Comic Review: Demon Wars: The Iron Samurai (2022-) #1 (of 4)

Marvel Comics
Written by: Peach Momoko
Art and Cover by: Peach Momoko
Co-scripted by: Zack Davisson
Lettering by: VC’s Ariana Maher

I never thought I would describe Elektra as an “adorable little scamp,” but that is the magic of Peach Momoko. The cover artist extraordinaire’s first foray into interior art was a resounding success, and the Demon Days saga continues with The Iron Samurai, the first installment of Demon Wars.

In what appears to be a prelude to Momoko’s take on Civil War, The Iron Samurai opens on a hungry, headless demon confined to a cave, giving serious Carnage vibes. It would be a fitting parallel to Demon Days, which centered on a samurai duel against a demonic snake-demon named Venom.

Throughout the issue, Momoko’s art blurs the line of dreams and nightmares. Her palette is often subdued, allowing vivid magic and levity to really pop, while at the same time sharpening the darker, more ghostly edges of her world. Momoko also excels when it comes to clothes, costumes, and hairstyles. Princess Mariko’s design feels simple and charming, when in reality each component is intricate, verging on opulence.

But Momoko’s general style has been on display for years as a variant cover specialist. One of the most enjoyable aspects of entering Peach Momoko’s Marvel Universe has been learning how she lays out her pages. Momoko has a filmic eye, with numerous panels devoted to atmospheric detail: shoes, the leafs of a plant in the morning light. Her art is an aesthetic marvel, but also an effective tool for rooting readers in her fairytale world of monsters and warriors.

And that’s what Demon Wars is: a fairytale. News reports warn of ominous weather patterns. Wise old women ward their homes against impending curses. Not to mention the sentient samurai armor, the winged, masked warrior, the panther person on a secretive mission–and Mariko, taking it all in stride.

It will be interesting to see Momoko take on a “grander” narrative after Mariko’s simple hero quest in Demon Days. There are many characters to meet, sides to be chosen, and a demon to slay. And I can’t help but wonder if Mariko will encounter Sai, from The Tale of Kirisaki Mountain. Fortunately, Momoko’s pages warrant days, weeks, months of attention; Demon Wars: Shield of Justice is due out in November.