Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Joshua Hixson
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Thanks to Image Comics for the review copy!
The second exhilarating issue in the new horror themed Christmas tale from visionary writer James Tynion IV and acclaimed artist Joshua Hixson. The “Deviant” killer continues his murder spree without our main character Michael having yet caught wind of the new murders. Michael continues to interview witnesses of the original crime while also trying to learn about himself in the process. The latest murder takes a twist with evidence found at the crime scene that could turn this story on it’s head.
Wow! Tynion unpacks a lot of emotional baggage here in the second issue as he continues his story about self exploration and discovery. It’s a deeper dive into the characters in this second issue but it feels like an important issue nonetheless. The dialogue is heavy and can be even harder to swallow at times leaving you both surprised and uncomfortable. One can only imagine this is what Tynion’s goal was as we are witness to conversations that bring us further details on the fragile mindsets of our protagonist Michael and even the assumed original “Deviant” killer Randall. These are two men who just don’t feel at home in their own skin and it’s clear the journey they are on together is so much more than about the original murders.
Through two issues Michael and Randall grow more similar than different and it’s clear Michael is more interested in learning about himself through his conversations with Randall than he is proving Randall’s innocence. He even tells Randall this towards the middle of the issue. However, it’s apparent 50 years later, Randall has already done the time and he’s happy to just have a chat with someone else like him on the outside rather than worry about if anyone believes him or not. His only chance at freedom now is potentially living vicariously through Michael and he’s ok with that. Or so it seems right now.
The issue ends with a thud though as curiously there has been a potential break in the case by way of evidence left on the scene of the latest murder. It’s the kind of evidence that leaves you wondering just what is really going on? Tynion yet again finds a way to turn the tables on everything we thought we knew. It’s a brilliant and completely unpredictable twist that has me thinking of all kinds of possible things. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait and see how it all unfolds in the next issue. Kudos to Hixson and Elhaou as well for really driving the intensity of this story and this issue in particular. The characters’ faces, the placement of the dialogue, the way everything feels so raw and provocative. It just all sizzles and it really sets up the foundation for what is a very powerful and yet emotionally draining issue. You won’t want to miss this book. You’ll be begging for the next issue the second you finish the last page!
My rating – 10/10 Outstanding!!
The Deviant #2 is now available.
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