Writer: Kieron Gillen
Art: Jamie McKelvie
Publisher: Image Comics
WHAT IS IT?
A murder mystery meets American Gods. Less road-trippy. More glam.
Sure, the whole “Gods walk among us” thing has been done before. But for a good reason – ‘cause it’s awesome.
Also, this volume sets up a story that spirals into an incredible, masterfully told tale that you truly need to experience.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
(Minor Spoilers)
Normal teenagers get the power of gods and turn into pop stars. It’s super awesome for them, except they’re prophesied to die in 2 years’ time. Until then, they live the glamorous life we mortals can only dream of.
Teenage Laura is obsessed with these gods and eventually, she befriends one of them. But she ends up with more than she bargained for when one of the gods is murdered. Who could kill an immortal? And why would they want to? Can she solve this mystery before it happens again?
WHAT WORKS?
One of the best and most popular indie titles out there
The plot is deep and interesting, always keeping you guessing
The book’s art and color are crisp, beautiful and push the boundaries of what you’d expect of comics as a medium
It’s fun to see the pop music influence on each of the gods (you’ll think of Bowie, Prince and more when you meet each of them)
There are several more trade paperbacks (collections of single issues), so there’s plenty more story to tell
Again, seeing godlike powers and mythos is never NOT awesome
The entire creative team is made up of the top names in the business
Great representation of different ages, races, and sexes
WHAT DOESN'T WORK?
If you’re not a fan of pop icons or godly powers or gothiness, this comic probably isn’t for you
Some violence (like exploding body parts), cigarette smoking and “adult themes” may make it less kid-friendly (but probably OK for the older YA crowd)
Don’t expect everything to be resolved by the end of the first trade paperback
WHY SHOULD I READ IT?
This is one of my favorite books out there. Read it and read it now. It captures the feel of idolizing a person or group and how that feeling can change once you’re a part of it. And if you’re a sucker for fancy powers or mysteries, this is a masterful work by four people at the top of their game.
WHAT DO I READ NEXT?
If you like the writing:
The Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 2 by Kieron Gillen & Jamie McKelvie
God Country by Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw, Jason Wordie & John J. Hill
East Of West, Vol. 1 by Jonathan Hickman & Nick Dragotta
If you like the art:
Phonogram, Vol. 1 by Kieron Gillen & Jamie McKelvie
Moon Knight, Vol. 1 by Warren Ellis & Declan Shalvey
The Sandman, Vol. 1 by Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith & Mike Dringenberg
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Kieron Gillen – Writer
Music Lover: Used to be a music and computer game journalist
Often partners with artist Jamie McKelvie on other works
Has mentioned he might quit writing comics and move on to a different medium
Jamie McKelvie – Art
Music Lover: Also illustrates band posters and directs videos for bands like CHVRCHES and Teagan & Sara
Also often does character/costume redesigns for Marvel
Rumor: Secretly loves Kieron Gillen’s puns
Matt Wilson – Colors
Name Recognition: One of the most talented and sought-out colorists in the industry
Dream Team: Currently works with some of the biggest names in comics
Clayton Cowles – Letters
Name Recognition: Cowles (pronounced ‘Coals’) is also extremely talented and sought-out in the comics industry
Dream Team: Currently works with some of the biggest names in comics
Prolific: This guy has lettered most of the comics I’ve read in the past 3 years
HOW DO I BUY IT?
Click one of these:
The image(s) used in this article are from a comic strip, webcomic or the cover or interior of a comic book. The copyright for this image(s) is likely owned by either the publisher of the comic, the writer(s) and/or artist(s) who produced the comic. It is believed that the use of this image(s) qualifies as fair use under the United States copyright law. The image is used in a limited fashion in an educational manner in order to illustrate the points of the author and not for the purpose of entertainment or substituting the original work. It is believed the use of this image has had no impact on the market value of the original work.
All Image Comics characters and the distinctive likeness(es) thereof are trademarks of and copyright Image Comics or their respective owners. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.