Comic Review: The Death-Defying Devil #1

The Death-Defying Devil #1

Dynamite Entertainment

Writer: Gail Simone

Artist: Walter Geovani

I know nothing about The Death-Defying Devil. I know he’s an established comic book character, but I’ve never read any of his comics. That is, until now. That is, until one Gail Simone started writing for the series. And now, I think I’m going to stick with this series and see where it goes. That’s how good an introduction to the character The Death Defying-Devil #1 is.

That’s not to say the issue is perfect, it’s far from it. Nothing ever really begins perfectly. But it’s good enough to grab me and make me want to find out what’s coming next, and that’s what matters here.  The Death-Defying Devil #1 is about a dangerous neighbour and what happens after the Devil crosses paths with it. What ensues is a brilliant act of stage setting by Simone, setting the stage for something bigger to come,

Simone’s writing is brilliant, The issue is constantly intriguing, with the titular Death-Defying Devil barely saying a word throughout. Some of the side characters are less than memorable for the most part, however. They work as intended in helping to understand the situation that they’re stuck in, which is pretty damn depressing. However, most of them are great. Obviously as mentioned, I didn’t have a clue who the Death-Defying Devil was until this issue, but this issue has not only gave me an idea of who he is, it’s given me an idea of what he is, what he’s good at and what type of person he is. That’s the sort of thing only a great writer is able to do, and Simone manages it brilliantly.

Geovani’s art is pretty good, too. It’s not perfect (some of the panels are just a bit too devoid of detail for my liking), and some of the character designs just don’t sit right with me), but overall I enjoy it. Most of the time he captures facial expressions pretty well, and the Death-Defying Devil himself looks striking in his black and red costume. It’s just a shame that sometimes I look at the art and think “What am I looking at here?”

All in all, this is a great entry point for anybody like me who knows absolutely nothing about The Death-Defying Devil. Simone’s writing is brilliant (as to be expected for a writer of her calibre), and Geovani’s art, while flawed, is pretty good. Check this one out when it releases, and stick with it. I have a feeling it’s going to become something that’s a must-read.

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