The “Imperial Phase” is in full swing, as the second issue of the newest Wic/Div arc arrives. Self-described by writer Keiron Gillen as “the self-indulgence phase” of their musically adjacent series, this arc sees our lovely lead Persephone emerging as the driving force of the book once again. In her previous form as fangirl Laura, she was the audience’s way into the complex and otherworldly lives of the resurrected Gods. Now, as one, she doesn’t give us that same glimpse into the world, but we know the world a bit better by now, and her presence as the aggressive and fearless rebel of the New Gods is beginning to complicate things. The hedonism of the Gods knows no bounds, but their experiences come from years of knowing what they’re doing, and whom, and why. With Persephone being more of a baby God, her actions are already beginning to get on the nerves of some of the Gods, especially since most of her action revolve around sleeping with people, despite her ongoing relationship with Baal.

There’s only a few main points that hit in this issue, but they’re hit hard. The rebellious nature of Persephone is beginning to show signs of our first Bad Girl God, Lucifer, and we all know how that ended for her (or should, since starting with this issue would be a bit strange). Her partying and hedonism aside, there’s also the aftermath from the Ananke debacle. With Ananke dead, the Gods have turned to Woden, her allegedly willing accomplice. Without going too much into it, Woden’s work with Ananke has put him in hot water, and Persephone’s taking it upon herself to be the one to make him pay for his crimes. This seems like it’s going to go well, doesn’t it?

This book is a ton of fun, and it’s only seeming to get better as time goes on and the series develops. Gillen and artist Jamie McKelvie are having a ton of fun on this, and it shows. McKelvie’s work is vibrant, detailed, and beautiful, given a chance to shine by the brilliant coloring by Matt Wilson. This is a seriously talented creative team, and as Wic/Div progresses, it continues to shine as one of the best all-around series in comics currently.

The two of them make one of the best art teams in comics. This is simple a gorgeous series, and it’s hard to see this book losing any of its luster any time soon. It may be twenty-four issues in, but it’s web of complexities, profanity, and hedonism is still in full swing, and it shows no signs of stopping. While starting with this issue isn’t recommended, those who regularly read this book should no doubt be impressed. Those who don’t should start immediately.