Come check out the latest Marvel’s Event! Wilson Fisk is the mayor of New York City and enacts a new policy making superheroes illegal. Find out more in Devil’s Reign #1 by Marvel Comics!

Devil's Reign #1 Review — **You can purchase this issue via the comiXology affiliate link**

DEVIL’S REIGN #1 (OF 6)

Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Colorist: Marcio Menyz
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Editor: Devin Lewis
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: December 8th, 2021

Previously in Devils Reign: Daredevil and Kingpin have been enemies for many, many years. Once, Daredevil’s identity as Matt Murdock was revealed and the world knew it, but he backtracked and found a way to make everyone forget. Meanwhile, Wilson Fisk has shed his identity as the Kingpin and became the mayor of New York City. But his obsession with Daredevil makes him realize that his memory has been messed with and he once knew Daredevil’s secret identity.

WHAT YOU DO FOR REVENGE

Devil’s Reign #1 pits Daredevil against Wilson Fisk. Fisk is upset about his missing memory and Daredevil goads him about it. This causes Fisk to enact the Powers Act, which makes unsanctioned “Super Hero Activity” illegal. He brings in specialized Officers called the Thunderbolts Unit to begin making arrests. When superheroes still choose to save lives, it leaves to active confrontations between the Thunderbolts and powered beings. Heroes like Daredevil, Spider-Man, and Electra try and keep people safe, and they realized how tyrannical Fisk’s actions are. Luke Cage and Jessica Jones saves some people from an accident and causes Luke to say a speech about how it isn’t illegal to help other people, which is recorded by bystanders.

To add more complexity, Wilson Fisk knows Butch is the new Kingpin and claims he is clearing out superheroes to allow him to continue his criminal activity. Mr. Fantastic and Sue Storm has been arrested and Doctor Octopus has taken over the Baxter Building. And Tony Stark is going to run for mayor to oppose Wilson Fisk!

SO MUCH GOING ON

Usually when you have these large events, they tend to be larger than life. It interests me that Devil’s Reign #1 seem very street level and that is kind of cool. Unfortunately, we have already dealt with Civil War as a plot line, and Devil’s Reign is on a much smaller scale. But I think the creative team knew that, so they aren’t focusing on the overarching plot, but rather on the characterization of a lot of characters. Which I think is an incredibly smart move. Captain America, Daredevil, Fisk, Luke Cage, and many more got incredible moments that are skillfully written. When you have such a large cast, fiction tends to focus on the plot and some of the characters. In this one, I have a strong grasp on every cast member.

My biggest interest is Fisk’s motivation. He is an incredibly complex character in this story. We see him doing many things in this issue, including the murder of the Purple Man. And the worst part is, he brings up some valid points about the destruction superheroes sometimes bring. But it is negated because I, the reader, knows he is a villain. Is he doing this for revenge? For his kid? Or does he believe this is the greater good? I don’t know but I am invested to find out.

BOTTOM LINE: I AM HOOKED

I wasn’t sure if I was going to pick up this comic book, but I am glad I did. Watching this street level (by comparison) event has engaged my attention. While the plot line feels old, the character development incredibly complex and interesting. The only thing that bothers me is the price tag. I think the art and writing is masterful, but you are getting around 30 pages of comic for the price. I think it is worth it, but it may be too large for some wallets. 4.5 out of 5 stars for Devil’s Reign #1 by Marvel Comics!

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