DIE #11 beats the war drum - REVIEW
Die #11 is out June 24, 2020.
By Benjamin Morin — Die remains a wonderful surprise each and every time it hits the shelves. I never would have guessed this series would become one of my most anticipated releases — even over the Big 2 — yet, here we are at the kick off of volume three. Die Vol. 1 set the stage for this grand adventure, and Die Vol. 2 delved into every main character in order to give them some much needed depth. Here at the start of volume three, Gillen takes all the groundwork previously laid and hurtles the story off to an epic war of fantastical proportions.
Unlike the beginning of the previous arc, Die #11 picks up immediately after the events of the last issue. Our party of adventurers has been split, for better or worse. Ash, Izzy, and the captive Sol remain in Angria to sort out the conflict at the nation's borders. These three characters must deal with the fallout of their recent political machinations and craft their plans for the future. On the other side of the narrative, we have Matt, Angela, and Chuck looking to escape the Angrian borders in search of solace to regroup and find a way home. All of our characters' motivations and goals have drastically shifted in response to the world and they are continually being forced to face the consequences of their actions.
Gillen’s narrative here flows effortlessly. It really feels like he's having fun and upping the stakes in an engaging manner. The previous issues have fantastically crafted the world of Die and all its inner-workings, and now he is able to go off and use that groundwork to his advantage. He has masterfully placed his pawns throughout the series and all the preparation is paying off in spades. Alongside the narrative, I would be remiss to ignore his character work. All of the characters in Die have their own personal struggles they must come to grips with, and this issue is no different. We see Ash's new status as queen of Angria weigh upon her, giving her pause as to who she can really trust in this twisted game. It's this brilliant and visceral character work that makes the characters and the world of Die so engaging and distinct.
It should go without saying at this point, but Hans artwork is phenomenal yet again. Colors blend and create entrancing collages in each panel. This artistic style has become the staple of the series and it is no different in this issue. The level of style that pours from each panel remains striking and only accentuates the dream-like nature of the story even more. It is awe-inspiring to see such artistic talent in each issue never drop in quality and somehow continue to top each preceding issue.
The stakes have never been higher as our characters move closer and closer to the inevitability of war. I feel this issue is a great way to bring the series back from its brief hiatus and there really is no better time. Amidst all the turmoil and confusion of the cultural climate, Die does what all good stories do and offers escapism at a time it is most needed.
Overall: Die #11 kicks off the new arc with a bang and left me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait to see where Gillen and Co. are going to take us and no comic reader should miss out on this thrilling series. 9.5/10
Die #11 - REVIEW
Die #11
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Stephanie Hans
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Image
Price: $3.99
“THE GREAT GAME,” Part One Half the party is ruling a whole empire. The other half is on the run. Neither has it easy. There is nothing easy in this game, especially when the stakes get shockingly real. The most epic arc of DIE begins as it means to go on: messily.
Release Date: June 24, 2020
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Benjamin Morin currently studies Journalism/Mass Media at Johnson University. He is a comic book enthusiast and aspiring filmmaker.