young writer and the convicted killer that really sets the tone of this book. I have to imagine Tynion went to some very dark places to write this. Hixson works magic with the pencils dialing in the gore, details and setting of this book. I love the way it’s drawn and brought to life in true Christmas fashion. The book just looks great in general. The colors, lettering, and just all of it really work well. It’s a book that will give you all the chills and goosebumps this holiday season. Issue 2 of this 9 issue mini-series can’t get here soon enough for me. Check it out today!
My rating – 10/10 Superb!!
The Deviant #1 is now available.
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