What do you think?
Rate this book
The Deviant (Single Issues) #9
The Deviant #9
MINISERIES FINALE Fifty years ago, circumstantial evidence was enough to convict the man locked behind bars as the original Deviant Killer. Now, as history threatens to repeat itself, Derek will stop at nothing to clear his boyfriend’s name. Because Derek knows the truth behind the new Deviant Killer…and the new Deviant Killer knows that Derek knows.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2025
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,648 books1,998 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 14, 2025
I don't read many comics, but this series is the reason I read any. This issue is a perfect wrap up to the mini series.
The Deviant has been the perfect blend of true crime with psychological and queer horror, wrapped in a noir Xmas setting. It's a deeply layered, slow-burning series that explores identity, repression, and the human capacity for evil, both literal and metaphorical.Tynion writes with an emotional rawness that adds real substance to the horror.The artwork, by Joshua Hixon, is gritty and perfectly matches the bleak tone of the series. For those who appreciate horror as a lens on trauma and identity, it’s a must-read.
The Deviant has been the perfect blend of true crime with psychological and queer horror, wrapped in a noir Xmas setting. It's a deeply layered, slow-burning series that explores identity, repression, and the human capacity for evil, both literal and metaphorical.Tynion writes with an emotional rawness that adds real substance to the horror.The artwork, by Joshua Hixon, is gritty and perfectly matches the bleak tone of the series. For those who appreciate horror as a lens on trauma and identity, it’s a must-read.
March 20, 2025
🙌🏼
Whoa. What. A. Story.
Thank you for creating this beautiful (and actually frightening) story. The Deviant spoke so many levels of the queer experience, including the ending in the snow.
Holy shit. Everyone needs to read this.
(Please make the hardcover edition asap!!!)
Whoa. What. A. Story.
Thank you for creating this beautiful (and actually frightening) story. The Deviant spoke so many levels of the queer experience, including the ending in the snow.
Holy shit. Everyone needs to read this.
(Please make the hardcover edition asap!!!)
April 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this...I'm only sad that I had to wait so long between issue 8 and 9 because 9 was delayed so long. But...it was worth the wait. I might re-read this whole series again at Christmas time.
December 18, 2025
OMG THAT ENDING!!! This was such a melancholy story with AMAZING commentary on how society treats LGBTQIA+ members (in this case gay men) and it's heartbreaking because even to this day it still is prevalent in our society to have so much hate and animosity against those who are different. All this wrapped in a grisly horror Christmas story and you got a tense thrilling experience!
December 30, 2025
So when is a TV show of this being made or would that just ruin how amazing this is because that was amazing and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time at the start and then it proceeded to leave me with such a satisfying ending. We left off last issue with the terrifying idea of the deviant killer walking into the bar with Derek, Josh, and the owner of the bar all while Derek’s ID was found at the scene of the dead mask maker’s house. Now Baz is desperately trying to find Derek, who is ignoring his calls to continue reading the letters sent to Randall in prison alongside his coworker, Josh. There is not a lot of substance in the letters, just a lot of people who weren’t hugged enough as kids. Josh feels like Randall is bragging by showing this off, but the key takeaway is how Randall plays along with all of them to be whatever they want him to be. Derek was hoping there would be someone with a grudge or someone who Randall was egging on to finish the work or whatever. There are a lot more letters to read and Josh needs a bathroom break and a new drink for when the owner comes back. But as Josh heads to the bathroom he looks over to see blood seeping from one of the stalls, only to peep in and see the owner dead and strung up with Christmas lights inside! As Josh tells our Derek stands up and the lights go out. Derek fumbles for his phone and sees all the missed calls and the message from Agent Baz exclaiming that Derek is in danger. As Derek attempts to flee, he trips on a box of Christmas decorations only to lift the flashlight from his phone up and lock eyes with the axe wielding deviant killer.
Meanwhile Baz is looking everywhere in the middle of a snowstorm. Calling Derek’s place of work and checking at his house only to come up with nothing. He checks in with the DA, who has the local guys looking for Derek and is ready to throw the book at Michael and Derek. Even claiming that Baz is taking things “personal.” Like he didn’t know they thought that already. But Baz is on his way to the bar to check it as a last resort and as he is flying down the snow covered road, Baz is forced to swerve out of the way as Derek walks right in front of his car! Baz slams into another car and steps out like a boss to get to Derek who is freaking out about running away from the killer inside the bar. Baz has readjusted and is ready with gun in hand as Baz explains the extent of the situation to Derek. All of this is currently on Derek, his ID was found at a new crime scene and if his friend inside winds up dead alongside the bar owner then he is COOKED. Derek finally understands and immediately locks in as Baz orders him to go around back and block any exits and be ready to tackle the killer if he heads that way…Derek has never been so ready before. And then in the most badass move, Baz calls in for backup at the bar and tells them he is heading in immediately. Baz proceeds to take a hit of a vape and then heads inside gun first. Just an absolute badass, I love this character so much. Baz calls out for Josh who is currently hiding behind the bar with a bottle ready to hit someone in hand. Josh explains the bartender is dead in the bathroom and Baz orders Josh to call 911 and explain everything to them and to stay on the line. They are recorded and admissible and they are trying to frame Derek but that won’t happen if Josh stays calm and does what Baz says. With the weight of the situation bearing down, Josh picks up the phone with tears in his eyes and makes the call. Baz continues deeper into the bar towards the bathroom, calling out to the killer that they know who he is and that it’s over. As Baz makes it inside the bathroom, the killer suddenly comes from behind and Baz is able to put up his arm to take the axe as the killer brings it down and Baz right into the owner’s dead body. Baz and the killer lock eyes as we jump outside to see Derek hiding behind a dumpster waiting. Suddenly the killer bolts out the door with a wound in his chest and Derek takes his chance and tackles the guy. The two get into a scuffle and Derek is wild and mad and rips the mask off the killer…only to reveal someone we have never really seen before. In the moment of confusion to seeing this mystery man’s face, the killer throws Derek down to the ground and lifts his axe up…right as Baz comes out and shoots him in the side. The killer attempts to run, only to collapse in the snow after a few steps. What a breath of relief, but it’s not over yet and Derek wants to get him back inside. He isn’t going to let him die before the medics get here and Josh is better at keeping people patched up, lol. The two drag the killer inside as the bloody mask sits outside and the snow takes it and the backup arrives. WOW. Imagine a giant sigh of relief from me.
We then jump weeks later and Michael and Derek are finally reunited in freedom. We then find out who the killer was, this time at least as we go back to December of 2021 when Randall met the new guard in charge of him, Roger. Roger is the type of guard Randall could work with, someone who presented themselves as having a loose idea who the deviant killer is and couldn’t begrudge an old man for looking for a thrill and could even help facilitate it. Roger was the one that helped get Randall all of his letters and movies and all the while Roger went home and looked over everything involving the deviant killer case. Even masturbating to the photos of the dead kids, this is someone who became truly obsessed and had direct access to Randall. Then the day came that Roger decided to get something out of that close relationship, coming up and asking Randall what it felt like to kill the boys, Roger had reached the point that he wants the feeling of power Randall got. But with this question comes truths about Roger Randall was unaware of and quite disappointed to find out. Roger points out that Randall always danced around the feeling in his letters, and he doesn’t have a good answer for Roger either because he never hurt those boys. The only letter for him this day is from a writer in Milwaukee trying to do some kind of book and to interview Randall. The first contact Michael made. But even as Randall promised to write him back, Roger wouldn’t lament. Getting up real close and even freaking Randall out, begging Roger to tell him and that he understands. We then jump back to January of 2024 as Randall is telling all of this to Michael. Randall told Roger the truth, that he was innocent and never touched those boys, and Randall got the sense Roger was embarrassed after that and nothing else came of it. Michael asks if Randall was tempted to go further, to play the part of a dangerous killer like he did in all the letters. Randall admits that of course he was tempted, the world made its decision about him and he could have easily gotten something back out of it, even if it was just a sliver of power. But Randall also admits to not being bold enough to play that part, and how disappointed at what friendly Roger turned out to be. Michael then asks why Randall didn’t bring this up originally, but it’s not like this is the first time Randall has been cornered and asked what it’s like to be a horrible monster. It usually doesn’t mean someone is going to go out and do something about it. Usually it’s just human fascination. It’s what Randall believes brought Paul to his doorstep all those years ago and what brought him back out when it happened again. It’s why Roger worked for months to try and get close to Randall. “People want to get close to the abyss, to see what happens.” Isn’t that what brought Michael here as well? Ha, Michael can’t help but point out how well that worked out. Michael then starts to shift to his perspective, apparently Roger was watching him for weeks before his first interview and followed him to the department store in Chicago in the first issue. When Michael checked into the prison he had to hand over his ID and Roger duplicated it and handed the copy back, taking his ID to plant at the crime scene. But then the FBI started to put together how he got the mask and he needed to shut up the mask maker but couldn’t pin the murder on someone in prison. Derek, wanting to help, walked right in and handed his ID over in the same way giving Roger the chance to duplicate it and pull the same trick. But if Roger never killed that woman, Michael would probably still be locked up even if Agent Baz tied the PO Box to him. There was still so much pointing to Michael. Both Michael and Randall have a lot to relate about when it comes to their experiences and there is a specific line from Randall that sticks out to me:
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry you had to experience all of that. It’s…it’s a dreadful feeling. Knowing how quickly they believe the worst. And trying to…trying to navigate the worst of you that they believe that you do know is true, and the worst of it that you know is not.”
But Randall also assures Michael that Derek is quite social and never wavered. But Randall is also sure this is a goodbye as no way Michael wants to stick around after all this. But Michael doesn’t want that, in fact he wants to write a book about all of this and still wants their interview. Randall is a bit taken aback on why Michael would want to keep coming back after everything. Michael admits that a nice offer from a publisher helps, but even if he didn’t have one he would want to come back and tell the story his way or someone else will and they have both seen how that goes. Randall can’t deny it, especially if it means their conversations can keep going. I think Michael, having spent time in prison himself, knows how special these moments are to Randall. He made a comment to agent Baz last issue about how he looks forward to time with his lawyer to just use a moment away from everything else. And following that train of thought, Michael got Randall a gift. It was nicely packaged by Derek but the guard made him unwrap it so Michael had to redo it and now it’s pitiful. Randall took it upon himself to safely unwrap and straighten out the paper and bow and neatly wrap it back up. It’s like he is transported back to the department store a the holidays he loved so much, until there is a perfect present sitting in front of them. Randall doesn’t want to unwrap it yet, he hasn’t had a wrapped present in 50 years and for the first time in a long time he is reminded about why he loves Christmas…how it can make anything beautiful. What an especially powerful note to end this powerful series on. Fantastic.
Meanwhile Baz is looking everywhere in the middle of a snowstorm. Calling Derek’s place of work and checking at his house only to come up with nothing. He checks in with the DA, who has the local guys looking for Derek and is ready to throw the book at Michael and Derek. Even claiming that Baz is taking things “personal.” Like he didn’t know they thought that already. But Baz is on his way to the bar to check it as a last resort and as he is flying down the snow covered road, Baz is forced to swerve out of the way as Derek walks right in front of his car! Baz slams into another car and steps out like a boss to get to Derek who is freaking out about running away from the killer inside the bar. Baz has readjusted and is ready with gun in hand as Baz explains the extent of the situation to Derek. All of this is currently on Derek, his ID was found at a new crime scene and if his friend inside winds up dead alongside the bar owner then he is COOKED. Derek finally understands and immediately locks in as Baz orders him to go around back and block any exits and be ready to tackle the killer if he heads that way…Derek has never been so ready before. And then in the most badass move, Baz calls in for backup at the bar and tells them he is heading in immediately. Baz proceeds to take a hit of a vape and then heads inside gun first. Just an absolute badass, I love this character so much. Baz calls out for Josh who is currently hiding behind the bar with a bottle ready to hit someone in hand. Josh explains the bartender is dead in the bathroom and Baz orders Josh to call 911 and explain everything to them and to stay on the line. They are recorded and admissible and they are trying to frame Derek but that won’t happen if Josh stays calm and does what Baz says. With the weight of the situation bearing down, Josh picks up the phone with tears in his eyes and makes the call. Baz continues deeper into the bar towards the bathroom, calling out to the killer that they know who he is and that it’s over. As Baz makes it inside the bathroom, the killer suddenly comes from behind and Baz is able to put up his arm to take the axe as the killer brings it down and Baz right into the owner’s dead body. Baz and the killer lock eyes as we jump outside to see Derek hiding behind a dumpster waiting. Suddenly the killer bolts out the door with a wound in his chest and Derek takes his chance and tackles the guy. The two get into a scuffle and Derek is wild and mad and rips the mask off the killer…only to reveal someone we have never really seen before. In the moment of confusion to seeing this mystery man’s face, the killer throws Derek down to the ground and lifts his axe up…right as Baz comes out and shoots him in the side. The killer attempts to run, only to collapse in the snow after a few steps. What a breath of relief, but it’s not over yet and Derek wants to get him back inside. He isn’t going to let him die before the medics get here and Josh is better at keeping people patched up, lol. The two drag the killer inside as the bloody mask sits outside and the snow takes it and the backup arrives. WOW. Imagine a giant sigh of relief from me.
We then jump weeks later and Michael and Derek are finally reunited in freedom. We then find out who the killer was, this time at least as we go back to December of 2021 when Randall met the new guard in charge of him, Roger. Roger is the type of guard Randall could work with, someone who presented themselves as having a loose idea who the deviant killer is and couldn’t begrudge an old man for looking for a thrill and could even help facilitate it. Roger was the one that helped get Randall all of his letters and movies and all the while Roger went home and looked over everything involving the deviant killer case. Even masturbating to the photos of the dead kids, this is someone who became truly obsessed and had direct access to Randall. Then the day came that Roger decided to get something out of that close relationship, coming up and asking Randall what it felt like to kill the boys, Roger had reached the point that he wants the feeling of power Randall got. But with this question comes truths about Roger Randall was unaware of and quite disappointed to find out. Roger points out that Randall always danced around the feeling in his letters, and he doesn’t have a good answer for Roger either because he never hurt those boys. The only letter for him this day is from a writer in Milwaukee trying to do some kind of book and to interview Randall. The first contact Michael made. But even as Randall promised to write him back, Roger wouldn’t lament. Getting up real close and even freaking Randall out, begging Roger to tell him and that he understands. We then jump back to January of 2024 as Randall is telling all of this to Michael. Randall told Roger the truth, that he was innocent and never touched those boys, and Randall got the sense Roger was embarrassed after that and nothing else came of it. Michael asks if Randall was tempted to go further, to play the part of a dangerous killer like he did in all the letters. Randall admits that of course he was tempted, the world made its decision about him and he could have easily gotten something back out of it, even if it was just a sliver of power. But Randall also admits to not being bold enough to play that part, and how disappointed at what friendly Roger turned out to be. Michael then asks why Randall didn’t bring this up originally, but it’s not like this is the first time Randall has been cornered and asked what it’s like to be a horrible monster. It usually doesn’t mean someone is going to go out and do something about it. Usually it’s just human fascination. It’s what Randall believes brought Paul to his doorstep all those years ago and what brought him back out when it happened again. It’s why Roger worked for months to try and get close to Randall. “People want to get close to the abyss, to see what happens.” Isn’t that what brought Michael here as well? Ha, Michael can’t help but point out how well that worked out. Michael then starts to shift to his perspective, apparently Roger was watching him for weeks before his first interview and followed him to the department store in Chicago in the first issue. When Michael checked into the prison he had to hand over his ID and Roger duplicated it and handed the copy back, taking his ID to plant at the crime scene. But then the FBI started to put together how he got the mask and he needed to shut up the mask maker but couldn’t pin the murder on someone in prison. Derek, wanting to help, walked right in and handed his ID over in the same way giving Roger the chance to duplicate it and pull the same trick. But if Roger never killed that woman, Michael would probably still be locked up even if Agent Baz tied the PO Box to him. There was still so much pointing to Michael. Both Michael and Randall have a lot to relate about when it comes to their experiences and there is a specific line from Randall that sticks out to me:
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry you had to experience all of that. It’s…it’s a dreadful feeling. Knowing how quickly they believe the worst. And trying to…trying to navigate the worst of you that they believe that you do know is true, and the worst of it that you know is not.”
But Randall also assures Michael that Derek is quite social and never wavered. But Randall is also sure this is a goodbye as no way Michael wants to stick around after all this. But Michael doesn’t want that, in fact he wants to write a book about all of this and still wants their interview. Randall is a bit taken aback on why Michael would want to keep coming back after everything. Michael admits that a nice offer from a publisher helps, but even if he didn’t have one he would want to come back and tell the story his way or someone else will and they have both seen how that goes. Randall can’t deny it, especially if it means their conversations can keep going. I think Michael, having spent time in prison himself, knows how special these moments are to Randall. He made a comment to agent Baz last issue about how he looks forward to time with his lawyer to just use a moment away from everything else. And following that train of thought, Michael got Randall a gift. It was nicely packaged by Derek but the guard made him unwrap it so Michael had to redo it and now it’s pitiful. Randall took it upon himself to safely unwrap and straighten out the paper and bow and neatly wrap it back up. It’s like he is transported back to the department store a the holidays he loved so much, until there is a perfect present sitting in front of them. Randall doesn’t want to unwrap it yet, he hasn’t had a wrapped present in 50 years and for the first time in a long time he is reminded about why he loves Christmas…how it can make anything beautiful. What an especially powerful note to end this powerful series on. Fantastic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2025
Great
I hated that they never disclosed the original killer and wasn't able to free the guy wrongfully convicted. Definitely not who I was expecting or would have thought the copycat killer.
I hated that they never disclosed the original killer and wasn't able to free the guy wrongfully convicted. Definitely not who I was expecting or would have thought the copycat killer.
November 4, 2025
This finale delivered a satisfying conclusion to the series, though it didn’t completely stick the landing for me. I had my theories about who the killer might be, and while I appreciate a twist, having it turn out to be a seemingly random individual, neither the original killer nor someone meaningfully connected, felt a bit abrupt. He just appeared without much buildup. While that unpredictability mirrors real life, it left me wishing for a stronger narrative link to Michael and Derek, especially given the framing plot.
That said, the execution was still strong, and the tension throughout the issue was palpable. Tynion’s command of horror storytelling is evident, and his ability to sustain dread and unease remains impressive. Despite some uneven moments, this was an enjoyable and well-crafted series. I’d recommend reading it as a complete collection rather than in separate issues or volumes.
Grade: B+
That said, the execution was still strong, and the tension throughout the issue was palpable. Tynion’s command of horror storytelling is evident, and his ability to sustain dread and unease remains impressive. Despite some uneven moments, this was an enjoyable and well-crafted series. I’d recommend reading it as a complete collection rather than in separate issues or volumes.
Grade: B+
June 21, 2025
“There have always been peculiar little men who don’t quite fit in. People with something a little off about them. And they find us disgusting. Even when they don’t want to, they notice we don’t fit, and they push us away. They’ll tolerate at us long as we keep our peculiarities in a little box. As long as we stay home with our books, or in our little antique shops, and don’t let anybody see what’s wrong with us, they’ll allow it. But the second we let them feel that disgust, they punish us for it like they always wanted to punish us for it. And they’ll enjoy it while they do it.”
What a powerful page, had to do a double take. What a powerful story as well, easily one of the best queer stories I’ve ever read, even though it’s a mini-series.
What a powerful page, had to do a double take. What a powerful story as well, easily one of the best queer stories I’ve ever read, even though it’s a mini-series.
April 4, 2025
non foi o meu issue favorito pero o interés deste comic tampouco é revelar quen é o asesino así que todo correcto. tynion segue co seu tema básico sobre como as historias que escoitamos e cales decidimos creer dan forma ao mundo que habitamos, hope he keeps doing it forever
April 10, 2025
It stuck the landing even if it was months late getting here. I mean, there are still holiday ads in it! But having the copycat killer be a guard makes sense on SO many levels, not the least of which is how the prison guards in Wisconsin are always making the news...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
Ending as strong as expected. Some nice reveals, an intense chase, and a beautiful ending filled with sadness yet hope. I loved this entire series, and top 3 from James no doubt.
April 16, 2025
A wild mysterious ride that ends in a satisfying yet uncomfortable way.
May 30, 2025
loved the conclusion of this series. both the action and story line were great. and I was glad to see the ending. loved the series and glad I was able to finish.
September 30, 2025
James Tynion never disapoints!!! This series is sooo amazing im in love!!!
December 19, 2025
"that's what I like the most about christmas: everything can be made beautiful" <3
potent, beautifully written and drawn.
potent, beautifully written and drawn.
December 29, 2025
Muy bueno! Me gusta mucho como está escrito y la construcción de los personajes. Es muy interesante ver cómo se crea la presunción de culpable, me gustó mucho el monólogo de Michael en la cárcel!
May 11, 2025
literally one of the best comics i've read in years and years. made me cry out of sheer ...i don't know. surrealism.
June 3, 2025
3.5⭐️
I gave 5⭐️ for all #1-8 and then I am waiting the ending with higher expectations a few months. However, the ending does not meet my expectation…
I gave 5⭐️ for all #1-8 and then I am waiting the ending with higher expectations a few months. However, the ending does not meet my expectation…
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews