Advance Review: ‘The Devil That Wears My Face’ #3 Cruises Like A Speed Demon
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
More happens in this issue that seems possible. Yet little seems rushed thanks to some great pacing. The illustrations have been a little stronger in previous issues, but still get the job done, even with some random splash pages.
Overall
8.5/10The pope has been killed by a demon in a priest’s body. Oh, and that monster is still running around the Vatican beheading people.
If that’s not an intriguing enough premise for the latest installment of The Devil That Wears My Face, you should check your pulse. The issue is chock full of adventure, guile, and subterfuge – so much so that it feels like the entire series could wrap up here. Thankfully it doesn’t, which guarantees a few more issues until the limited series actually concludes.
After having escaped imprisonment in Spain, the spirit of Father Franco Vieri now resides in the body of a nobleman who is on his way to Rome. The demon Legion, whom the priest tried to exorcise in the first issue, now inhabits Vieri’s body. He’s disemboweled the pope, blamed it on the freemasons, and is conducting his own mini-Inquisition in the Vatican halls.
Despite the story’s shocks, the real surprise here is how much writer David Pepose is able to cram into the issue’s 20-odd pages. With only a minor exception, nothing feels rushed. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The story plays out at a brisk and enjoyable pace, moving the plot along while adding more suspense with each page turn.
Despite the action, artist Alex Cormack doesn’t have quite as much fun as he’s had in past installments when he’s truly shocked his readers. Still, Cormack manages to get in several beheadings, lots of blood, and even a pentagram. He does make a few curious choices, such as a couple of splash pages that give extra weight to pages that don’t necessarily feel all that impactful to the story.
It will be interesting to see whether the creative team continues to drive the story at this pace, or if they’ll slow things down to build to a new climax.
The Devil That Wears My Face #3 will be available for purchase on December 13, 2023.
