Written by: Kieron Gillen
Art by: Jamie McKelvie & Matt Wilson
Publisher: Image Comics
The ‘Imperial Phase’ has been a big step forward for The Wicked & The Divine. This is always where we were meant to be from the start. That point where there are no strings for the Pantheon and they have to truly question their purpose for living these two years as gods. Let alone if they really do only have to live two years. With the clock ticking for some, this is a stressful time to pull the curtain on another story arc. Usually this is a time where we brace for the worst.
Keeping in mind that this is the end of another story arc, I felt that the way the story opened up here catches you off guard. A personal moment shared by two unlikely characters. One of them being Cassandra who has impressed me more than any other god. Somehow the one who clings so tightly to who she once was, and that human side shines in the most unique of ways. Though getting back to that scene, the execution was quite clever. It takes you some time to piece together the conversation Cassandra has with said person, but it comes with a big shocker you weren’t prepared for. A personal revelation so to speak.
What is better about this part here are the lines they are drawing to further divide the paths taken by the gods left. You have those trying to play hero against the great darkness, the ones shooting for anarchy, and the rest who seek knowledge. Even here the focus is still strongly set upon Cassandra and we get the best results from her interactions. Especially with a particular god who she simply does not play well with do to offensiveness to her culture. These two clashing at a times like this was significant towards addressing where some are maybe crossing a line. Again the biggest question since losing Anake is how wrong things can go. What happens when there isn’t a firm hand to keep the gods in line? It’s hard to argue that the order they had before kept a steady check and balance. Without that they are a little more free than they should be able to in order to abuse this gift.
The way we experienced where anarchy goes wrong was a tough pill to swallow. Those that chose this path you just knew would create the most trouble for themselves, but it was any wonder how. Every time we thought we were seeing the worst? This creative team still had more to show. I love it because at this stage in The Wicked & The Divine we might have gotten a bit comfortable with the freedom these gods are now open to. All it takes is the end of a story arc for a swift reminder of what kind of world, or better yet what kind of story this is.
The Wicked & The Divine #28 is a hard reality check towards the habits these gods can’t shake without a firm hand. It sucks to question right now if Ananke was right or not, but that was an appreciation for her position that we all took for granted till now. This creative team popped off the gloves and didn’t hold back capturing some graphic moments where nothing can ever be the same moving forward.
