Charles Soule and Ryan Browne, the creative duo behind the hit 8 Billion Genies, are back with The Lucky Devils. Set to be released via Image Comics, it’s a series that blends humor, humanity, and philosophy in an imaginative world of devils and temptation.
The Lucky Devils follows two low-level devils, Collar and Rake, who aim to spark a revolution in Hell by empowering two good-hearted humans while trying to keep them uncorrupted — a task that hilariously flips the traditional dynamic of devils and humans. Having read the first issue, The Lucky Devils offers inventive world-building, richly developed characters, and a focus on universal questions about good, evil, and power. It promises a visually stunning and narratively complex journey through temptation and its consequences, all grounded in Soule and Browne’s signature blend of humor and depth.
During a candid interview, the pair unpacked their creative process, the themes behind their story, and the dynamic collaboration that makes their work so distinct. The Lucky Devils #1 will be released in comic book shops on January 8 (with FOC on Monday December 9).
Courtesy of Image Comics.
From Sketch to Story
The idea for The Lucky Devils started, surprisingly, with a tiny doodle.
“After 8 Billion Genies, we were brainstorming,” said Soule. “I thought it’d be fun to do something with little devils crawling on people. Ryan drew a scribble of one — it was just a stick figure with a devil on it — and I thought, ‘That’s gold.’”
That spark ignited quite the subsequent story.
“A lot of times Ryan’s drawings kickstart my brain,” said Soule. “That tiny sketch made me think we had something really unique.” Or, as Browne joked, “We should include that sketch in the trade!”
As with that joke, the duo’s collaborative process is clear from the start.
“What we do is take familiar ideas and flip them on their heads,” said Soule. “Whether it’s genies, wizards, or devils, we dive in and explore these concepts in unexpected ways.”
Courtesy of Image Comics.
Temptation and Humanity
At its heart, The Lucky Devils explores why people make bad choices.
“It’s about temptation,” said Soule. “We often know the right thing to do but are drawn to the bad thing because it’s more fun, fulfilling, or even just tastes better. This story asks why we give in.”
The series offers a fresh spin on the classic “devil on your shoulder” trope. As Browne noted, “Usually it’s a gag or plot device, but here it’s the core of the story. We’re fleshing out these devils as real characters with their own motivations, not just stand-ins for evil.”
As Soule added, “There’s a twist: no shoulder angels. We are the angels. When we’re born, we’re pure and good, but over time, we become capable of conscious evil. Why does that happen? That’s the question driving the book.”
Welcome to Hell
Building the book’s Hell was a labor of love — and humor. Browne spent weeks crafting a two-page spread that introduces the underworld in issue #1.
“Hell works like a multi-level marketing scheme,” said Browne. “The higher-ranking devils grow more powerful and intimidating, while the lower ones, like our protagonists Collar and Rake, are essentially gig workers.”
The devils’ world is rich with detail, from creature-like vehicles to sprawling neighborhoods.
“I wanted Hell to feel lived-in and relatable,” said Browne. “It’s fun to include details that might become important later.”
Browne and Soule’s playful collaboration shines in these details.
“Ryan adds things to the art that I didn’t envision,” said Soule. “For instance, tiny scavenger devils called ‘onesies’ popped up in the art. They were so interesting that they became a big part of the story.”
Building Together
The creators’ synergy is a hallmark of their projects, which also includes Curse Words.
“We bounce ideas back and forth, and the story grows organically,” said Soule. “Sometimes Ryan’s art inspires plot changes, and sometimes my scripts lead to new visual experiments.”
Browne also highlighted the freedom this approach offers.
“As I draw, I experiment with things like devils’ tails curling out of panels,” said Browne. “It’s about making each page visually exciting and having fun with the medium.”
A Story for Our Time
Despite its fantastical premise, The Lucky Devils resonates with the modern world.
“It’s a story about being aware of yourself and your choices,” said Soule. “Why do we act the way we do? How do our actions affect others? It’s especially relevant today, given the state of the world.”
As Browne added, “I hope readers laugh and think about humanity, morality, and greed. The book reflects on power and how difficult it is to stay good in a world that often rewards selfishness.”
What’s Next?
With nine issues planned — each themed around a circle of Hell — The Lucky Devils promises a structured yet unpredictable journey. Soule and Browne are confident the series will offer humor, depth, and a few surprises.
“Our goal is to create something wholly new,” said Browne. “It’s not for everyone, but those who connect with it will love it.”
Soule agreed, adding, “We’re giving this project everything we’ve got. We couldn’t half-ass it after 8 Billion Genies. This is full-ass storytelling.”
The Lucky Devils launches on January 8. For fans of dark humor, bold visuals, and philosophical storytelling, it’s a must-read. Or, as Soule puts it, “This is two creators firing on all cylinders.”
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