The Deviant #2 Review

 

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist & Colorist: Joshua Hixson

Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Cover Artist: Joshua Hixson; James Stokoe; Alex Eckman-Lawn; David Talaski;

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 20, 2023

 

Michael interviewed Randall Olsen in prison. Yet he’s unsure why he wants to write about the convicted murderer. Many others have covered the horrific events that took place at Randall’s Murder Barn in 1973. How will Michael’s story be different? Let’s ring in the scary holiday season, peer inside The Deviant #2, and find out!

 

Story

Michael is scared. As he confesses to Tyler, he’s struggling to peer into his soul. Randall has always insisted upon his innocence. The aging convict threatened to stop talking with Michael unless he knew what story he wanted to write. Michael has an inkling of the tale he wants to tell. But will Randall cooperate if Michael's story doesn't proclaim his innocence?

 

In pursuit of his story, Michael visits Paul in Milwaukee. The older man feels a connection to Michael through sharing his story. It’s a story etched upon his face, thanks to the “fag Santa” that attacked him fifty years ago. Paul wants to share his struggles and how his wife helped him look at a Christmas tree without being haunted by memories of the two murdered and mutilated boys. But when Paul realizes who Michael is, he suspects the young man may not share his concerns. Abashed, Michael returns to Randall Olsen. But will Randall help with the story Michael wants to write?

 

Michael has some growing up to do in The Deviant #2. His first tentative steps include grappling with real-world stories about issues that concern him. Michael is also throwing down the gauntlet with himself by taking a hard look at his past. Still, as James Tynion IV makes clear, Michael needs to decide who he is. Like Paul, Michael must finally stand behind his choices and accept where they place him in society. If Michael can do that, he stands a good chance of elevating himself above "shi**y comic bloggers" and writing a story worth telling.

 

 

 

Art

Michael looks uncomfortable in his skin as he gazes anywhere but at his partner. He's gazing inward in their cozy, sparsely furnished apartment. By contrast, Tyler's love for Michael shines brightly, as does his lust for life. Their spindly Christmas tree in The Deviant #2 compares poorly with Paul's. But then, the elder with a scar etched across his face raised a loving, supportive family in his big, impressive house.

 

Most curious of all is the comfort Michael finds in Randall's presence. The aging convict seems amused by Randall. The comic writer is struggling to find his story. Yet Michael shows discomfort as he sits outside on a metal seat. As snowflakes swirl around him, wafting toward the concrete pad, Michael senses a link with the man, whose face betrays far more lines than the one Paul tries to hide.

 

 

 

Joshua Hixson’s coloring imbues The Deviant #2 with holiday cheer. Faces appear overexposed as if lit by an inner glow. Hixson’s loaded palette gives life and vitality to each page. When he uses gray in this thought-provoking holiday saga, it never overwhelms or muddies his artistry.

 

Giant white letters introduce the locations in The Deviant #2. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s large black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons are easy to read. Aside from portraying a doorbell, Tynion IV gives him few opportunities to dazzle us with sound effects. But then, this issue focuses less on action than peering into the depths of Michael’s soul.

 

Thanks to Image Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Michael’s attempt to write about the horrific murder of two department store elves shines a spotlight on the ambiguity of his life--and the way politics and culture often divide us--in The Deviant #2.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.