Indie Comics Review: LUCKY DEVIL #3
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Fran Galan
Colours: Fran Galan
Letters: El Torres
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Reviewed By: Derek McNeil
Summary
Lucky Devil #3: After an exorcism gone wrong, down-on-his-luck schlub Stanley finds he’s retained all of the demon’s supernatural powers and positions himself as the leader of an insane worldwide cult–only to find himself pissing off the demons of hell who are hot on his heels for revenge.
Positives
In Lucky Devil #3, things appear to be going well for Stanley. After having allied with the Church of Lucifer, his spiritual movement is picking up steam. However, Stanley finds that he’s being hunted by demons who intend to kill him.
The exorcist who accidentally cause Stanley to get his demonic powers returns, trying to warn Stanley about messing with the powers of Hell. But unfortunately, he almost gets Stanley, Dezzy, and himself killed. To protect himself from Stanley, he binds Stanley from using his powers. Unfortunately, this leaves Stanley helpless when the demons catch up with him. Luckily, he breaks the spell in time to allow Stanley to deal with the demons.
I find it interesting that the exorcist was able to block Stanley’s powers this way. This implies that there are limits to Stanley’s power, and thus, the demons are a real threat to him and his friends. And Stanley realizes this. He tells his associates, “The powers of Hell aren’t happy with me. I’ve been flaunting these abilities of mine. Spitting right in their faces. And they’re sending demonic assassins to kill me… and anyone I associate with”.
Positives Cont.
However, it seems that Zedirex has a plan to get them out of this mess. He explains, “…it’s super simple. All we’ve gotta do… is go to Hell… and strike a bargain with Satan himself”. That doesn’t sound simple at all. And can they trust that Zedirex’s plan is not just a scheme for him to regain his power? He is a demon after all. And I don’t see that he would be motivated to help Stanley.
This issue raises some interesting questions. How do they get to Hell? And will Stanley be able to deal with Satan? And what price will he have to pay if he makes a deal with the devil? Or will he have to fight Satan? And if so, can he hope to win?
I love Fran Galan’s artwork on this series. It has a slightly cartoony, yet still horrific vibe, much like the classic EC horror comics. And Galan’s is deft at choosing the right colours to evoke the right mood for each scene. I’m not familiar with any of his other work, but I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for anything he’s illustrating in the future.
Negatives
I can’t find any fault with either Bunn’s story or Galan’s artwork. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story going into it, but I haven’t been disappointed with it so far.
Verdict
Lucky Devil #3 is another great issue of Cullen Bunn’s fascinating horror miniseries. I am eager to see what Bunn and Galan’s version of Hell looks like when Stanley and his friends go there next issue. I’m sure Cullen Bunn has a Hell of a conclusion in store for us.
