Devil’s Due/1First Comics 2016
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray
Illustrated by John Timms
Coloured by David Curiel
Lettered by Bill Tortolini
Forensic Recall Detectives Drexler and Kline uncovered more questions than answers as they attempted to uncover the identity of the handy that kidnapped a ten-year old mute girl Kalina Skagitoff after her parents were gunned down by hired killers.
Oh my goodness seriously is did I just read this?!? I mean the first issue was great and it introduced us to these interesting characters and really there was something wonderful about Spencer and him being so simple and having to take off with the Kalina. As if the end of last issue weren’t enough to open this way and keep it escalating the way it did throwing all kind of different characters into the mix I mean c’mon. Oh by different characters I mean the cops and a seemingly endless supply of hired thugs who show up out of nowhere turning this whole thing into an incredible firefight.
Now upon my third or fourth reading, yeah this is one of those that you’ll finish and immediate restart reading to see what you missed, I did start noticing things. So pay attention to what’s happening here you won’t be sorry. Still seeing Spencer trying to get Kalina out of this mess and turning to a temple of sorts well I really liked how things just happened. Poor Spencer is just overwhelmed but what’s happening and you can see that in John and David’s work.
Actually the guys do some rather stellar work on the interiors here. From emotions that flow off the characters to interesting settings which include all the aforementioned shooters they bring a great feel to the book. Without revealing anything later on it gets more impressive so you’ll have to judge for yourself as you read the issue. But I do like John’s eye for composition, use of the pages and panels to move the eye along the page it works really well.
We do get to meet two new characters this issue. While I was kind of surprised that things seemed to happening at a lightning pace with everything going on around them it makes sense. Plus nothing feels rushed or crammed in. There’s so much going on that while you are enjoy the moment you are still wondering how these new characters fit in and before you know it suddenly this isn’t about just two anymore it’s about an impromptu team.
We do learn a number of things this issue and some more startling than others but the boys don’t really give you a moment to catch your breath or settle in from before another one hits you. It’s like wham bam and suddenly you’re in a cage fight trying not to get hit. I don’t think a set-up for a series has been this action packed, exciting and chock full of surprises as this one is.
Once again Jimmy and Justin prove why when they team up you can’t prepare yourself what’s going to happen. This is an amazing thrill ride that’s only just started.