A Christmas story from James Tynion IV? That was an instant must-read.

The Deviant
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: James Tynion IV
Cover & Interior Artist: Joshua Hixson
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Release dates: November 2023 – March 2025

James Tynion IV is one of our favorite writers, and The Deviant is another strong addition to his already impressive lineup. Whether it is Spectregraph, W0rldtr33, or Something is Killing the Children, he consistently delivers top-tier horror. This time, he teamed up with artist Joshua Hixson, known for The Plot and Children of the Woods, to bring a blood-soaked holiday tale.

The story kicks off in Milwaukee, 1972, where a serial killer dressed as Santa Claus commits brutal murders against young men. Decades later, a troubled writer interviews the so-called Deviant Killer, who still claims he is innocent. But as Christmas approaches, the past resurfaces in terrifying ways. A new string of killings begins, forcing the writer to dig deeper into his own history and the secrets surrounding the case.

I love anything Christmas, and horror stories set around the holidays are always a treat. The Deviant delivers on that front, with the killer’s gruesome crimes perfectly fitting the holiday themes (I mean, the use of the Christmas tree in that series is quite brilliant). The character development was excellent, as usual with Tinyon, giving each person enough time to breathe across the nine issues. I especially liked how the conversations between them unfolded (especially the ones with the Deviant Killer in prison), making the mystery feel even more layered. And those bloody Santa kills? Absolutely brutal in the best way.

Now, the wait between issue #8 and issue #9? Let’s just say it felt like an eternity! Over five months! It was tough, but the payoff in the final issue was worth it. The big reveal, along with the resolution, was handled so well and really tied everything together beautifully, like the perfect Christmas present. The extra-long final issue was a fantastic conclusion, wrapping up the story in a way that felt satisfying and complete.

The Deviant is available in collected editions, with Volume 1 already out and Volume 2 arriving in June. You have to read it!