It’s no secret that Image Comics has been dominating the world of comics. At this year’s Image Expo, many different books were announced but for fans, no book was more intriguing than ‘The Wicked + The Divine’ by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. It’s finally here after much hype and the finished product, while not perfect, is one of the best debuts of the year.
‘The Wicked + The Divine’ tells the story of twelve gods who come back to life every 90 years. They get two years on this world before they’re dead again. The story is told through the eyes of Laura, a mortal who sneaks out of her house to see Amaterasu (the Japanese goddess of sun) perform in concert. She becomes a special character right off the bat for being the last one unconscious and the last one awake. She gains the attention of Luci (Lucifer) and from there the stage is set. Lucifer is the god we most get acquainted with and certain things she does set up the first arc.
This is not a copy by any means but it does give off an ‘American Gods’ feel. Like ‘American Gods’ by Neil Gaiman, ‘The Wicked + The Divine’ is a story about gods walking among regular people. However this is not done even close to the same way and is far less doom and gloom. Reading ‘The Wicked + The Divine’ #1 is what I imagine gods walking the Earth to be like. They are out in the open yet no one believes them. Those who do though, worship them.
The interesting part of the adoration the people have for these gods is where it comes from. They’re musicians. Pop stars like Lady Gaga or Katy Perry. These aren’t gods fighting against each other to rule the world. They seem to just want adoration, and what better way to get it than by catering to the young generation by becoming their idols? It makes so much sense when you see someone like Justin Bieber worshiped by teenage girls on a daily basis despite his bad behavior.
The first issue is a a beauty to behold because of Jamie McKelvie’s art. It’s absolutely gorgeous. There is a splash page with Laura narrating the events of Amaterasu’s performance early on that is completely breathtaking. The use of light is stunning. It’s as if you’re looking into the sun. McKelvie and colorist Matt Wilson work in perfect tandem together. McKelvie’s designs are phenomenal while Wilson adds the right colors giving the book a glam look. Luci looks like White Duke era David Bowie while the makeup on Laura and Amaterau is reminiscent of many 1970’s glam rock artists. The odd thing about it though is that it looks very modern.
‘The Wicked + the Divine’ #1 is one of, if not the best best debut from any new series. It not only sets the stage for the first arc but introduces every character in a meaningful and memorable way. This is the kind of series that can easily join Saga as a calling card for what Image Comics can put out monthly. Do yourself a favor and pick this up now. Join the party now. We have gods.
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