Review: Lucky Devil #1 (of 4)

What’s that you say? You haven’t had your horror quota this week? Then you might be a Lucky Devil yourself, as one of the hardest working writers in showbiz, Cullen Bunn, has a new series, this time from Dark Horse Comics, hitting the racks this week.

Lucky Devil follows the story of Stanley, a down-on-his-luck schlub who lives his life of quiet desperation. Happy to trade off his own happiness in life to be with a girl of dreams, who also takes advantage of him by sleeping around. The open secret is just one of the many of the infractions, indignities and insults that Stanley has to suffer in a life of near servitude. that is until he gets possessed. Scared by the power of his own anger when used in conjunction with the demon, Stanley looks to rid himself of the demon inside; and that when the fun really begins!

Cullen Bunn has added a level of dark humour to his usual horror leanings. There are some influences in play, probably the cheating girlfriend of Wanted will be the most recognisable. Putting that to one side, Bunn writes a seemingly conventional story, filled with a mix of characters, with a few oddities thrown in for good measure. However, there is a twist in the tale that really kick-starts this book. By using some recognisable elements, the support meeting, the exorcism, Bun. cleverly plays with the readers expectations, a talent that really works with an ageing audience which can bemoan everything as “I have seen that before”.

Fran Galán provides the art for the book, delivering a kind of angular style that uses heavy lines in order ensure that the characters pop against the prevailing darkness that seems to surround Stanley both emotionally and spiritually. Very much like the writing, the art feels a tad of kilter, before the crazy demonic make everything go to, well, hell. For all the angular elements that feature throughout the book, Galán adds a level of realism to proceedings. It’s an impressive feat to be sure; where else can you see a curvy woman in lingerie and a New Orleans type of witch doctor, both equally well represented. It is almost as impressive as the colors, from Galán again whose scheme is murky, then red, then more red before things get really red! There is a depth, a sort of horrific resonance tot he colors that really sell the idea behind the book. Finally, El Torres uses a kind of scratchy font that adds to the overall vibe of the book.

Not being a huge horror fan, I always get a tad nervous reading a book from the genre. As a non-fan, it would be easy for me to dismiss the book as trite or not particularly scary. The thing is, I think that the true horror in the book is the life that Stanley is leading before getting possessed. Bunn’s comedic, albeit dark comedic touches works well giving the reader a chance to root for Stanley. How these elements will continue to intertwine will be the make or break for the book. Either way, this mini-series is off to a great start.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Written by; Cullen Bunn
Art by; Fran Galán
Letters by; El Torres
Published by; Dark Horse Comics

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network