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.
