The Wicked + The Divine #11
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie
Colors by Matthew Wilson
Letters by Clayton Cowles
Cover by Fiona Staples
Image Comics
Release Date: June 3, 2015
Cover Price: $3.50

Well, well, well. It appears that others besides myself have taken a shine to this comic series. While this is technically a review of The Wicked + The Divine #11, I wanted to alert you to some other news that has recently made a few headlines. It appears that this little Eisner nominated comic has been optioned by Universal Television to become a television series through Matt Fraction and Kelly Sue DeConnick’s production company Milkfed Criminal Masterminds. So there! But seriously, how cool is it to see a new comic series get recognition right from the start? Keep reading to find out what makes this comic so notable.

First off, if you are only a sometime reader of this series, I may drop a hint or two as to things that transpired in past issues. In order to speak to events in this current installment, it’s inevitable that I reference the last ten issues. So, in advance: I’m sorry.

The Wicked + The Divine #1
Written by Keiron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie
Colors by Matthew Wilson
Letters by Clayton Cowles
Image Comics
Release Date: June 18, 2014
Cover Price: $3.50

What if every single one of us possessed something special inside of us? Not a soul, but rather something that made us greater than others around us. The Wicked + The Divine #1 suggests just that, though of course it isn’t as easy as I just made it sound. Because if we were able to harness all of our life force and focus it to become more than mortal, our lifespan would become greatly reduced. Curious? So was I!

Imagine that every century or so the eternal beings of the past chose avatars so that they could once again inhabit the earth, albeit for a brief time. Of course, not everyone is a believer but what does that matter? People would flock to you merely because of the pleasure they get from your presence. Interestingly enough, these new godlings seem to be in the entertainment business, reaching their followers through singing, dancing, or what have you. Don’t we see fans doing some crazy things on a regular basis? Not so farfetched now, is it? But along with their power to entice, excite, and arouse comes the ability to destroy. Just as we are to insects, so are these immortals to us.

Three #3
Written by Kieron Gillen
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly
Colored by Jordie Bellaire
Lettered by Clayton Cowles
Cover by Ryan Kelly and Jordie Bellaire
Image Comics
Release Date: December 11, 2013
Cover Price: $2.99

In Three #3, events quickly begin to take shape. Three slaves are on the run; 300 from a failing nation are on the hunt; and an outcast seeks revenge. Writer Kieron Gillen, illustrator Ryan Kelly, and colorist Jordie Bellaire return with a new installment of this action-induced, ancient political thriller.

Helot slaves Klaros, Damar, and Terpander are on the run after their fatal encounter with a Spartan Ephor and his military envoy. Wondering whom Klaros really is – considering his excellent fighting skills and tracking knowledge – Damar and Terpander see it in their best interest to continue following his lead. On their trail is Spartan King Kleomenes II who begrudgingly leads an expedition of 300 Spartan soldiers. Meanwhile, sent back to Sparta for his cowardly act of running from the slaughter, Arimnestos is furious with his new-found title of “Trembler” and acts quickly and alone to restore his good name.