Comic Book Review: The Wicked and the Divine

Publisher: Image Comics

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Artist: Jamie McKelvie

Issues: 45

Status: Complete

Many years ago I attempted to pick up and read The Wicked and the Divine, another well spoken of title by Image comics, but at that time it just didn’t take. The comic just didn’t hook me at first and this is probably due to various factors that aren’t important enough to get into now. A few years later I gave it another crack upon seeing the incredible popularity of the comic, and I must say that I’m happy that I did. For I was treated to a fantastic story centered on mythology, a topic I’m particularly fond of. TWD, as I will now be referring to it as TWATD doesn’t sound very appropriate, is a comic about Gods who slumber for 90 years and are then re-incarnated within the form of average, or sometimes not so average people. With their recollections and powers, the Gods dwell among the humans for two years before being destroyed, left to slumber for another 90 years.

Necessary for their awakening is the Goddess of necessity, Ananka, the one tasked with finding and awakening the Gods within their earthly forms. She also tasked with guiding the Gods, insuring their safety and also acting as their political figurehead within the various ages. The Pantheon of Gods is large, and certainly not only exclusive to those of the Greek collective, but extends from Egyptian all the way to Celtic mythology. Set in England in 2013, readers can look forward to being acquainted with a host of exciting characters that make up the current pantheon. From Woden, Norse All Father and leader of the Valkries, to Minerva, Greek Goddess of Wisdom, accompanied by her robotic owl that was created by a tech start-up. Amatarasu, the Japanese Goddess of the sun, to Lucifer, waving the banner for the good ol’ fashioned Judaeo-Christian faith.

In their current forms, the Gods serve as the modern day influences, musicians and artists, inspiring millions and creating cult like followings. Among these followers is the main character of the tail, Laura, a young girl who is a huge fan of all of the Gods and very soon becomes better acquainted with them and more closely involved after befriending Lucifer. However, Laura soon finds herself in the middle of drama after Lucifer is framed for the murder of a judge. She, along with the other Gods, looks to crack the case, prove Lucifer’s innocents and get to the bottom of the motives of whoever framed her in the first place, whether God or human.

TWD is a complex journey through a very intriguing world of Gods and humans. The comic spoils readers with a series that skillfully navigates itself through the lives of each character. All Gods have something to offer in the story, as they not only live through their divine lives but also work to reconcile it with their past human lives. The various relationships are well developed and fleshed out, showing the strength and great vulnerability that each possess. It’s a comic that looks at who we are and what it is that we want to be, and is also wonderfully inclusive with regards to identity and romantic relations, giving representation for trans gender, heterosexuals and everything in between.

There is a lot to speak about with regards to this comic, from all the above mentioned, the great writing, transitions and amazing art work, to the well developed cliff hangers and twists. Its clear to me that this is one for the top 10 Image comics of all time, and as such worthy of a read by casual and fanatic alike. Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I did, happy reading ☺.