There is something the really strikes a chord for me when it comes to blending the holidays and horror. The juxtaposition of holiday cheer with the terrifying frights that come with a horror story. James Tynion IV and Joshua Hixson blend these themes while tossing into a true-crime style thriller with The Deviant, perfect for the holiday season.
As snow falls over Milwaukee in 1972, a blood-stained Santa Claus commits unimaginable atrocities against young men. Fifty years later, a troubled young writer interviews this so-called “Deviant Killer,” who still maintains his innocence from behind bars. And as Christmas approaches once again, the past returns, wielding a sharpened ax.
When the first issue debuted in November 2023, I read it on that Wednesday night and knew it would be a series I would want to read. However, like with most comics these days, I got behind. So now that I had the time (and part of Galactic Comics & Collectibles book club), I decided to devour the story in the two trade paperback volumes. What I discovered, this would’ve likely have been a harder to get through on a month-to-month basis and much more enjoyable in trade format as a binge.
It seems to have become a given that I will pickup a Tynion comic and give it a try, really no matter what. But I am also a big fan of the holiday season, as well as a big horror fan, so it seems to be the right combination. Like with most Tynion comics, there is a main story, but also something deeply personal about each and every tale he tells. Not only does The Deviant tell a Christmas horror story, but also tells of the all-too-real horrors the LGBTQ+ community deals with on a daily basis. Wrapping this story around this just made for a deeper and more meaningful story.
The Deviant brings stories such as Silent Night, Deadly Night and modernizes them along with a bit of social commentary. While Silent Night, Deadly Night is more tongue-in-cheek, The Deviant is more tension and atmospheric vibes. Both have Santa killing people, but for different reasons. Both are great for the holiday season.
Hixson’s artwork is outstanding, adding even more tension and horror to the pages of the story. The partnership with Tynion is perfect, giving us the best possible comic for the holiday horror season. The character designs are phenomenal and memorable. A killer Santa that will stick with me for a long time.
The one hangup for me is the pacing. The first volume starts out great and drags a bit towards the end, while the second volume is great through the beginning but quickly wraps things up. These are minor complaints and didn’t hold back my enjoyment of the series. We would have been severed a tiny bit better with an additional issue or two.
The Deviant by writer James Tynion IV and artist Joshua Hixson takes the festive cheer out of the holiday season with a true-crime style thriller that has us looking at Santa with different eyes. The mix of holidays and horror along with social commentary that works so well. Definitely a fun read for the holiday season.
The Deviant Volume 1 and Volume 2 are available at your local comic shops or bookstores everywhere from Images Comics.
The Deviant Preview
