The final chapter in James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas’ epic Wynd saga begins in Wynd: The Power of the Blood #1, setting up a major confrontation between Esseriel’s forces of good and evil, that all hinges on the destiny of the titular Wynd. The journey of Wynd has been winding and wild, establishing a rich world filled with lore, politics, and many secrets, elevated by the wonderful characterization of its main characters and vibrant art.
Unlike previous volumes of Wynd, which were all five-issue minis, this final adventure will take place over eight issues, giving Tynion IV and Dialynas plenty of time and space to full flesh out the conclusion to the acclaimed tale, something it more than deserves. Wynd: The Power of the Blood #1 perfectly sets up the finale, re-establishing the coming war – both politically and physically – between the human, Faerie, and Vampyre domains, while reminding readers of the terrifying stakes our heroes face.
Warning: contains spoilers for Wynd: The Power of the Blood #1!
Wynd: The Power of the Blood #1 picks up where Throne in the Sky ended, with the Bandaged Man dead, Wynd and Yorick captured by Vampyre general Zedra, and the remaining heroes resting in Northport. As usual, Oakley is pissed. She loves Wynd like a brother and is furious that they are not charging into the land of Vampyres to rescue him… and yet, she is also not doing anything about it. After a fight with Lady Merien – who is still grieving the death of her mother and the assault on her Faerie folk – Oakley realizes she needs to step up, so goes to seek out the witch of Northport. Oakley’s characterization is one of the highlights of this issue, and the entire series for me, showing just how talented Tynion IV is with character development and growth.
Wynd is… not doing great. Locked up by Zedra, he is dreaming of his life in Pipetown, before his pleasant dream turns into a living nightmare, getting his weird blood drained for the Vampyre army. Dialynas’ art in this sequence is disturbing and gorgeous, turning Wynd’s beautiful winged form into a desecration, crucified upon a wall and tortured like an animal in a cage. Not only can Wynd’s blood give Vampyres usable wings (which could potentially win the war), but it is also revealed in the last page (MAJOR SPOILERS) that Zedra is attempting to resurrect her dead brother, the Bandaged Man, using Wynd’s blood. Just how powerful is Wynd’s blood, and what else can it do?
BOOM!
This review is feeling so formal! I just want to say, I really love Wynd. It has been lovely to see such an exciting, gorgeous, and heart-filled book with genuine queer representation get uplifted by the comic community! When I saw that The Power of the Blood was the final volume of Wynd I was sad, but also glad that Tynion and Dialynas feel like they have told the story they want to, and can wrap it up neatly. I will miss the world of Esseriel when it eventually ends, and I am already hoping that more stories in this universe are created! Also, as a tangent, I am just never going to get over Wynd’s character design… I am really obsessed with his wings coming from his lower back and not his shoulders, just such a unique and animalistic visual. I love it.
I also want to highlight the art from Michael Dialynas, who does not only the pen work but also the color, which plays a crucial role in the atmosphere and tone of the series. Dialynas is impressively talented with facial expression, evocative emotion, and in particular displaying pain – both emotional and physical – which is seen in droves this first issue.
BOOM!
Okay, back to Wynd: The Power of the Blood #1. Since this is the first issue in the final volume, there is some sense of “set up” that felt a little tedious. However, Tynion IV balances the slowness out nicely with developments like Yorik encountering his mother but still choosing to attempt a prison break of Wynd, and the major reveal that the Bandaged Man may be returning. There are still so many secrets left in the world of Esseriel, most notably the full background of Wynd’s parents and how he came to be, and it is clear that creators will use the eight issues they have to intentionally develop and reveal these secrets, and not rush how they play out.
Honestly, all I want out of the final chapter of Wynd is for Wynd to finally be able to live a life without hiding his weirdblood heritage, preferably with Thorn by his side. I don’t even care if a United Esseriel doesn’t work out… I just want Wynd to get what he deserves. Sigh.
Wynd: The Power of the Blood #1 is a great start to Michael Dialynas and James Tynion IV’s final chapter of the Wynd saga, masterfully catching readers up on what happened the first three volumes while slowly progressing the story. The art is stunning – capturing the freedom of Northport and the horror of Wynd’s captivity – and the writing is as impressive as ever. If you’ve already read the rest of Wynd I have zero doubts you will pick this issue up, and if you haven’t, go back and read from the beginning so you can join us here at the end!
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