Review: THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #8

Wicked+Divine08_CoverATHE WICKED + THE DiVINE #8
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie & Matthew Wilson
Published by Image Comics
Release Date: February 25, 2015

For seven issues I’ve thought The Wicked + The Divine was good, but not great. The work of Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, and Clayton Cowles was beautiful from a technical point of view. The book, to me, was a well told story with great, innovative artwork. I never understood the obsession with it though. I was beginning to wonder if it was a generation gap or a lifestyle disconnect that kept me from appreciating the book like others seem to. It’s a book that isn’t for everyone, and I get that, but I’ve been wanting to love it. Then issue eight comes along, and I get it now. I can’t put my finger on exactly why the lightbulb suddenly went off in my head, but this issue hit me hard. It may only be February, but when it’s all said and done this issue has a chance to be standing near the top of my “Issue of the Year” list in December.

As Laura continues her quest to figure out the truth behind Luci’s death, she looks to the “Underground Dionysus Kiss Story XI” for answers. The majority of the issue takes place within the party, and the results are breathtaking. This is an issue that I’d consider a “Concept Issue.” What I mean by that is that it takes an idea that is not of the norm and revolves the entire issue around it. The party is unlike anything we’ve seen in the book so far. While the plot inches along as a few new details are revealed that will undoubtedly help Laura in her quest, it is the character work and metaphor within the issue that make the work truly special.

We are introduced to Dionysus, the life of the party. Partying with him is akin to going on a the best bender of your entire life. I read the issue as a metaphor about partying drugs, happiness, and the inter connectivity between us all. When you go to a rave and get lost in the music that’s exactly how it feels. From the moment Laura touches Dionysus and mentions not being able to feel anything, it was clear that the issue was going to be a wild ride. It was clever for Gillen not to have explicit drug use, but to use Dionysus’ touch to connect everyone with his high. That’s what everyone is trying to capture when they go out and drink or smoke or drop E. They want to feel like a part of something. It’s why raves, or even concerts and parties are such a communal experience. I don’t think this idea can be captured on the page as perfectly as it is here.

As Laura is lost on the dance floor she still interacts with many of the characters that we’ve come to know over the course of the past few issues. As usual under these circumstances (under the influence) emotions are worn on their sleeves. The biggest play here are the character moments, and some interesting tidbits are let out. Whether it’s interactions with Baal and Ianna, talking to Baphomet trying to figure out about Luci’s death, or her final conversation with Dionysus, everything Laura does is made more interesting by the circumstances surrounding it.

The star of the issue happens to be the newest cast member in Dionysus. He may end up as the most tragic of characters. He’s also the character that hit closest to home for me. In my college days I lived the fraternity lifestyle that consisted of a lot of partying. The life of the party was the one that made everyone happy, but most of the time they didn’t want the party to stop because deep down inside they were lonely. I’m sure most people can relate to this, or know people that have been this person. This is where Gillen shines brightest this issue. Beyond all the glitz and glamour there is a strong emotional core to the issue.

Speaking of glitz and glamour, the artwork from McKelvie and Wilson might just be the best work of their careers. The creativity shown in this issue in unparalled. I can’t think of anything like it to compare to. The panel structure, the use of the numbering, and the bright colors all add up to an experience that captures the spirit of the party. As for the colors, can we just hand Matt Wilson the Eisner now? His work has been stellar the previous seven issues, but he takes his game to the next level here. The colors jump right off the page, and add such a substantial amount to the story. It’s rare for the colors to play such a large role in an issue, and to be so good. I can’t imagine there being a better colored issue this year. Even Clayton Cowles takes his lettering to the next level, as the work on Dionysus’ speech bubbles are a distinct highlight. It may be the best work of these artists careers, but It’s hard to describe. My words can’t really do it justice. It is something that has to be experienced.

In fact, the entire issue as a whole is an experience. This whole review has been me trying to capture exactly what makes this issue special. It really is hard to put into words, but it really is something else. This issue is an example of a creative team firing on all cylinders together. Everything for the script to the lettering connect in such a way that is beautiful to behold. I realize that not everyone will look at the issue the same way, and that it’s not for everyone. Maybe it really is a generation gap, or a lifestyle disconnect. Lord knows I didn’t “get it” for awhile. Years from now when The Wicked + The Divine hits issue 250, and we are on our 10th incarnation of the Pantheon, I will look back at this issue as the moment the book went from good to special for me.

The Verdict: 10/10

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