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Devil's Reign: A Marvel Event
Devil's Reign: Villains for Hire
In the wake of Mayor Wilson Fisk’s declaration of war in the pages of DEVIL’S REIGN, New York City is on a razor’s edge. And there’s only one force fighting for the rule of law in the chaos: Fisk’s Thunderbolts! They may strike like lightning…but is what they’re delivering truly justice?
COLLECTING: Devil's Reign: Villains for Hire (2022) #1-3, Devil's Reign: Moon Knight #1
COLLECTING: Devil's Reign: Villains for Hire (2022) #1-3, Devil's Reign: Moon Knight #1
112 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2022
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97 people want to read
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Clay McLeod Chapman
181 books1,731 followersBooks. Children's books. Comic books. Film.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 16, 2022
Not a bad collection of tie-ins by any means, but this one is definitely not great by any stretch of the imagination either. I think the best word to describe it is unnecessary. Yes, all the stories are solid enough, but sans the final issue of Villains for Hire, this doesn’t add all that much to Devil’s Reign.
Just like with the collected editions of Devil’s Reign: X-Men and Devil’s Reign: Superior Four, this trade collects all 3 issues of a tie-in miniseries and an assorted one shot from the event, with the ones in here being the Villains For Hire mini and a Moon Knight issue. And just like those other trades, full reviews for both stories can be found down below:
“Villains For Hire” by Clay McLeod Chapman, Manuel Garcia, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Scott Hanna, Livesay, Dono Sánchez-Almara, Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, and Joe Sabino ☆ ☆ ☆
You should probably hold off on reading the final issue of this until getting through at least Devil’s Reign #4 (or even #5, it works either way). The story itself is just about what Fisk’s Thunderbolts team is up to around the first half of Devil’s Reign, and how USAgent ended up leading them for the rest of the event.
And as you can see from above, there are a ton of names associated with this miniseries, and that’s because there are 8 artists on this book. One penciler, five inkers, and two colorists. And you can tell while reading because the whole thing looks a tad messy.
I hate ragging on new artists, especially an up-and-comer as great as Manuel Garcia, but I just don’t think this book was the right fit for him. I remember kinda liking his fill-in art for Daredevil #36, and that’s because that issue suited his style more. A nice slow burn issue where we get some action, but it’s mainly intimate character beats that Garcia can portray perfectly.
This book is basically one big action scene, and it just doesn’t work for this dude's style. Besides some of his gore being pretty cool, a lot of this didn’t work for me. There are also lots of scenes with crowds of people, and most characters begin to lose their shape amongst all the other people.
The action’s weird though because sometimes it’s just flat-out stiff with the artists trying to make up for it by adding a ton of motion lines that don’t help all that much. But at other points, the action is fluid and easy to follow, so maybe it was just a case of time crunch or shitty inking on certain pages. I have no clue but either way, the art IS inconsistent throughout and the constant changes in inkers and colorists is very noticeable.
And it doesn’t help the story is just mediocre at best. The only thing I can say I loved about it is that I’m glad to see USAgent get a spotlight. I’m a fan of the character when he’s written well, and thankfully he’s actually not half-bad in this. It’s just everything around him that isn’t all that great. The whole Thunderbolts policing New York thing feels too under baked and not explored all-that-well, but the final issue does lead into the end of Devil’s Reign pretty well so it’s not all bad. But at the end of the day, this is just an okay tie-in mini that isn’t necessary at all.
“Moon Knight” by Jed Mackay, Federico Sabbatini, Lee Loughridge, and Cory Petit ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2
Moon Knight gets into a Prison Fight Club during the events of Devil’s Reign. The art looks like something straight out of a Manga, but it sort of worked perfectly for Mackay’s story. It obviously isn’t Alessandro Cappuccio, but it is some solid fill-in art and a nice switch-up from how Villains for Hire looked.
Mackay’s story isn’t too groundbreaking or anything, but he still has a solid voice for MK and it ties in with both Devil’s Reign and his main run pretty well. Recommended for fans of that run, but it’s not necessary for understanding the main Devil’s Reign story at all.
Just like with the collected editions of Devil’s Reign: X-Men and Devil’s Reign: Superior Four, this trade collects all 3 issues of a tie-in miniseries and an assorted one shot from the event, with the ones in here being the Villains For Hire mini and a Moon Knight issue. And just like those other trades, full reviews for both stories can be found down below:
“Villains For Hire” by Clay McLeod Chapman, Manuel Garcia, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Scott Hanna, Livesay, Dono Sánchez-Almara, Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, and Joe Sabino ☆ ☆ ☆
You should probably hold off on reading the final issue of this until getting through at least Devil’s Reign #4 (or even #5, it works either way). The story itself is just about what Fisk’s Thunderbolts team is up to around the first half of Devil’s Reign, and how USAgent ended up leading them for the rest of the event.
And as you can see from above, there are a ton of names associated with this miniseries, and that’s because there are 8 artists on this book. One penciler, five inkers, and two colorists. And you can tell while reading because the whole thing looks a tad messy.
I hate ragging on new artists, especially an up-and-comer as great as Manuel Garcia, but I just don’t think this book was the right fit for him. I remember kinda liking his fill-in art for Daredevil #36, and that’s because that issue suited his style more. A nice slow burn issue where we get some action, but it’s mainly intimate character beats that Garcia can portray perfectly.
This book is basically one big action scene, and it just doesn’t work for this dude's style. Besides some of his gore being pretty cool, a lot of this didn’t work for me. There are also lots of scenes with crowds of people, and most characters begin to lose their shape amongst all the other people.
The action’s weird though because sometimes it’s just flat-out stiff with the artists trying to make up for it by adding a ton of motion lines that don’t help all that much. But at other points, the action is fluid and easy to follow, so maybe it was just a case of time crunch or shitty inking on certain pages. I have no clue but either way, the art IS inconsistent throughout and the constant changes in inkers and colorists is very noticeable.
And it doesn’t help the story is just mediocre at best. The only thing I can say I loved about it is that I’m glad to see USAgent get a spotlight. I’m a fan of the character when he’s written well, and thankfully he’s actually not half-bad in this. It’s just everything around him that isn’t all that great. The whole Thunderbolts policing New York thing feels too under baked and not explored all-that-well, but the final issue does lead into the end of Devil’s Reign pretty well so it’s not all bad. But at the end of the day, this is just an okay tie-in mini that isn’t necessary at all.
“Moon Knight” by Jed Mackay, Federico Sabbatini, Lee Loughridge, and Cory Petit ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2
Moon Knight gets into a Prison Fight Club during the events of Devil’s Reign. The art looks like something straight out of a Manga, but it sort of worked perfectly for Mackay’s story. It obviously isn’t Alessandro Cappuccio, but it is some solid fill-in art and a nice switch-up from how Villains for Hire looked.
Mackay’s story isn’t too groundbreaking or anything, but he still has a solid voice for MK and it ties in with both Devil’s Reign and his main run pretty well. Recommended for fans of that run, but it’s not necessary for understanding the main Devil’s Reign story at all.
July 9, 2023
A really strong collection, but the otherwise excellent main story ends in a cliffhanger that is concluded in the main DEVIL'S REIGN crossover, so the book lose a few stars for that.
September 2, 2022
More lacklustre Devil’s Reign tie-ins. This one at least has the fact that it’s more closely linked to the central plot going for it.
August 21, 2022
Kingpin's reign of terror includes a brand new version of the Thunderbolts - but these guys aren't out for redemption. Plus, Moon Knight is next on the Kingpin's hit list, but even putting Marc Spector in prison won't be enough to stop him from fighting for those that travel at night.
I love the Thunderbolts, as a concept and as a team, but this version of them is...not it. These guys are massively unlikeable; if you're going to have villains as protagonists, then you've got to at least make the audience like them if not actively root for them. The story here meanders for three issues and then doesn't really resolve itself, introducing a new concept in the final issue that doesn't get enough time to breathe. Clay McLeod Chapman's done much better work than this, and Manuel Garcia's artwork is about as pedestrian as it can get, unfortunately.
The Moon Knight one-shot, much like the Spider-Man one-shot in the Superior Four trade, is far better. The fact that it's Jed MacKay, who writes the main Moon Knight series, probably helps, and the artwork from Federico Sabbatini suits the story well - he follows MacKay back to the main book for a bit so the pair clearly liked what they managed to create here, as well they should.
We're 0/2 for Devil's Reign tie-ins at the moment unfortunately. Even coming from a Thunderbolts fan, there's really not a lot to sink your teeth into here.
I love the Thunderbolts, as a concept and as a team, but this version of them is...not it. These guys are massively unlikeable; if you're going to have villains as protagonists, then you've got to at least make the audience like them if not actively root for them. The story here meanders for three issues and then doesn't really resolve itself, introducing a new concept in the final issue that doesn't get enough time to breathe. Clay McLeod Chapman's done much better work than this, and Manuel Garcia's artwork is about as pedestrian as it can get, unfortunately.
The Moon Knight one-shot, much like the Spider-Man one-shot in the Superior Four trade, is far better. The fact that it's Jed MacKay, who writes the main Moon Knight series, probably helps, and the artwork from Federico Sabbatini suits the story well - he follows MacKay back to the main book for a bit so the pair clearly liked what they managed to create here, as well they should.
We're 0/2 for Devil's Reign tie-ins at the moment unfortunately. Even coming from a Thunderbolts fan, there's really not a lot to sink your teeth into here.
August 27, 2023
Decent. Serviceable. Took us to a specific plot point in the Devil’s Reign even. How often do event tie-ins do that these days?
September 16, 2022
Solid addition to Devil's Reign. This event had excellent spin-offs! Rare.
October 22, 2022
This tie-in to "Devil's Reign' is half about the creation of the new Thunderbolts, Fisk's team of villains who have become like his peacekeeping force and team to call on to combat against heroes when the they show up. Starting with Rhino, Electro, Whiplash, Agony, and Taskmaster; eventually adding both US Agent and Abomination, the Thunderbolts really just make a mess of things. This side story does lead directly up to their battle with the heroes in the main title.
We also get an issue with Moon Knight. Imprisoned in the Myrmadon, a high security prison for people with powers (though more low level, not like Hulk or Thor... people who can't break out easily). In this issue, we see Moon Knight participating in a fighting tournament against other inmates. Full of all his insane stuff, though scaled back as he doesn't have his suit or weapons.
Both these tales are not essential to understanding the events of "Devil's Reign", but merely provide connection material. If you love the characters they cover, read it. I enjoyed it.
We also get an issue with Moon Knight. Imprisoned in the Myrmadon, a high security prison for people with powers (though more low level, not like Hulk or Thor... people who can't break out easily). In this issue, we see Moon Knight participating in a fighting tournament against other inmates. Full of all his insane stuff, though scaled back as he doesn't have his suit or weapons.
Both these tales are not essential to understanding the events of "Devil's Reign", but merely provide connection material. If you love the characters they cover, read it. I enjoyed it.
August 20, 2022
Essentially a Thunderbolts book without the nostalgic name.
I get it. It's worked before. As an avenue for storytelling, it makes sense. Bad guys being 'good' and running around the city. Only problem is they keep dropping farther down the villain list. Whiplash? 'C list' Iron Man villain. Agony? A spawn of Venom that's been bounced around since 'King In Black'
Don't even get me started on U.S.Agent. He's been through the ringer and no amount of retconning can fix this character. I get he's fighting, 'for the Dream' ...but yea...his character has failed at every attempt and been thoroughly trounced for decades.
Bonus: Rhino is the Marvel parallel to Killer Croc in DC. They just shoehorn him into any story .
Bonus Bonus: The female Electro hasn't dropped the lightning bolt headpiece yet? Nostalgic much?
I get it. It's worked before. As an avenue for storytelling, it makes sense. Bad guys being 'good' and running around the city. Only problem is they keep dropping farther down the villain list. Whiplash? 'C list' Iron Man villain. Agony? A spawn of Venom that's been bounced around since 'King In Black'
Don't even get me started on U.S.Agent. He's been through the ringer and no amount of retconning can fix this character. I get he's fighting, 'for the Dream' ...but yea...his character has failed at every attempt and been thoroughly trounced for decades.
Bonus: Rhino is the Marvel parallel to Killer Croc in DC. They just shoehorn him into any story .
Bonus Bonus: The female Electro hasn't dropped the lightning bolt headpiece yet? Nostalgic much?
April 5, 2023
My path to Devil’s Reign comes circuitously through X-Men and my fairly comprehensive reading of King in Black, and while I have been reading the side comics leading up to reading the core series, I have to say…this just feels like a poor attempt at a Civil War III. I do think I’ve learned to moderate my expectations around crossover events at this point, but when Thunderbolts is disappointing and poorly illustrated, I’m left reeling and totally unable to really connect with the series through the usual mode of “well as least the anti-hero squad is doing something interesting over here.” The one saving grace for this TPB is the Moon Knight one shot in the back, which is fun albeit illustrated too close to a manga for my personal tastes when it comes to that character specifically.
December 30, 2023
An ok story and companion to Devil's Reign. The Thunderbolt story I would give 3 stars, Moon Knight is becoming my favourite Marvel character. This was one of the stories that proved it.
The Thunderbolt this time are criminals with a badge. They are the mayor's fist. To "protect" the city. However, how do you get the public to trust criminals as police. Who can keep them in line in the field? Enter the US Agent.
Moon Knight is in jail, but this is where he thrives. The violence he has held back as a "hero" is completely unleashed.
A good companion to Devil's Reign. The Moon Knight story would be five stars for me, nothing amazing about the Thunderbolt story but is added a layer to Devil's Reign. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery.
The Thunderbolt this time are criminals with a badge. They are the mayor's fist. To "protect" the city. However, how do you get the public to trust criminals as police. Who can keep them in line in the field? Enter the US Agent.
Moon Knight is in jail, but this is where he thrives. The violence he has held back as a "hero" is completely unleashed.
A good companion to Devil's Reign. The Moon Knight story would be five stars for me, nothing amazing about the Thunderbolt story but is added a layer to Devil's Reign. The book finishes with a varient cover gallery.
February 26, 2023
I thought this was a decent volume, especially for a tie in. We get a closer look at the team of Thunderbolts that the Kingpin is using as his personal police force. More importantly, we learn the true motivation of John Walker, the USAgent that volunteered to lead the team. The Moon Knight story doesn't really add a whole lot to the Devil's Reign event, but it does show what happens when he ends up in prison, and why he's really there.
Entertaining, and at least slightly better than most crossover tie ins of this kind.
Entertaining, and at least slightly better than most crossover tie ins of this kind.
June 7, 2023
VILLAIN'S REIGN: VILLAINS FOR HIRE is an ugly comic with a bunch of murderous supervillains empowered by the law to do evil things doing evil things to petty criminals. US Agent briefly pops up to make things more interesting but fails miserably. It doesn't help the villains are not particularly interesting and all one-dimensionally evil. The Superior Foes of Spider-Man this is not. There's also a lot in the third issue that's directly taken from the main comic, which feels cheap too.
September 20, 2024
Chapman and company offer an interesting look at Fisk and the Thunderbolts keeping their own version of order on the streets during the events of Devil's Reign. Unfortunately, the volume cuts off to lead back into other volumes of the series and ends with a repeat of an issue from MacKay's (excellent) Moon Knight run. A solid comic but incomplete on its own.
April 25, 2023
Another hodgepodge of a collection, with three issues devoted to a "Thunderbolts" story that doesn't resolve, and one issue devoted to an especially grim, violent Moon Knight one-off. This isn't as bad as some of these tertiary collections have been, but it isn't exactly essential, either.
November 1, 2024
Actually it’s pretty decent and better than I expected. And the Moon Knight story is really solid….but, a complete story would have been nice as this really is a big cliffhanger into an event (that I read quite awhile ago)!
January 21, 2022
Vote Mayor Fisk
April 15, 2022
I don't know why I'm such a sucker for the Thunderbolts, in any capacity, but this series most definitely did not disappoint. I look forward to a new storyline with them any day.
July 24, 2022
3.4 Not bad. Fits well into Devils Reign overall.
September 6, 2022
Meh tie in
October 21, 2022
the moon knight one-shot was better than the actual miniseries featured in this book honestly
October 12, 2023
I mean, at least this tie-in was relevant to the overall plot for Devil's Reign? It just wasn't very interesting.
January 8, 2025
A disjointed trio of issues with plenty of violence and not much else gives way to an excellent Moon Knight one-shot. 3-stars overall.
March 31, 2025
The Great Marvel Readthrough, pt 358
September 10, 2023
Our Villains for Hire are actually Fisk's incarnation of the Thunderbolts, initially consisting of Agony, Elektro, Rhino, Taskmaster, Whiplash, and eventually joined by the US Agent. And this is the core focus of the book - why US Agent has opted to sign up with these obvious villains and the long game he's trying to play. This story had some potential but between the very rough art and the somewhat chaotic pacing and plotting of the narrative, it's quite the mess. But I do appreciate that as far as a tie-in story goes, it actually connects with the main event at several points in the story as opposed to being something running in parallel.
The standalone Moon Knight story included in this compilation is very shallow but still close enough in tone to a Moon Knight story, albeit one that celebrates his craziness a bit more. It's a lot of prison violence and it doesn't really contribute to the larger event.
The standalone Moon Knight story included in this compilation is very shallow but still close enough in tone to a Moon Knight story, albeit one that celebrates his craziness a bit more. It's a lot of prison violence and it doesn't really contribute to the larger event.
July 21, 2023
It's hard for order-driven evil to keep the chaos-driven under control. I don't understand why normal folk don't just move out of the city as soon as they see superheroes about.
February 21, 2024
Moon Knight!
The moon Knight issue in this collection was off the wall fantastic! The oyher issues where decent but moon Knight hit a home run.
The moon Knight issue in this collection was off the wall fantastic! The oyher issues where decent but moon Knight hit a home run.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews