REVIEW: ‘The Devil That Wears My Face’ Issue #5

The Devil That Wears My Face #5 is published by Mad Cave Studios. Written by Dave Pepose, art by Alex Cormack and letters by Justin Birch. Legion returns to the Vatican to continue his takeover of the church whilst Vieri drowns in the wreckage of a burning ship.

This issue continues the separate missions of both characters. After several issues hunting and fighting each other, they have their own corners to sort out. Maria, Father Vieri’s partner in trying to vanquish the demon, believes her friend to be dead and so takes to the Vatican for vengeance. Vieri has a spiritual confrontation within himself, where the most fascinating revelation stems. The structure moves back and forth between the priest and the demon, allowing tension to build within both segments.

With Legion, there are always nerves regarding what he will do and who will die as a consequence. For Vieri, every time we return to him, a revelation raises suspicion. Mentions of Maria and their actions before the start of the series make the book even more frightening. It sows seeds of doubt in every ally and every possibility of hope. The issue’s final part features an ascension, placing both characters in the most powerful positions.

Pepose’s dialogue is sensational. Every confrontation delivers drama and deliberation. Whoever speaks is powerful, whether they serve Heaven or Hell. Both characters embrace their true selves. Legion’s voice is full of hatred and venom, dripping with contempt for the church. Vieri has to resort back to being a priest, taking confession, and providing deliverance. A priest’s job is to comfort those in turmoil and it is clear that it takes Vieri time to remember that.

The art is fascinating. Vieri’s ordeal is mesmerising. Initially, on a burning ship, he reaches a location that is daunting and hurts to look at. It’s so different to the Legion and inside the Vatican. That is because Vieri is fighting something that isn’t physical. His situation is about the soul of himself and the man he is facing. So, creatures and builds can appear without proper explanation. The chaos is just as manic with Legion, but it is more recognisable. It’s bodies and brutality, with gore erupting in excess. The facial expressions are often harrowing within this book, warping all of the characters until they’re nearly unrecognizable.

The coloring switches between the scenarios using an exciting technique. During Vieri’s most intense moments, the panels are covered in fire. The pages fill with red, orange, and bright white. In many instances, the lines lay on top of the colors instead of vice versa. It’s exhilarating and bewildering simultaneously, and it is not always easy to understand what is happening. The lettering remains as straightforward as possible within all of the carnage.

The Devil That Wears My Face #5 is building towards something huge. Separating Vieri and Legion allows both primary characters to make great strides in their individual arcs. One is free from obstacles, while the other has a mountain to climb. Throughout the series, Pepose consistently highlights the power of both exorcisms and demonic possessions, which is as evident in this issue as ever. Legion’s ferocity clears out everyone in his way, with one last position available for him. The pace is breathtaking. The comic is hurtling towards absolution with a fury that may leave Rome in ashes when it’s finished.

The Devil That Wears My Face #5 is available where comics are sold.