Review: ‘The Lucky Devils’ #1 Provides a Humorous Exploration of Morality
THE LUCKY DEVILS #1
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Creative Team
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Ryan Browne
Colorists: Ryan Browne & Kevin Knipstein
Letterer: Christopher Crank
Publisher: Image Comics
TL;DR
The Lucky Devils #1 is a fantastic debut issue that expertly balances humor, heart, and philosophical depth. While it takes a little time to get going, the introduction of Collar and Rake - two hilarious and menacing devils - kicks the story into high gear. With engaging characters and humorous banter, you won’t want to miss this devilishly fun story.
Full Review
Charles Soule, Ryan Browne, and the entire creative team have delivered a comic book that's both entertaining and introspective. At its core, The Lucky Devils #1 asks a profound question: what does it mean to be a good person in a world where evil forces are constantly trying to pull us down?
At the center of this exploration are Cam, an adjunct professor of philosophy, and Starr, a nurse, both of whom are facing their own unique daily struggles. Cam's day is ruined by a string of seemingly bad luck moments that test his patience and moral fiber, while Starr is confronted with the frustrating reality of individuals who seem to effortlessly attract luck and windfalls, despite her own good deeds and hard work. As they navigate their days, they are tempted with opportunities to give up on their own moral compasses.
The issue's pacing gets off to a slightly slow start, with some heavy exposition in the first half underscoring the duality or morality. However, once we meet Collar and Rake, the two entry-level devils working to corrupt Cam and Starr, the story takes off and does’t look back. These mischievous imps bring a delightful blend of humor and menace, and their banter adds a welcome layer of depth to the narrative. They were the highlight of the issue by far and reminded me of two of my favorite Disney characters: Pain and Panic from Disney's Hercules. Like those lovable but bumbling demons, Collar and Rake have a similarly comedic dynamic, but they are shown to be far more capable. They’ve concocted a plan to work alongside Cam and Starr so that all four of them can succeed. Overall, their antics and interactions provide some of the issue's best moments.
Soule's writing balances humor and philosophy, a strange mix that blend well. It’s easy to become invested in the characters' struggles as we’ve all had days go that poorly and wondered who/what was out to get us. Browne's artwork is a perfect match for the story, bringing dynamic visuals to every panel and character design.
The color palette, courtesy of Browne and Kevin Knipstein, is vibrant and eye-catching, adding to the overall sense of visual excitement. Christopher Crank's lettering is top-notch, ensuring that the dialogue and sound effects flow seamlessly throughout the issue and match the overall visual package.
Rating: 9/10
