Share this
The Lucky Devils #1, from the powerhouse creative duo of Charles Soule (8 Billion Genies) and Ryan Brown (Curse Words), delivers a fresh and hilarious take on the eternal battle between good and evil.
This satirical romp follows two mischievous demons orchestrating a rebellion in Hell. The plan is to manipulate two unsuspecting young adults into a deal with the devil.
Packed with clever writing, dynamic visuals, and an innovative storytelling approach, this debut issue sets the stage for a devilishly good series.
Creative Team: Charles Soule (Writer), Ryan Brown (Artist), Ryan Brown and Kevin Knipstein (Colors), Christopher Crank (Letters)
With all the buzz surrounding this book and the excitement in our NI Bullpen, we’re thrilled to share multiple perspectives on the latest masterpiece from Charles Soule and Ryan Brown! Join Ken, Kat, and me as we dive into this thrilling debut from a powerhouse creative team!
The Writing
Marty:
Charles Soule’s script is sharp, layered, and wildly inventive. The dual narrative follows the protagonists, Professor Stane and Nurse Starr, who are drawn into the devils’ schemes. Soule masterfully hooks readers by focusing first on the human characters. He makes them relatable and endearing before introducing the devilish chaos. The standout storytelling technique is the seamless intercutting between the devils’ parallel manipulations of Stane and Starr.
It’s where the dialogue flows between panels as though they’re finishing each other’s sentences. It’s a cinematic approach rarely seen in comics, and it’s executed with finesse. The humor is biting and satirical, yet the story remains grounded in themes of ambition, temptation, and morality. If you enjoyed the narrative wildness of 8 Billion Genies, you’ll feel right at home here.
Kat:
Charles Soule’s writing on Eight Billion Genies was so beautifully done. His writing on The Lucky Devils is Eight Billion Genies, but kicked up 100 levels. He has written a beautiful story that with the art makes this a worthwhile read.
Ken:
Soule pens a deceptive start to this struggle of good and evil. Taking two of the purest souls and attempting to corrupt can be tricky. The writing connects easily with the audience. Both Cam and Starr come from ordinary lives.
The pair strives for more but seem to fall flat. Enter in the “devils on the shoulders” and the story begins to speed forward.
Coller and Rake push their vision onto readers. Soule plays into the human emotions while crafting the set-up. The writing is relatable to secure the theme just enough. It sparks an emotional reaction. Can power corrupt good people? The result lays a swerving foundation.
Leave it to Soule to make a compelling case for the Devils. The closing act puts the cards onto the table. Just when you think you know the set-up, Soule pulls one more surprise before catapulting forward. How lucky are we to read it!
The Art, Colors, and Letters
Marty:
Ryan Brown’s artwork is a feast for the eyes. The character designs, particularly for the devils, brim with personality, from the fiery glow between their horns to the menacing curl of their fingernails. The meticulous line work and expressive faces make the human characters equally compelling.
Brown’s color palette is dynamic, with vibrant hues that accentuate emotional beats and supernatural moments. The subtle use of magical glimmers in key scenes hints at the devilish influence before it’s fully revealed, adding layers of intrigue.
Christopher Crank’s lettering is simple yet impactful, emphasizing specific words with bold fonts and color changes to heighten the tone and emotion. The balance between text and visuals ensures that the pacing feels natural and engaging.
Kat:
Ryan Browning sold me with the art in Eight Billion Genies. Just one issue in, he has sold me with the art in The Lucky Devils. The use of different colors between Detroit and Hell City was such a specific choice, and a very good choice.
Ken:
Browne and Knipstein walk readers through Cam and Starr’s mundane lives. The art shows how the good ones can’t catch a break. From Cam’s botched date to Starr’s “shortcomings”, readers watch as they are put through Life’s grind. Browne’s attention to detail is second to none. There are many fun moments until the Devils crash the party.
Both are introduced with full page images. The split style of pages and panels work to tell each story. Each character and devil get equal time to build their case. There is no confusion on the offer being dangled to both. This all merges with a striking full split image. The formula is continued right to the close. Once here, readers watch the endgame come to life. A knockout two page splash wraps up events for now but readers will be clamoring for more soon.
Final Thoughts
Overall Grade: 9.7/10
Marty: 9.5/10
The Lucky Devils #1 is a must-pull for fans of witty, high-concept storytelling with top-notch art. Soule and Brown have crafted a comic that’s as thought-provoking as it is laugh-out-loud funny. With its innovative techniques and captivating characters, this issue sets a high bar for the series and promises a hellishly good time ahead.
Whether you’re a fan of satirical takes on morality or just love seeing creative teams push the boundaries of the medium, Lucky Devils deserves a spot in your pull list. Don’t miss out on this devilishly delightful debut!
Want More Reviews From martystoked? Click HERE
Kat 10/10:
Image has another fantastic comic series on their hands. With it following in the footsteps of Eight Billion Genies, this is a series that reads of that comic will enjoy. Anyone who hasn’t checked out Eight Billion Genies will also really enjoy this comic as well.
Want more Reviews From Kat? Click HERE
Ken: 9.6
“The Road through Hell is paved with good intentions”. This becomes the ultimate test of good vs. evil in this new series. Soule’s writing plays both sides to make a captivating tale. Browne, Knipstein and Crank bring the intensity and insanity of a devilish vision to life. Get ready for a wild ride!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN
Thanks for checking out our joint review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let us know what comics you’re reading and hit us up on any social media platform! Ken can be found here, Kat can be found here and Marty can be found here! Untill next time…
