BRING ON THE BAD GUYS: RED SKULL #1: The Devil’s in the Red

Red Skull has always had it out for Captain America, and his thirst for revenge knows no bounds. Red Skull finds himself in the waning days of World War Two. Having made a deal with Mephisto that could change his rivalry forever.

Written by Stephanie Phillips

Art by Tommaso Bianchi

Colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr

Letters by VC’s Travis Lanham

Cover by Lee Bermejo

Soul Daggers by Marc Guggenheim, Michael Sta. Maria, Dono Sanchez-Almara, and VC’s Travis Lanham.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

You know it really isn’t fair of Stephanie Phillips to make us have to root between a Nazi scientist with a million clones and Red Skull. This is a match that has us wishing everyone involved would lose.

There is historical significance tied into this story which, as a history nerd I appreciate. It was a thirst for endless power through science. She plays into this as Red Skull uses this to his advantage.

The addition of a third party, and that third party being Mephisto, drew me further into the plot of this issue. There is something more at play that will continue to carry forward in the next Bad Guys issue.

The Artwork:

Bianchi and Farjardo Jr. set the tone immediately with a bloody opening page, setting the stage for how far the Red Skull will go. The detail and shading on Skull’s face add depth to the devilish and evil intent that he has throughout. One of the standouts for me is the level of detail with Mephisto, particularly how he is drawn into the mirror and his reflection shows through it. The cracks in Skulls face as he smiles brings out a haunting and uneasy feeling, leaving the reader with it imprinted after every panel.

Michael and Dono give us a sharp-toned taste of what is to come in the next issue, the way the eyes of Mephisto and Sister Sorrow lack remorse and feelings. The reds and shadings craft the horror vibe and give us just enough of a taste to keep the reader hooked.

Final Thoughts:

Something sinister is coming, and the way Phillips puts even Red Skull under the spell of Mephisto and his twisted ways will leave the reader with chills as Bianchi and Fajardo Jr invoke a level of unease with the art, making this a must-have issue.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Let us know what you thought about this issue in the comments below and check out more from Matt at http://linktr.ee/hopsgeeknews