Devil’s Cut #1
Seth A. Romo
Recap
The Devil's Cut is your introduction to DSTLRY, a new publisher redefining creator-owned comics. In the aging process, the whiskey that evaporates is called the Angel's Share. But the most potent spirits are captured in the wood-the Devil's Cut.
This is The Devil's Cut-unfiltered stories from the most fearless creators, offering a distinct taste of the quality to come. 88 oversized pages printed on premium paper, featuring a flight of high-proof work from our Founding Creators including Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Tula Lotay, Mirka Andolfo, Jock, Becky Cloonan, Brian Azzarello, Marc Bernardin, Elsa Charretier, Lee Garbett, Joelle Jones, Stephanie Phillips, Ram V, Jamie McKelvie, Junko Mizuno and friends including Francesco Francavilla, Ariela Kristantina, Eduardo Risso, Christian Ward, and more. Edited by the legendary Will Dennis.
Review
The second story in the DSTLRY’s premier comic, Devil’s Cut, Shepherd is an intriguing entry that is sure to appease sci-fi fans with its cosmic themes and commentary on artificial intelligence driven weaponry.
Written by Marc Bernardin, this story focuses on Professor Seaton making a case for a weapons project that will help in the colonization of other planets. Mixed with this plot is the connection to Audrey—a suspected terminal bedridden patient who is close with Professor Seaton. The writing and pacing are very tight in how the story shifts between three different scenarios—an impressive feat considering the short page size.
The art from Ariela Kristantina and colors by Lee Loughridge are well done and match the tone of the story. The art is clean—a good use for a sci-fi story— and the colors jump to shift the tone in excellent ways that contribute positively to the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
As a short story, this felt like a solid entry and reminiscent of a Twilight Zone or Black Mirror plot that is succinct and has a solid twist. It’s an impressive feat considering the page length, and I am excited to see what Bernardin comes up with in the future with this publisher.
Devil’s Cut: SHEPHERD – We are the Weapons
- Writing - 8.5/108.5/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 8.5/108.5/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
