MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: Devil’s Reign #2 REVIEW

With such a triumphant return for the Kingpin in the recently concluded Hawkeye series and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is quite fitting that Wilson Fisk is also taking over the pages of Marvel Comics. And in this most recent issue of Devil’s Reign, Ben is the main target for baddies like Taskmaster and Whiplash. Kingpin is now the mayor, but he definitely has bigger and grander plans in his head. But his priority will always be taking down his enemies, those masked superheroes that have always given him such a hard time in life. And you can bet that Spider-Man is right at the top of that list. A classic rivalry is renewed and the stakes are higher than ever. Happy New Year, indeed!

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

Published:

December 29, 2021

Writer:

Chip Zdarsky

Penciler:

Marco Checchetto

Cover Artist:

Marco Checchetto

Wilson Fisk has set the Marvel Universe on a dangerous and violent path, hoping to remake it in his own image. Systematically leveraging the power of his office against the heroes of the Marvel Universe, Fisk takes his most dangerous and craven step yet… The THUNDERBOLTS are reporting for duty! ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Hizzoner isn’t the only one with ambitions—the forces he’s marshaled do as well. You know what they say about honor among thieves…

THERE’S A NEW KING IN TOWN!

PROS:

• It is always interesting to see Ben living in Peter’s shadow, not only in the eyes of his fellow heroes, but also even as perceived by the villains. In this issue of Devil’s Reign, Taskmaster and Whiplash target Peter’s old office to finally uncover who Spider-Man is… but Ben arrives just in time to ruin their plans… to some extent. At the end of their brilliant action-packed sequence and fight, Ben seems to lose his powers and he falls to his doom, quite literally. But this issue does a great job of creating more sympathy for Ben as the substitute Spider-Man for now, as he declares that it doesn’t matter who is in the suit. If people are in danger, Spider-Man runs to them. And that is all we need to see as fans.
• Also, a classic Spider-Man villain, Doctor Octopus, is properly given his time to shine, as he appears to be working with Kingpin… for now. It is obvious that he also has bigger schemes spinning in his mind, and he still believes he is “superior” to everybody else. The last page of the issue gives us a glimpse of what Doctor Octopus will unleash on the Marvel Universe, for better or for worse, in this era currently being ruled by the Kingpin with an iron fist. Speaking of iron fists… Danny chose to play this low-key but we’re not sure how that’s turning out for him right now. But the bottom line is that Doctor Octopus has his own sights set on being king.
• Reed and Sue being total romantic gangsters in jail is a delight to witness. These two are a lot tougher than we think, and still head over heels for one another. You have to love these precious gems, these sweet moments portraying the power of love, even in these darkest of times.
• The most powerful scene of the entire comic book was Tony Stark thinking he would be the candidate to run against Kingpin, only to be rejected by his peers. Granted, Luke Cage is the better option and a stronger choice to run, but that little shot the creative team gave us is showing Tony saddened and hurt by the decision, and that is surely planting seeds for some kind of unrest in the near future. Tony is showing support on the surface, but his ego may have actually taken a big blow in this chapter.

CONS:

• That small tease of Kraven was exactly that… such a tease! We want more!!!

FINAL GRADE: A

This issue was a perfect way to end 2021 and usher in a new era this 2022. This already feels like a major Marvel event, with the tables turned, roles reversed, and basically everything in chaos. I am looking forward to seeing Elektra shine as Daredevil as she takes on Kingpin and his army. But of course, a little more Spider-Man added to the action is the perfect recipe for any wild, entertaining Kingpin arc.