Wicked + The Divine, Vol. 1: The Faust Act

Kieron Gillen’s graphic novel reimagines ancient mythology through the lens of contemporary celebrity culture. Every ninety years, twelve deities are reborn as modern pop stars, granted two years of immortal fame before their inevitable demise and subsequent reincarnation. The narrative follows these newly awakened figures as they navigate the relentless machinery of modern stardom, grappling with the tension between their divine origins and human vulnerabilities. Gillen explores themes of worship, legacy, and the cyclical nature of cultural obsession, using the pop music industry as a mirror for how societies elevate and discard their icons. The volume establishes a distinctive tone that balances sharp social commentary with mythological resonance, presenting fame not as a destination but as a temporary vessel for eternal forces. By intertwining classical archetypes with the aesthetics of modern entertainment, the work offers a reflective examination of how we construct gods in our own image and why we inevitably turn away when the spotlight fades.