Marvel’s Devil’s Reign conclusion: Wilson Fisk gets away with murder (literally)

Marvel’s Devil’s Reign finishes with some crucial deaths and exciting new beginnings.

Marvel Comics’ Devil’s Reign was a six part masterpiece by Chip Zdarsky. It started with his run of Daredevil in 2019 and concluded with this epic series.

Sometimes, a comic books series can start strong and end weak. That wasn’t the case here. Devil’s Reign is everything that a comic book fan would want it to be. A great run that ends with the beginning of new adventures.

The end of Mayor Fisk

"“You don’t make deals with the Devil, when you *are* the Devil” – Wilson Fisk"

Devil’s Reign No. 5 finished with Wilson Fisk killing Mike Murdock with his bare hands. Fisk didn’t know that Mike was impersonating Matt. All he saw was the man who messed with his mind (read Devil’s Reign No. 4 for more on that). When Daredevil (the real Matt Murdock) found out in the Devil’s Reign conclusion, he saw red. All he wanted to do was kill Fisk. Thankfully, Elektra stopped him before he could.

This wasn’t the end for the Kingpin, however. The Stromwyns brought Fisk in before he could get arrested for murder. They still wanted him to become President of the United States. The caveat was that he’d have to do what they said.

Fisk obviously refused, and he and his son Byron “Butch” Pharris attacked the Stromwyns and their crew. When that attack was over, Fisk left Butch with a gift, telling him to tell everyone he killed him. Now, Butch is the Kingpin of New York.

New lives for Daredevil, Elektra, and Luke Cage

"“Looks like you’re running unopposed, Mr. Mayor.” – Jessica Jones to Luke Cage"

The battle was over. Purple Man’s grip on heroes and New York citizens was broken thanks to Joseph Killgrave and a little help from Luke Cage. On top of that, Wilson Fisk was being arrested for the murder of Matt Murdock. With Fisk in police custody (for all of five minutes), Luke Cage would become Mayor of New York.

With Wilson Fisk defeated and Matt Murdock dead to the public, it was time for Daredevil to start a new life. Back in Daredevil No. 25, The Man Without Fear was in jail and Elektra tried to convince him to leave with her, revealing that she needs him to take down The Hand. Together, they would become The Fist. Daredevil refused. Fast forward to the end of Marvel’s Devil’s Reign, however, and DD accepts Elektra’s offer to become The Fist. They then leave to try and destroy The Hand.

Marvel’s Devil’s Reign review

"“Let’s go save the world.” – Daredevil to Elektra"

Marvel Comics’ Devils’ Reign was the best crossover in years. This writer can’t wait to go back and read it. There were actual stakes for everything that happened. Readers saw a happy ending for the heroes (and villains). Most importantly, there were new beginnings and plenty of fallouts for multiple characters.

This is what a crossover is supposed to look like. Chip Zdarsky should be applauded and showered with gifts for what he did here – and with Daredevil in general.

Grade: A+

Devil’s Reign of questions

• What will Luke Cage’s time as mayor look like? Will he be accepted or will it be a tough time?
• With all but one of the Purple Children de-powered, what happens to them? It wouldn’t be shocking if Luke Cage and Jessica Jones took them in.
• When do Wilson Fisk and Typhoid Mary come back? They won’t stay gone forever.
• What kind of kingpin will Butch be? This writer doubts that he’ll be a good one. He’s too inexperienced with all this power.
• How will the Fantastic Four react to what the government did to them? They won’t be happy that they were betrayed. Or was this a result of Purple Man’s powers in Fisk’s hands.
• New York citizens were in the middle of another superhero battle. Will this affect how superheroes in New York operate?

What do you think, readers? Was Marvel’s Devil’s Reign as good as this writer thinks? Let us know in the comments below.