One very pedestrian issue is not enough grounds to write the series off on just yet though. It has had some fine peaks before and has a lot of bloody, tentacled potential waiting to burst forth but things are getting shaky at best.

Also missing again in this issue is the artful, if not masterful use of black space. Let's hope next issue's guest artist is brave enough to experiment with the technique as it has become one of the many elements that have come to define this series. Without taking such liberties, it's not quite The Wicked and The Divine.

It seems like Rucka is setting the scene for major events soon to come and the ride remains more than good enough to hang on until they do. Although if we don't start to get a bit more outside the Carlyle family goings on then things risk starting to turn stale soon.

Once a new scene is set the following cells often use single color backgrounds with the detail generally being saved for the beautifully drawn characters. They are harsh and complex just like the world these people inhabit.

However with six week gaps between each issue following the story can be hard, particularly if you don't have the time for said re-reads, and if that person is you then you'll probably get the most out of this series by reading the trades.

Invisible Republic is a must read, a literary science fiction comic with a hell of a lot to say. The characters are deep and real, the world is fascinating and the plot is getting thicker by the page. Go buy it.