Charles Soule and Ryan Browne could write and illustrate instructions to putting together an IKEA coffee table and I would read it, likely giving the work five stars. So, needless to say, I fell in love with the creative duo’s latest comic series, The Lucky Devils.
The Lucky Devils is a tale of two rebellious demons who decide to start a revolution in Hell-and the two ordinary, 20-something humans they’re going to manipulate to do it. A cheeky, satirical look at Good and Evil, The Lucky Devils explores Faustian bargains and temptation in a rip-roaring, hilarious new way.
Charles Soule’s storytelling ability is in full effect as he flips the script by delving into the underworld with a dash of humor and wit that we have come to expect when paired with artist Ryan Browne. This tantalizingly fresh and original concept had me as captivated as I was with their work on Eight Billion Genies and even Curse Words. When these two creative minds come together we can expect great things and The Lucky Devils is no different.
From the very first pages, The Lucky Devils lays down an intriguing premise: two rebellious demons hatch a plan to shake up Hell’s status quo by enlisting unsuspecting human accomplices. While we don’t get too far into the devilish ways these little devils are going to wreak havoc, the foundation laid not only provides fertile ground for comedic escapades but also offers a satirical lens through which we can examine age-old concepts of good versus evil. Soule gets us setup for another unforgettable journey.
Character introduction is handled masterfully in this debut issue. We get to meet our main protagonists—two seemingly ordinary 20-somethings whose lives are about to be dramatically altered. Their devilish counterparts are equally engaging, making me excited to see how their distinct personalities will add depth to the story and motivations moving forward.
Ryan Browne’s illustrations continue to deserve special mention for how he helps bring Soule’s words to life. His artwork captures the chaotic energy of both the two devils as well as Hell–simultaneously imbuing their whimsy. Browne’s knack for creating expressive characters ensures that even amid fantastical settings, there remains an emotional core that is easy to connect with. Plus, his ability to toss in nods to previous works is unmatched.
The Lucky Devils by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne sets up what promises to be a thrilling adventure filled with laughter, chaos, and perhaps even enlightenment amidst its hellishly delightful antics. Soule and Browne have a chemistry when creating new comics that makes their comics stand out in a crowd. If The Lucky Devils continues in any sort of fashion like Eight Billion Genies, then we are in for one hell of a ride.
The Lucky Devils #1 hit local comic shops on January 8, 2025 from Image Comics.
The Lucky Devils #1 Preview
