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.

Deep Gravity
Paperback | Kindle
Story by Mike Richardson
Script by Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko
Art by Fernando Baldo
Colors by Nick Filardi
Letters by Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover and Chapter Break Art by Gabriel Hardman and Matthew Wilson
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: March 24, 2015

How exciting would it be to travel to another planet that holds remarkable similarities to our own? But what if you had to take a three-year trip just to get there? Of course, you are in a suspended animation during the journey but still…three years? That gives even the most curious folk pause. Especially when you consider the fact that staying on this new world for too long is deadly. But corporate greed makes the world(s) go ’round, so people still find themselves motivated to go. But for some people it’s not about the money. Deep Gravity gives us a bit of it all in the telling of this tale.

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.

Scrooge and Santa
Written by Matthew Wilson
Pencils & Inks by Josh Kenfield
Colors by Dan Smith & Josh Kenfield
Letters by Jehoaddan Strain & Josh Kenfield
Cover by Josh Kenfield
Arcana Studios
Release Date: January 1, 2011
Cover Price: $14.95

Scrooge and Santa is a delightful Christmas comic book that does everything that it sets out to do. It has charm, humor, and heart. Sometimes the story is a little bit confusing and lacking, but all in all, it’s a great Christmas read.

Matthew Wilson spins a Christmas yarn that is truly timeless. He updates the classic story, A Christmas Carol, but not in the usual way. Yes, there are all the elements of the Charles Dickens classic in there, but he also throws in some very unexpected and out place twists and turns. And, I’m happy to say, they turn out fantastic.

The Guild: Fawkes #1
Written by Felicia Day and Wil Wheaton
Art by Jamie McKelvie
Color by Matthew Wilson
Letters by Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover by Paul Duffield
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: May 23, 2012
Cover Price: $3.50

The Guild: Fawkes is a one-shot, backstory comic for one of the best characters in Felicia Day‘s insanely popular web series. If you don’t already know what The Guild is, then firstly, shame on you. Secondly, this comic will probably not make much sense to you; it’ll just be a story about some kilted sociopath who oddly resembles Wil Wheaton. You should probably watch all five seasons of The Guild to truly appreciate this comic. Hey, the web series is short, free, and hilarious. You have no excuses.

Back in February, Dark Horse Comics released a preview image of the cover, the first ever glimpse of Fawkes’ in-game avatar. The character looked amazing. Not how I would have pictured Fawkes — just infinitely cooler. I was floored and instantly said, “I’m so gonna cosplay Fawkes at DragonCon.” Yeah, I’m a complete mark for this whole Guild metaverse thing.