REVIEW: ‘Devil’s Reign: Superior Four,’ Issue #2

Devil’s Reign: Superior Four #2 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Zac Thompson, art by Davide Tinto, Colours by Matt Milla, and features letters by Ariana Maher. This issue is also a part of the Devil’s Reign event. The plot of this issue is much more manageable than the first. With the concept understood, the grandiosity of the story is underway. The pace is still quick, but nowhere close to the speed of the first chapter. The structure is superb, setting up the final boss in the opening. There is this inevitability that they will soon face him, which actually occurs quicker than expected. Much of the comic is this confrontation, containing both grand posturing and some eventful battles. The result of the fight is a surprise and even alarming to the reader—devastatingly effective by Thompson. And yet, the point from the first issue still stands that it has so little connection to the event that it is a part of.

The characters inside Devil’s Reign: Superior Four #2 are also part of the improvements from the first chapter. The five different Ottos involved in this part are shown to have more personality now, displaying individual tendencies that make them stand out from their counterparts from other Earths. For example, the Wolverine-based Otto is prone to a berserker rage and the Hulk Otto is actually calmer and considered. But what all of them have is ego and arrogance. Doc Ock’s driving force is a need to be better than anyone else. The exploration of this within just this one issue is superb, detailing the fact that there will always be a bigger fish.

The dialogue is great for the majority of the time. The voice of the characters radiates from their conversations. However, there are instances when the power of a moment starts to dwindle by the sheer length of the pompous aggrandising. This is a known feature of Doc Ock and is enjoyable. But remember, there are five of them in this comic.

The art continues to be fantastic. All of the designs for the different Ocks are fantastic. The displays of the Superior Four shows more variety in what they can do with their powers. Demonstrations of abilities by the WolverOck and the Ghost Rider Ock are awesome and heavy metal. But Tinto blows all of them out of the water with the Doom Ock. A large, regal figure, the character is a beautiful blend of two enormously famous villains. The fight scenes are expertly choreographed, with the extra arms, chains, and blades occupying space nicely.

The colours are bright and vibrant, creating a very visually interesting comic. All of the characters have rich shades covering their costumes, though there are perhaps more greens than any other possible colour. The backgrounds are frequently textured but will often just be single coloured, preventing distractions.

The lettering is generally easy to read. However, the green word balloons for the Doctor Doom Ock can sometimes lead to blending between the letters and the background of the balloon.

Devil’s Reign: Superior Four #2 is a much better issue. The reader is comfortable with the plot now. The dimension-hopping aspect is fun and Thompson is adventurous with his decisions. The character is explored by using alternate versions of himself to highlight the key themes of his personality. The art is amazing and the battles are chaotic. What damages it is that it still seems so far removed from Devil’s Reign that it’s actually in another universe. No Daredevil, no Fisk, not even a Moon Knight or Purple Man. On its own, it’s an effective story, but as a tie-in it lacks a connection.

Devil’s Reign: Superior Four #2 is available where comics are sold.