Die, Cilt 3: Büyük Oyun

Die #11-15

by Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans (Artist), Bülent Tunç Serim (Translator)

Doksanlı yıllarda, altı genç bir fantezi rol yapma oyununda kaybolur. Sadece beşi geri döner. Yaklaşık otuz yıl sonra, bu yaralı yetişkinler, oyunun henüz onlarla işinin bitmediğini keşfetmek için geri çekildiler…

DIE dünyasında oyuncular artık gerçek oyuncular. Ülkeler onların taşları ve tahta kanla kırmızıya boyanmakla tehdit ediyor.

Vezir kim ve piyonlar kim? Kim kazanmak için oynuyor? Kim ne için oynadığını unuttu! Ve gerçek riskler hatırlatıldığında ne yapacaklar?

Eleştirmenlerce beğenilen karanlık fantezi hiti üçüncü cildinde destansı bir hâl alıyor.

DIE'nin 11-15 numaralı sayılarını içerir.

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Comic Book, Horror

152 pages, Hardcover

First published December 16, 2020

About the author

Kieron Gillen is a comic book writer and former media journalist.

Reviews

[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has always had a substantial chance of, to put it bluntly, disappearing up its own arse. And I think we're getting so close we can almost smell it (sorry).

I liked the series when it was quite personal, this arc blows it up to world threatening proportions (our world, I mean), and it all gets a bit silly.

That said, the upcoming arc promises to be more claustrophobic, so we'll see.

I do hope the series ends. It's time.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A low score but the last two issues were better and I still have some interest in seeing where this goes. I kind of had the same problem with WicDiv: lots of up and down with my scores every issue.

Individual issue reviews: #11 | #12 | #13 | #14 | #15

Total review score: 2.15

[Shadowdenizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's clear that Kieron Gillen has no shortage of creative energy. And a solid knowledge base of RPG's and their tactial wargame predecessors (as evidenced by the fact that this comic is spawning its own RPG!)

That said: as an RPG fan, I love this book! And Kieron Gillens work speaks to me; his "Wicked and Divine" and "House of Mystery" runs were stellar! But I can see where this title is a bit niche, and might not be totally accessible to non Fantasy and/or RPG fans.

This volume highlights more of the "Players" foibles as they become major players in the DIE Universe, and tearing down the status quo that has been building since Issue 1 (not a major revelation, since Gillen himself has said as much.) I'm not sure how long the intended run of this series is intended for, but I get the impression that we're moving towards a climax at a breakneck pace....

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/28 Update: Reading this series front to back vastly improves the coherency of these middle volumes. I get the stakes this time through where I didn't before. Really makes me want to read Gillen's Once & Future series front to back once all those volumes are out.

Original review: I like the art in Die and I like that it's toying with RPG mechanics and storytelling in interesting ways. I just wish more time was spent making me care about these characters. It's all plot plot plot in this third volume as the stakes are raised and the characters are shifted around the chessboard seemingly at random.

In The Great Game the endgame of the series shifts into view, with it being revealed that the DIE world will merge with/subsume/destroy the real world when six magic die are forged. How very Lord of the Rings. We know about this endgame because H.G. Wells and a bunch of lightning elves explain the stakes to the main characters in long-winded, yet also stilted dialogue. It's exhausting and doesn't exactly make me care whether the characters save the day.

A lot else happens in The Great Game, but it rarely feels critical. Characters talk about the high stakes, grumble about their status in the DIE world, or otherwise wish they could go home. But then they climb a mountain range to fight some Fallen or start a war with Little England or whatever - the plot keeps on plotting, so there's no time to truly dissect what's going on. I recall the second volume having way more time for the characters, so it's disappointing to see that time discarded in the The Great Game.

Kieron Gillen's end notes aren't as engrossing in this volume, focused as they are on the 2010s indie RPG scene. You kind of have to come into the essays with an extensive knowledge of non-video game RPGs to really get anything out of them. I'm sure there are some fascinating tidbits in there about storytelling and worldbuilding, but my eyes glazed over.

[Billy Jepma · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your father didn't raise a murderer."
"No...but my friends turned me into one."

This is what I've been waiting for. After two volumes of incredible creativity, but some frustrating execution, Die comes out swinging with its third (and potentially penultimate) story arc and absolutely knocks me out. In one of his after-issue essays, Gillen basically says that this story arc is about tearing down the tower the previous volumes built, and that rings so true. The Great Game isn't perfect––the resolution in the final pages of issue 15 is rushed and glosses over consequences I desperately hope we get to see play out when the series picks up again in April. But it fires on all cylinders and delivers the kind of raw, bleeding-heart storytelling I've been waiting for.

I was enamored with this, from front to back. The exposition is more organically stitched into the plot, the cast feel the most alive and dynamic yet, and the plot gleefully, methodically twists the knife into character and reader alike. Hans' artwork is nothing less than terrific, as expected, and this volume gives her ample opportunity to portray emotion and spectacle in spades (some of her coloring choices near the end are jaw-droppingly good). Die remains as thrilling a comic to look at as ever.

If I was being more honest, I would probably give this 4/5 stars, because the plot isn't as tight as it could be, and like I said up top, some of the more visceral moments in the climax are cut unceremoniously short. But...I was so invested in it that I'm giving it the 5 stars I've wanted so badly to give the series since it started. If the next volume is its final, which it may very well be, I hope Gillen is able to keep this momentum up (I have no doubt that Hans' art will be incredible) and end the story in the emotional and inevitably devastating way it deserves.

[Ashley Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great realizations, and I love the use of historical figures (we meet HG Wells in this volume!). The pop culture references are fantastic -- wonder what that'll feel like in 20yrs :D Still some of the best art ever. Stephanie Hans is a genius with color.

[Alex Sarll]

As our leads continue to face a series of impossible choices (because that's what RPGs are about, right? Or at least the arty sort), more of the big picture is finally revealed. And it turns out that, in ways which really don't feel like they could have been retroactively engineered in since the Event, this is a comic about - SPOILER of sorts - the world's destined end in 2020. We all know about comics as magic, and Gillen already accidentally called the moment with Ludocrats' idea of a world where all that was gloriously daft was being smushed flat and grey by the forces of eternal boredom. But that was to some extent my ability to find signs and portents anywhere – this is the first time I've had the full skincrawling sense of someone I used to drink with, back when drinks with friends were still a thing that happened, being a prophet.

[RG · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ive found this series a disjointed mess

[Clint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nov 2021 re-read before vol 4:
no new thoughts, but I noticed this time how Matt’s plot is nicely hinted at several times before it reaches culmination.

Original review:
Vol 3 builds off the character work of the first two books and makes some big plot moves, bringing specifics to a grander story about the allure of fantasy along with a ton of beautifully painted action that’s been setup in earlier issues. There’s still plenty of character moments and reveals to be had, with one particular end of issue pencil doodle with Matt hitting me especially hard. I also really love this volume’s cameo from a classic English author, and that his thematically appropriate connection was easier to explain than Brontë’s in Vol2. I can’t wait to see who else Gillen has fun including next. And as always, this is still one of the most gorgeous comics to look at.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a reason you don't split up the party: it slows down the momentum of the game because you have to split time between different groups. It can sometimes be more beneficial in fiction, where it gives you the opportunity to visit with the inner life of different characters, but as George R.R. Martin has shown us, it can threaten to slow the story in that medium too.

In V3 of Die, Kieron Gillen has split up the party, and it unfortunately slows down the storytelling. We do get some interesting revelations, such as the introduction of another giant of roleplaying history, but it also leaves this volume treading water until it all comes together in the end.

The art is still entirely magnificent, and it's interesting to see these characters at play, but I'm looking forward to the final volume more, because we're heading down ...

[Guilherme Smee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Existem histórias, principalmente no universo das histórias em quadrinhos, que fazem uma preparação para o clímax melhores que o clímax em si. Neste terceiro volume de DIE temos o clímax de lutas da história, preparando para o desfecho e arrefecimento da história no quarto e último capítulo. Gillen e Stephanie fizeram uma preparação muito boa para esse momento, mas quando ele chega é bastante frustrante, sem as coisas incríveis e embasbacantes que trouxeram nas partes anteriores. O destaque para essa edição é a participação de H. G. Wells na trama, da mesma forma que as Irmãs Bronte participaram do segundo volume. Fica o mistério para saber que jogador de RPG e literato vai dar as caras no derradeiro capítulo da série. Ainda assim, o terceiro volume, em minha humilde opinião, foi o mais fraco dos lidos até agora de DIE.

[Dev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure if I enjoyed this more because since reading volume 2 I have started watching Critical Role and am starting to understand D&D a little bit better, or if it's just because the story is finally picking up and coming into its own and making more sense. Either way I found this volume to be much more readable than the previous two and the art is incredible as always. Definitely excited to see where this is going now.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

An improvement over the previous volume, but still a fairly obscure story. Last time, it was the Brontes that got thrown in the mix. This time, it's H.G. Wells. To what purpose, exactly, isn't entirely clear. The artwork continues to be the main point of recommendation for this series. Guess I'm going to have to see things through and read the next one...

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

On one hand, there are some brilliant moments in this installment. On the other, there are some that made me roll my eyes. Gillen has this tendency to delve into too-meta, which makes me nuts and, for me, it always tends to detract from the story rather than add layers.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I own this book.

Admittedly I think I left it too long in between reading Volume 2 and Volume 3 to be super attached to this book.

First things first, I've said it before, but Stephanie Hans' art in this series is outstanding. Like such a perfect pairing between the art and this series, especially when it comes to conveying emotions during difficult experiences, you can literally see the pain in the characters.

I don't know if it's because I'm not a DnD players or do I have any experience with RPG table top games, but this world seems to be getting more and more confusing as the series goes on rather than it actually explaining anything and making it easier to follow. Ash is now queen, Isabelle is hesitantly at her side, Julian wants to fight on the front lines to spite Ash. While our other group face their own dramas. Angela finds out her daughter Molly is one of the Fallen, Matt finds out his dad died and Chuck admits he's got a terminal illness. Really the best bit about this book is the connections these characters have with one another, complicated, sad and toxic. Honestly, the perfect angst concoction.

I hope the final arc clears everything up.

[Joshua Castleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is just fantastic. This volume dove more into the world of Die itself and how it works, which has been a big mysterious question most of the time. Unfortunately, I think inspecting it too closely makes things fall apart a little and it's just more confusing than enlightening.

That said, it takes nothing away from some great characters, what compels them, and the choices they makes. I think the overall doom and gloom and defeatist pessimism is wearing me down a bit with the overall tone. I would love to see a bit more hope and light. But it is what it is, and in the end, they haven't completely given up all hope.

[Fraser Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, being a tabletop game designer this is like the embodiment of my interests. Fantastic art, great story, great concept, more engaging than the previous arc. Exceptional stuff. Can’t wait for the last arc.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time loops are tricksy things to pull off, but I like the emphasis on choices and why they’re interesting.

[Davenport Public Library Iowa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbroken Saga fans! Wandering W+D acolytes! Looking for something to fill the void? This is the series for you! In 1991 six teenagers disappear into a role-playing game. Two years later, only five return. Now 25 years later, they are called back into that fantasy world and must face the horrors they left behind in order to return home.

I've said before that pretty much everything Kieron Gillen touches turns to gold and, well, he's yet to prove me wrong! I resisted this series because I'm not much of a fantasy fan or a D&D player but I'm so glad I finally picked it up! This is epic storytelling, worldbuilding, and adventure, and the character's conflicts between and within themselves are just as compelling. The painterly art by Stephanie Hans adds even more depth to the world of DIE.

I really can't wait for the next issue!

This series can be found at Main and Fairmount in the Graphic Novel collection under GRAPHIC FIC GILLE KIE V. 1-3

- Allison, Community Outreach, Davenport Public Library

(Reviews Die, Vols 1-3)

[Linn]

DNF at 10%

I have immense respect for Kieron Gillen as an Artist & Writer, and I think that his ideas are amazing. But a lot of times the execution lacks a bit for me. This time it was less the story (as in Wic+Div that went on a downwards spiral imo), and more the art itself that gave me a headache. This is incredibly subjective, but I do not think that the chosen art style works well for a graphic novel - the lack of clear lines and more abstract way of setting scenes did absolutely not work for me. I tried to gaslight myself for two volumes that I'd grow to like it, but sadly I cannot. The story wasn't strong enough to tie me over it either, so onto the DNF pile it goes.

[Štěpán · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Gillen focuses on characters and gives us the drama and trauma, it is spectacular. It is awesome and I want to bathe in the sadness of the grief knight or the manipulation of the dictator. But in this third book, Gillen focuses on world ending story which... I do not care about. I think it spiralled out of some crazy idea and not wanting to do what has already been done. But at the same time, doing the world-ending, omnipresent power of the Die seems to me very cheap and puts the stakes of the personal conflict to a different box.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily my favorite volume so far! This series is a must read.

[Wolfmantula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review will be on Vol.4

[Craig Schorling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than the previous volumes. Easier to follow the story and finally some focus on the fantasy action.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ash is now queen of Angria, and has become so by trapping the vampire Zamora with her Voice. This makes her rather trapped as well, as she can’t use her Voice to influence anyone else while he remains enthralled. Sol provides a little guidance from his place in the dungeon. Angria comes under attack by Little England while still being attacked by Eternal Prussia. Ash goes to meet with the leader of Little England, who turns out to be a representation H. G. Wells. Wells is convinced that Ash cannot bring peace and stop the world of Die from engulfing the planet Earth. In another part of the world, Matt, Angela, and Chuck are also trying to stop the destruction of the world, but their main objective is to get back home. They find Angela’s daughter, who is a Fallen now and is constantly trying to eat them.

In this volume, we finally get some of the background of what this world is and why these folks have been pulled to it. Whenever the mystery is revealed, there's always the risk that the explanation doesn't live up to what lives in the readers' head. For me, this explanation and the famous classic writers being part of the world of Die and how Die is going to impact Earth itself, it was a little over-the-top. The timeline is also a little confusing and some things seem a little convenient instead of fully thought-out. However, I still really enjoy this series and really need to see how it ends. I'm here for the stunning visuals if for nothing else. Stephanie Hans is a master of her craft.

Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 11-12

Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.

[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was a bit disappointed with Volume 2, Gillen manages to use it as a springboard into a much stronger volume here, as the ramifications of the characters' actions really start to take hold. New faces of the die are introduced, and the world's history is explored a bit more, but in a way that furthers the present story. Stakes are raised, major battles occur, and a single phrase uttered in the right ear turns the tables. The art and color is phenomenal once again, with every page worth long gazes to take in its dark, violent beauty. And I would be remiss not to mention the collected back-matter; Gillen's interviews with luminaries from the tabletop RPG world are fascinating insights into a culture I'm only tangentially aware of, and serve as a good basis for introduction. All in all, this was a great volume of a powerful and deep series, and I'm once again looking ahead to the next collection.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awareness: Reflective and Meta

Here is where Kieron Gillen gets the most on brand. The subversion and metacommentary on how powerful board games really are with references going back to H.G. Wells is an interesting one. Like the games have more power over the players than they think. Enough to influence World Wars and go even further to make the world more like a game. Even better is that it goes into the cast's arc. That you can't treat any part of your life like it's just a game. Only when you become aware of yourself and make the steps necessary to really live can you actually get your life on track.

[David H.]

Why I didn't finish this: I read the first two volumes of Die back-to-back three months ago and I enjoyed them a lot at the time, but starting the third volume now just made me realize that I don't care about the characters or the plot anymore. It's possible I might revisit this series when it's completed.

[Bertazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn... I was almost dropping the series after Volume 2, but now I am hyped as hell.

[Molly Lazer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this volume a little more than the previous two due to it actually putting forth the larger stakes of the series. The issue in which H.G. Wells appeared did a good job of providing necessary exposition. But, like in previous volumes, the exposition is what was lacking overall from this volume. As an example, when Angela finds the forge, simply saying something as on-the-nose as, "Look, it's the forge that is building the dice that Die wants to send out into Earth." Yet none of this was said until most of the way into the forge scene, so I had no idea what the forge was or why they were trying to destroy it. And how did Angela, Chuck, and Matt even know about the forge and the dice when Ash and Isabelle were the ones who heard the Gamesmaster's plan from Wells?

Things continue to move too quickly to make sense, including pretty much everything involving Zamorna and Augustus. The Ash/Augustus/Zamorna plotline could have been totally compelling, especially given Ash's circumstances in the real world, but with everything being glossed over as quickly as it is, it's just another instance of me saying, "Huh?" and not caring that much.

Matt was my favorite character--and the most well-developed--in this volume.

One more to go, I guess.