Comic Review: Devil’s Reign #5

Marvel Comics

Writer: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Marco Checchetto

Color Artist: Marcio Menyz

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Last week’s Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #3 seemed to spoil a major plot point for Devil’s Reign #5. But it now seems like that was intentional, ratcheting up the tension by interpreting information through Elektra’s vengeful eyes. Working up to that grand finale involves one of the lesser installments of the Devil’s Reign events, but it’s a fine enough setup for the concluding sixth issue.

This may sound odd, but Devil’s Reign reminds me a bit of Home Alone (stick with me). Every Christmas I sit down and watch Home Alone and am reminded that Kevin McCallister legitimately believes he wished his family out of existence, rather than simply understanding he’s been left home alone.

Similarly, one could read Devil’s Reign and take it at face value: Wilson Fisk hates superheroes, so he’s doing whatever he can to put them through hell. In reality, this entire event hinges on the fact that Wilson believes Daredevil violated his mind. He cannot move beyond this offense. In this issue, in particular, we see Fisk willing to toss his carefully laid plans into a wood chipper for an iota of payback. Wilson’s mind is precious, his greatest strength against individuals with the proportional strength of a spider or supernaturally heightened senses. The idea that an enemy has compromised this advantage is enough to drive Fisk to madness.

The Champions return in Devil’s Reign #5 and Checchetto’s take on Mile’s new kit is just killer. Meanwhile, Zdarsky seems to be wrapping up–or possibly super-sizing–the Mike Murdock and “Butch Fisk” stories as Devil’s Reign barrels not only towards a conclusion, but the next era of Daredevil. Will Butch be dead and long forgotten? Or a new Kingpin for the Devils of Hell’s Kitchen to dance with?

Doc Ock’s potential impact on the event was put into serious question despite his defenses against Fisk’s mind control abilities. However, while purple powers may have tied off that loose end, Fisk uses the same abilities to tear New York City asunder, cementing his control over the entire population. 

Of course, we can’t forget about Matt. As mentioned, his conflict with Fisk drives this event, and nearly drove Matt to murder just a couple issues ago. Here, however, we see him provide familiar counsel to one of Jebediah’s children, saying: “Taking a life…it’ll haunt you. It’ll eat your soul.”

The last few pages of Devil’s Reign #5 feature some truly event-level team up pages, as well as a brutal homicide. If the cover is indicative, Devil’s Reign #6 will require a whole lot of outside help to set things right.