“Being happy for a night. That’s not a small thing” – Dionysus
At this point the creative team of writer Kieron Gillen, artist Jamie McKelvie, and colorist Matthew Wilson, are a well oiled machine. They crank out spectacular issues month after month after month. This issue of The Wicked + The Divine (TW+TD) is no exception. This issue focused on the god Dionysus, who you might remember as the Greek god of wine and crazy parties (more or less). Compared to the rest of the gods we have met in this series Dionysus is less about himself, and more about his fans. Dionysus seems to genuinely care if his fans are enjoying themselves and goes to painstaking measures to ensure they have an adventure they’ll never forget. This issue opens up with Laura entering the rave at Dionysus’ request. She is told that she can party for as long as she wants and to stop all she has to say is “enough”. Once inside Laura tries to uncover answers from the gods and mortals in attendance. While she gets some answers, she leaves the rave (two days later no less), with far more questions than answers.The clever paneling work by McKelvie makes the rave jump off the page. As you read you can almost hear the music playing and feel the bass rumble through your bones. The coloring choices by Wilson are bright and vibrant. They contribute to the rave scene laid out by McKelvie. Together McKelvie and Wilson create a party scene that is as wild as it is stunning. If you have yet to pick up this issue, or this series, I recommend you go to your local comic book store and pick it up as soon as you can. You won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 8/10
-Andrew Horton