Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, Creators Unleashed, dynamite, entertainment, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Matt Triano, The Devilers

Review Of The Devilers #1

I don't normally do reviews. Mainly because I'm a comic writer myself and I feel like critiquing my peers is kind of pretentious. So for me to do a review of the book it has to be something unique. The fact that I am friends with Joshua Hale Fialkov and I've worked with Matt Triano in the past made this even more interesting for me.

With Dynamite talking about Creators Unleashed as their bid for the Vertigo and Image markets, I wasn't really sure what I was going to get with this book. With a title like The Devilers it almost sounded like a story about a 70s cult. And when I think of Fialkov's work I think of the first few things I read from him like Elk's Run and Western Tales Of Terror… this isn't that, but what I got was a pleasant surprise.

The first issue starts with a basic set up about a priest who has lost his faith and has the ability to see demons. He's in a bar having a drink with a reporter looking for something to believe in as the Vatican City is in flames. From there the issue is a fast paced meet the team led by a Cardinal, a bear demon and with four others of various nationalities and religions. Included in this is one tough-ass sixteen year old Asian girl.

The story here is mostly set up. Fialkov gives you a few minor threats along the way but mostly it's a meet and greet and exposition piece. Hard to do otherwise when you are creating an entire new world in just twenty-two pages. He gives you enough to gets you interested in the set up, a hint at everyone's personalities and the sense of urgency letting you know this is going to be a quick chaotic run through seven issues.

Though Fialkov is the bigger name, I think the star of the book is artist Matt Triano. The book feels like an old 70s Marvel horror comic and that comes mainly from the art. Triano's work here is completely his own yet it carries a feel reminiscent of Gene Colan's work on Tomb of Dracula. The shadowing and the layouts give the book a great mood and leaves me wanting more.

This is a well put together book and a good choice to launch the Creators Unleashed line. The story is a bit of a tease as we only get a brief idea of what's going on but a strong promise of a good story. The artwork will pull you in and definitely make you want more.

For more on The Devilers, click here. Note – this is an early review. This book is just now being ordered by retailers for a July release. So let them know you want it soon.

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