Review: Die #15

Die #15, written by Kieron Gillen (Warhammer: Marneus Calgar, The Wicked and The Divine) and drawn by Stephanie Hans (Journey Into Mystery, Storm), wraps up the third story arc in the widely popular and hugely successful series from Image Comics.  In case you haven’t jumped on board yet, the original premise of the story is one fantasized about by role-players the world round; what if the fantasy world we’re playing in was real and we were transported there?  I had the pleasure of reviewing the first issue of this book in which we found out that sometimes you should be careful what you wish for.  Since then, I have not been disappointed in this series and this issue continues the tradition of masterful storytelling with beautiful and impactful art.

Gillen has followed his plan in the three story arcs presented so far.  The first arc was largely focused on the characters, their past within this world of Die and the re-orientation (if that is a word) to this world they thought they had left behind them decades earlier.  It was a reimagining of the classic Dungeons and Dragons cartoon for a more mature audience.  The second arc focused on world building, with the characters realizing that their place in this world was not random and that it was incumbent upon them to step up and discover the underpinnings of their new reality.  The first two arcs had their share of action, revelations and drama built around good old fashioned fantasy role-playing.  In this third arc Gillen took a different tack and examined the political power structures that exist in this world.  As he drew us into this fascinating dynamic and the protagonists place in it, he also expanded his one over the world story, proving more context about the world of Die and what it means to all of us normies here in the “real” world.  While I may not always agree with the decisions that Gillen writes for some of his characters, what writer would, all of their actions feel organic.  The characters emotions, motivations and relationships always feel earned and authentic and so we, the readers, empathize with them (or hate them as the situation warrants) as we turn each page with rapt attention.  In trademark fashion for this series, Gillen ends this issue with another cliffhanger, promising a transition to a new “phase” in the unfolding story which is Die.  Gillen continues to build upon his world and characters while entertaining, cementing himself as one of the best comic writers out there right now.

Stephanie Hans continues to provide the art and color for Die.  I will admit that I am a huge fan of her work and nothing she does in Die #15 disabuses me of that notion.  One of the most fascinating aspects of Hans work is her use of different art mediums and her use of color to convey emotion.  In my video review of this work I will go more into this but it is worth taking the time to examine the look of the book from issue 1 to this one.  Hans can draw the same character the same way but by manipulating color saturation, lighting and framing convey completely different emotions.  (See my review for Hellboy: The Seven Wives Club to see an artist who uses color in a similar manner)  Ash, one of the central characters throughout the series and especially in this arc, is a prime example of this.  When Ash is first seen in her dictator form the color is bold, almost garish, heavily saturated and overpowering; consistent with the dictator who has the use of “the voice”.  In this arc, and in the featured image at the top of this review, Ash is hesitant and constrained.  Likewise, the color for her character is subdued, muted and the light that emanated from her at one point is now subdued and, in some cases, non-existent.  Meanwhile, the character of Matt is ascendant in the book and is likewise drawn and colored in that fashion.  It is a fascinating study across the series and one I’d love to talk to Hans about if I get the honor to talk to her again.

Die continues to be one of the standout books in all of comics in my opinion.  The storytelling is engaging and engrossing, the artwork is first rate by a master of her craft and the two work in seamless tandem.  If you are a fan of art, storytelling, roleplaying the supernatural or fantasy then I highly encourage you to pick up this issue and this series, you will not be disappointed.

Writing – 4.5  of 5 Stars
Art – 4.5 of 5 Stars
Ink – 4 of 5 Stars
Color – 5 of 5 Stars

Overall Score – 4.5 of 5 Stars

Writing – Kieron Gillen
Art – Stephanie Hans
Letters – Clayton Cowles
Publisher – Image Comics

Author Profile

Nemesis

Nemesis is a poet, writer and author of the upcoming novel The Long Game. He is a writer of science fiction and supernatural thrillers. Besides novels and short stories he writes for UK based ASAP Comics developing new stories for Level 8 and OPSEC. Nem is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and tries to bring those experiences into his writing.

He lives and works out of his home in Riverside, California with his wife and three children. When not writing he enjoys reviewing comic books and graphic novels for ComicCrusaders.com and living the Southern California life with his family.

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