Written by: Kieron Gillen
Art by: Jamie McKelvie
Publisher: Image
The newest issue in The Wicked and Divine (commonly referred to as WicDiv) takes us behind the scenes and shows us what conventions are like from the perspective of the celebrities that have fans lining up to buy tickets. This issue is the second in the series’ Fandemonium arc, and Laura is re-entering the world of the Pantheon rather reluctantly.
Laura, after being prodded by Inanna, agrees to make an appearance at the London Fantheon in an effort to find out more about who assassinated Lucifer. McKelvie and Gillen include a lot of interesting commentary about fandoms and conventions. There is a two page spread dedicated to the convention map, and Laura has marked where she was asked for autographs and other significant moments for her. Through this issue, the creative team are able to express, in an exaggerated way, their exasperation with convention culture, including incessant autograph signing, out of date promotional materials, and pun-based themed restaurants (that are probably charging an exorbitant amount of money for awful food).
Laura is a part of a panel called “Life After a Near-God Experience” with Brunhilde, an ex-Valkyrie associated with the god Woden. Woden makes his initial appearance in this issue as well, and he looks like a member of Daft Punk. Woden is a maker. He turns other people (the members of the Valkyrie) into stars, but is unable to turn himself into one. He wears his helmet presumably because he has damaged his appearance trying to use his powers on himself. This is consistent with the mythology that says Woden is a god of inspiration.
Gillen’s writing is clever, and he’s able to pack a lot into each issue; there’s social commentary, subterfuge, and humor. The best part may be Badb singing My Chemical Romance karaoke in hell. Gillen is able to make little jokes without trying too hard or detracting from the plot.
Jamie McKelvie continually delivers fantastic art, and this issue is no exception. The Tron inspired costumes Woden and the Valkyrie wear are really cool, and the scenes in the convention space portray the busy, claustrophobia of conventions well. The only page I didn’t really enjoy was the page with Laura and Baphomet taking the stairs into the Underground. There’s a lot of black space and even though Laura states she wouldn’t be able to find her way back up the stairs, I don’t think this layout shows that. Matthew Wilson’s coloring is maybe one of the biggest draws of this series. The colors on every page pop, and this issue is no exception.
Overall, this is another solid issue in the WicDiv series. It’s not the most action packed issue, but there’s certainly a little bit of action and there’s a lot of important information being revealed. In the next issue, we’ll meet Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and madness who is known for excess, and I am definitely looking forward to that.
