REVIEW: ‘DIE,’ Issue #11

DIE #11 is published by Image Comics. It comes from the creative team of writer Kieron Gillen, artist Stephanie Hans, and letterer Clayton Cowles. Following the events of the previous issue, DIE #11 begins with Chuck, Angela, and Matt escaping from Angria. Relying on Chuck’s talent for good luck the three are able to make their escape unseen. Meanwhile, Ash, the new Empress of Angria, is struggling with her station. She goes down into the crypts to visit the undead Sol and the two have a quiet moment of recollection and friendship.

Back with the group of escapees, despite their clean exit they are being tracked. As they formulate a plan Matt confronts Chuck about his illness. At first he is unwilling to speak about it, but quickly relents and reveals that he has less than a year to live. Matt and Angela are shocked and redouble their efforts to find a way to escape. Knowing that there are enemies nearby, the three set out to find and kill them for resources. But they aren’t the only ones with plans, and the world of DIE always has a curveball to throw when they’re least expecting it.

After a painfully long hiatus, the return of DIE is a triumphant one. Rather than coming back with a bang, this issue is full of so many beautiful character moments. Seeing Ash finally drop the mask and ask for help was beautiful. Her vulnerability and admittance that she loved Sol is one of my favorite moments in this series so far. Moreso, I appreciate the realistic maturity of the characters. Their positions are different, and they are in conflict with one another, but they all are still tired adults who want to go home. In a time when people are trapped inside with no end in sight, this comic feels oddly appropriate.

As always, Hans’ art is beautiful. The characters and vistas are wonderfully drawn. But what really stood out to me was the colors. With this issue it felt like the colors were just as much a part of the storytelling as the writing. I could easily have missed this before, but the use of the color red throughout seems profound. As if red signifies their connection to the world of DIE or the power that binds them there. Whether this meaning is intended or imagined, the way those reds contrast the backgrounds is gorgeous all the same. Cowles’ letters continue to speak for themselves as clean, easy to read, and well placed.

I had honestly expected it would take some time to knock the rust off with this series, but I was wrong. With DIE #11 the series continues to go strong. Gillen and his team have something special here and I’m so excited to follow on this journey with them. Every issue adds new wrinkles and plot points, all while never feeling confusing. If you’ve been following from the beginning, you’ll be pleased with this most recent issue.