Issue #1: The Wicked and the Divine (2014)

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Issue #1: The Wicked and the Divine (2014)

Title: The Wicked and the Divine (2014)

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Artist: Jamie McKelvie

The Buzz: Since it started last year, The Wicked and the Divine (Image Comics) has been gaining attention, award nominations and general kudos. Universal Studios have optioned the right to a TV series. The Gillen-McKelvie team collaborated on the critically acclaimed Young Avengers run, as well as their cult book Phonogram.

All You Need To Know: This is an original comic based around the concept that every 90 years, a group of 12 gods called The Pantheon are reborn into the bodies of bright young things who are adored, loathed, live fast and die after 2 years of glory. It last happened in the 1920’s and now it’s happening again in the new millennium, with the Pantheon reborn as 21st century rock stars and celebrities.

Story: “I see a wannabe who’s never got past the Bowie in her parents’ embarrassingly retro record collection. I see a provincial girl who doesn’t understand how cosplaying a Shinto god is problematic at best and offensive at worst. I see someone who’s been convinced that acting like a fucking cat is a dignified way for a woman to behave!”

Issue #1 introduces Laura, obsessive fan of rock goddess Amaterasu, who gets a chance to hang out with the band – in particular, the deeply creepy but stylish Luci (father of lies) on the night that an angry journalist tries to find out what makes the Pantheon tick.

It’s Luci(fer) with her David Bowie haircut and bright white suit who draws all the oxygen in this first issue – and despite her unfortunate habit of murdering snipers with a click of her fingers, it’s hard not to be on her side when she’s hauled up in court afterwards, in order to smugly plead ‘Act of God.’

I have no idea where the story’s going, but I’m fascinated to find out. Love the premise, the adult sexuality and the sparkling, acid dialogue.

Art: Jamie McKelvie should draw all the faces. I loved his work in New Avengers and it’s gorgeous here, his women in particular: strong and bright and full of character.

But What Did I Miss?: Nothing at all, though you may as well buy the whole first trade rather than mess about issue by issue. It’s currently at 2 trades and counting and definitely feels like a graphic novel than a serial.

Would Read Issue 2?: in a heartbeat

Read it if you Like: Sex Criminals, Saga, Young Avengers.