Die is written by Kieron Gillen (THE WICKED + THE DIVINE), illustrated by Stephanie Hans (THE WICKED + THE DIVINE 1831), lettered by Clayton Cowles, designed by Rian Hughes, and edited by Chrissy Williams. Die is published by Image Comics.
The issue starts off by taking us back in time to 1991 where friends are gathering for a sixteenth birthday celebration. They have decided to start a new tabletop style game. The game is something new and unheard of. What some of us gamers may even say is still in the testing stages. Which is perfect for a group of “arrogant RPG elitists.”
The game the teens are playing goes by the name Gormenghast, and was made by one of the party members. After everyone makes their characters. Dice are handed out to each player. Pretty standard gaming stuff. But, things get interesting when we learn that the GM/DM gets to play along as well. Oh, and be sure to call dice die in this game.
From here things get very mysterious. As Sol’s mom goes to check on the kids she realizes no one is there. Then suddenly the kids appear in the middle of the road two years later. The kids are bruised and battered. Then we’re moved to the present which is 25 years later. Dominic is still traumatized by his birthday as a result of the happenings in his teens.
It’s now Dominic’s 43rd birthday and a mysterious box has been left in front of one of his haunts. Inside? A die. He reaches out to the other party members and they decide to get the gang back together. So, what really happened the 2 years they were all missing? They’re about to face it together and all over again.
Die mixes real world problems with a very unsettling fantasy world that can’t be easily escaped from. Each character has their own set of problems, and skills. Gormenghast must be completed in order for the party to leave. But, the things that happen in game take a toll on a person in the real world too. And, I don’t just mean mentally.
Die mixes the camaraderie of The Runaways with a high-stakes game of Jumanji. And, these themes work splendidly together. I am by no means saying that Die is ripping off either tale. Just that If you’re a fan of either title definitely pick this up as you will see some slight similarities in story-telling. Honestly even if you’re not a fan of either title and you just like dark fantasy, pick this title up.
Rating: 9/10
