Devil’s Reign: Spider-Man #1 is a character-driven one-shot that dives deeper into Ben Reilly’s Spidey with stunning art and a thrilling story.
In Marvel’s Devil’s Reign, Mayor Wilson Fisk has outlawed superheroes in New York, bringing a host of complications for the caped crusaders of the city. In addition to the difficulties of this current state of affairs, heroes have their own battles to contend with as well. Ben Reilly, the current Spider-Man, has to deal with the ramifications of not just being an outlaw but also a puppet of the Beyond Corporation, who finances him. He soon finds out firsthand that the dangerous members of the Fisk family don’t just include the mayor. Devil’s Reign: Spider-Man #1 makes for a fun, high-octane, character-driven one-shot with some stunning artwork to back up the narrative.
Devil’s Reign: Spider-Man #1, written by Anthony Piper with artwork from Ze Carlos and Erick Arciniega, picks up right from where the previous issue of Spider-Man left off. Immediately after the Human Torch and the Thing rescue Ben from prison, a group of thugs, on the command of a mysterious figure, tries to capture him and fails in the most comical fashion. That mysterious figure turns out to be the Rose, the son of Wilson Fisk. Meanwhile, the Rose kidnaps Ben’s friend at Beyond, Marcus Momplaisir, to use as leverage. With quick intercuts between Spider-Man and his whole host of supporting cast members, the issue shows how Ben Reilly operates under the looming threat of the Rose, while his friends are also put at risk alongside him.
Originally solicited as a three-issue series, Devil’s Reign: Spider-Man #1 is an extended one-shot that does not feel like it drags at all. While the overall plot of the story may appear to be very by the numbers, writer Anthony Piper makes it shine. He leverages the entire cast of characters at his fingertips to drive the story forward and create interconnected character beats that really shine through. This feels like a classic Spider-Man story at its core, while still retaining what makes Ben Reilly’s role as the wall-crawler unique. The fast-paced, linear narrative approach keeps readers on their toes while Spidey wonders just how he can escape his current predicament. With an often-overlooked villain like the Rose, this extended issue is sure to keep readers’ interest.
Ze Carlos’ clean outlines and animated art style add fire to Piper’s writing. There are some incredibly visualized actions sequences, and the way Ben looks in several pages of the comic are sure to become quintessential Spidey artwork for fans. While appearing heroic, Spider-Man is also illustrated as weathered and worn, signifying the weight of his plight. Similarly, the Rose’s design in particular has a suave and sophisticated element that belies a much larger frame — an interesting visual callback to how his father has been presented in comics for decades as well. The exceptional colors of Erick Arciniega also help the artwork pop, with darker backgrounds accentuating the reds and purples of Spider-Man and Rose’s attires. In several panels, effects such as laser blasts or explosions immerse the reader in the punchy and visually enthralling read.
Devil’s Reign: Spider-Man #1 uses its extended page count to put out a great filler issue, containing a fast-paced and entertaining story that is as fun to read as it is to see. While future issues of Ben Reilly’s quest to be the new Spidey will carry on his story, this particular one-and-done adventure brings a bit more pathos to his character and the people who have his back. Devil’s Reign: Spider-Man #1 ends on a hilarious turn of events and re-forges old friendships.
About The Author
For all the latest Comics News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.