THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #1 Review

Have gods really came to live among us and if not what is the cause for these strange phenomenon’s? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critically thermonuclear floor-fillers Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to start a new ongoing superhero fantasy with a beautiful oversized issue. Welcome to THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, where gods are the ultimate pop stars. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever.

The Wicked + The Divine is a strange series to say the least. The story shows gods among men with twelve gods taking human form. These aren’t however benevolent gods as they use their status to become famous beyond imagination, getting treated like rock stars. The concept itself really intrigued me, grabbing my attention completely. It was however the execution and strange start that made me question whether this is a series I can back in the long run with it being a little too enigmatic at times.

Kieron Gillen has always been a writer who’s had me on the fence as though most of his independent stuff has appealed to me his work on Marvel sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. His script on this issue is somewhere in between these two polar opposites with it being intense and gripping whilst also being at times confusing and frustrating. Despite this I do feel that Gillen has came up with a great concept and once the issue got into a dialogue focused rhythm it really started to improve and if he can do this going forward I can see it turning into a fabulous series.

Jamie McKelvie is an artist who I’ve admired for a couple of years now with his work on Young Avengers being truly captivating. McKelvie’s attachment to this series was what drew me in as having worked with Gillen on numerous occasions he’s formed a strong creative link with the writer. In this issue McKelvie sets an sensational tone with the layout and character intensity being extremely impressive. Add to this the shocking and impactful sequences and wonderful colours from Matthew Wilson and we get astonishing art that are a joy to mull over.

The Wicked + The Divine gets off to a great start as though it opened strangely, being a little too mysterious at times the general concept was really impressive showing promise. Recommended.