Devil’s Reign brings maybe the biggest ‘street level’ story ever to Marvel Comics

The Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four are about to be brought down to Earth, thanks to the mayor of NYC, Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin.

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Marvel has historically been split, in terms of its heroes. And by that I mean the publisher has really too levels of hero. There’s the likes of the Avengers and it’s cosmic cadre, but also its so-called ‘street level’ heroes. Though they might be huge names, Spider-Man, Daredevil, Luke Cage and others don’t typically face global threats.

They can usually be found waging war against the likes of the Sinister Six, Carnage, Bullseye… and Kingpin. But this time around, it’s that last name that’ll be blurring the lines. Wilson Fisk is bringing the two stratus’ of characters together in Devil’s Reign.

But while the arc is called Devil’s Reign, there’s no sorcery involved. Well, unless you consider politics to be the dark arts, which you might. Instead of actual demons, this crossover centers on Wilson Fisk, the former Kingpin of crime and current mayor of NYC.

Turns out, Fisk is an even better politician than he was a criminal (don’t say it). And as a grand capper to his career, he has set out to make New York devoid of costumes. Well, costumes that he doesn’t have in his back pocket anyway.

DEVIL’S REIGN, the upcoming Marvel Comics event spinning out of writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Marco Checchetto’s Eisner-nominated run on DAREDEVIL, begins on December 1! The exhilarating climax to years of buildup and developments such as Kingpin’s ascent as Mayor and Elektra taking over the mantle of Daredevil, this far-reaching saga will impact every corner of the Marvel Universe as Kingpin targets the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and more in his greatest scheme yet. Using his position to outlaw super heroes, willing to expose long-hidden dark secrets about your favorite characters, and equipped with a deadly new team of Thunderbolts, Kingpin has everything he needs to come out on top! Get your first look at what’s to come in the all-new DEVIL’S REIGN #1 trailer, featuring never-before-seen artwork!

Marvel Comics

Check out the new trailer

Maybe the coolest part of Devil’s Reign involves Fisk’s tactics. While he’s got the new Thunderbolts team in his employ, it’s not hand to hand battles that he’s looking for. As writer Chip Zdarsky points out, he’s set to play off of the superheroes’ general sense of right and wrong. And as you might imagine, knocking over a duly elected office-holder isn’t really on their menus.

“He’s trying to sway the public using cherry-picked examples of various incidents, Matt’s recent troubles being one of them. He’s a politician and he’s actually pretty good at it, which is a problem for our heroes. But, beyond that, he has some aces up his sleeves that are definitely not about politics,” Zdarsky told IGN about his take on Kingpin. “What makes Fisk an elevated threat is his mind, not his fists. That’s always been the case. Sure, Thor could turn him into paste, but Fisk knows that and has planned for it. And Marvel super heroes aren’t about to overthrow democracy.”

Chip Zdarsky

Watch for the the action to kick off this December 1st, when Devil’s Reign #1 hits stands.