Die #7 Review

Writer: Kieron Gillen / Artist: Stephanie Hans / Image Comics Seven issues in, Die still manages to be as captivating as its first issue. The unique blend of dark fantasy, psychological horror, and personal drama is unrivaled in its ambition and its ability to unravel a character in a chilling way. With the rules of the world firmly established, the Split the Party arc continues to showcase the talents of virtuosos of Gillen and Hans as they turn the spotlight to the Godbinder and the Fool.

Isabelle and Chuck are the focal characters of Die #7 and it’s a self described odd pairing. Isabelle as the Godbinder is constantly trading favors and incurring debts with the gods of the land, while Chuck as the Fool is doing whatever he pleases because he just doesn’t care about any potential consequence that could possibly happen. It’s a case study of contrasts, an analysis of calculated risk and sheer disregard for the world. Gillen’s pairing extenuates the other’s faults as the world of Die tends to do. In the midst of all of the character development, we are also treated to new set pieces and new NPCs courtesy of Hans’s continually incredible artwork. As the fractured party traverses the vast tundra, the artwork continues to be an equally crucial part to the tone and surreal nature that is Die. This story works so brilliantly as a comic largely because as brilliant as the dialog and plot are, the visuals give it both a visceral and ethereal form that is necessary for it to be an e…