The Devil's Red Bride #4 Review

Writer: Sebastian Girner

Artist: John Bivens

Rating: 8 of 8

The Devil's Red Bride #4

They say to follow your heart, but sometimes, even with the best intentions, it can lead you to some very dark places. You just have to decide if the cost is one worth paying. This particular dilemma is one Ketsuko must face, even as she nears the end of her quest for vengeance. 

Years ago, a shinobi (ninja) snuck into her family's castle, in an attempt on her father's life. Even though he survived, her mother... did not. While her father moved on, she could not and carried the pain with her to this day. Even though, to her, the revenge is justified, the truth could be a lot more complicated - and painful.

 Though there's a lot of frenetic, bloody action to keep you happy, there's also an altogether different kind at play. That's one of an altogether more political nature, designed to move certain pieces where certain people want them - even if everyone isn't happy to be one of the pieces.

This balance between action heavy scenes and political ones is very reminiscent of Game of Thrones and is expertly executed by Girner + Bivens. One of the best aspects of the issue is most definitely the art. Whether it's Ketsuko's ever clear emotion, even through her devil mask, or the way her hair flows, almost water-like, Bivens never fails to give the art a real flourish.

This is particularly evident in a later scene, it's horrific nature eerily reminiscent of such monstrous transformations in series like Bleach and Naruto, which is rather fitting, given the prominence of ninja and similar warriors in those series.

Overall, this is just a fantastic issue, laced with thrilling action and political intrigue. Though I've never read the previous issues, I was able to easily understand what was going on regardless. It's an unique attribute, especially for a penultimate issue and I applaud Girner for accomplishing it. Expertly drawn and beautifully written, I definitely recommend both this and the series.