DSTLRY's The Devil's Cut Review

Behind the glam of otherworldly adventures and thought-provoking pieces of art lies the cutthroat world of comic books, where big companies demand their employees adhere to their work-for-hire policies under the copyright laws. Many creators have turned to crowd-funding and self-publishing. Now former Comixology CEO David Steinberger and head of content Chip Mosher have founded DSTLRY, a comic book startup for the new age that puts creators' needs first. Their first contribution to the industry, The Devil's Cut, features stories and artwork from talents like James Tynion IV, Stephanie Phillips, Joëlle Jones, Brian Azzarello, Jock, Ariela Kristantina, and many others.

This oversized anthology of one-shots establishes DSTLRY's lineup of founding creators. From veterans to underrated artists, the book is a collage of genres, themes, and ideas that tread into unfamiliar grounds, untethered by continuity or editorial pressure. DSTLRY doubles down on its theme of distillation and presents The Devil's Cut -- a term people in the liquor business associate with the amount of whiskey absorbed by the staves of a barrel. Each story gives a sneak peek of things to come in the future while keeping the essence of the publisher's philosophy alive.

Shepherd” by Marc Bernardin in DSLTRY's The Devil's Cut

The old partnership of Scott Snyder and Francesco Francavilla is back, indulging readers with another fever dream-induced horror tale. As it follows the protagonist's narration about their past and passions, the story unravels several emotional layers. Francavilla's use of red creates a damning impression, and the heavy inking inspires an intense claustrophobia. For something lighthearted, Elsa Charretier and PK Colinet's spy adventure "8 Rules to Make it Out in One Piece" stars a happy-go-lucky femme fatale. But the deceptively stylized artwork from Charretier and colorist Nick Filardi involving scantily clad characters at a poolside surrounded by gun-toting goons tones down the bloodshed and mayhem. The story doesn't have much of a plot, but it's a stylish, sassy romp that's sure to entertain.

"Waiting To Die" by Ram V and Lee Garbett is heavy on existential dilemma as it depicts the erosion of human relationships with time. It is a drama revolving around a young married couple who reevaluate their relationship in the backdrop of a planetary crisis event. From the get-go, it becomes apparent that they have surrounded themselves with invisible boundaries that keep them from truly connecting. And, alas, its open ending wrecks the readers, like the characters themselves, making them contemplate what could have been. With the tale engrossed in dialogue, narration, and PSA warnings, letterer Aditya Bidikar does a great job holding everything together.

The last segment of the book comes from Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay, who paints a drab and dreary picture of medieval Europe at the height of the Black Death. Condemned by her family and later sentenced to death by the authorities, Agnes finds herself at the end of her life when a stranger offers her hope. Her fiery spirit looks striking against the grey tones and flowing ink lines, which make the desolate lands look even more merciless.

What’s Mine is Hearse” by Stephanie Phillips in DSTLRY's The Devil's Cut

Not all stories in DSTLRY's The Devil's Cut are one-shots, as some tease a future continuation while others end too abruptly for their own good. However, it is not about endings but about new beginnings as the new publisher on the block looks to push the boundaries of the comic book business by focusing on riveting standalone creator-owned tales about love, sacrifice, death, purpose, and rebirth. From sci-fi adventures in utopias to desperate pursuits in the bowels of dystopias, The Devil's Cut has it all, even if it is short and sweet.

CBR

REVIEW: DSTLRY's The Devil's Cut