Tag Archives: comics experience

Review: Gutter Magic #1

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Gutter magicA wonderfully clever and creative urban fantasy story, Gutter Magic #1 is an incredible introduction to what promises to be an impressive series.

Meet an alternate future New York City, full of Goblins, Imps, Wizards and all manner of magical creatures. Opening with action, the reader finds protagonist Cinder in a spot of bother involving magic, guns and, of course, explosions. The issue remains fast paced and adventure filled as Cinder and his friend Blacktooth, search the city and the Goblin Market for help with a particular problem, only to find themselves pursued by a dangerous group who consider Cinder and Blacktooth themselves to be the problem.

Quality writing throughout this issue by Rich Douek, draws the reader in and makes this magical adventure not only believable, but one of those rare literary pieces that allows the reader to become fully submerged in the world being created. The dialogue is strong and consistent and builds up the personas of the characters to add depth throughout.

The artwork (Brett Barkley, Jules Rivera and Nic Shaw) itself is surely a creation of magic. The New York backdrop is impressive with aspects of reality and the fantastical entwined perfectly to create a setting that feels well known yet not yet discovered. The characters are drawn well and the colours are just beautiful.

If you are looking for a magical world with relatable characters and a fast paced adventure storyline, then Gutter Magic #1 is definitely a comic you should not miss.

Story: Rich Douek Penciller/Inker: Brett Barkley Colorist: Jules Rivera Letterer: Nic Shaw
Story: 10 Art:10 Overall:10 Recommendation: Buy

Preview: Gutter Magic #1 (of 4)

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Gutter Magic #1 (of 4)

Rich Douek (w) • Brett Barkley (a & c)

Cinder Byrnes has been trying to lie, cheat, and steal his way into wizardry his entire life, and he’s finally got the key to unlocking the power of magic. But first, he needs to stay one step ahead of the sorcerous crime lord that wants him dead. Writer Rich Douek and Artist Brett Barkley present an action-packed urban fantasy tale, set in a modern New York City where World War II was fought with magic.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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Review: Gutter Magic #1

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Cinder Byrnes has been trying to lie, cheat, and steal his way into wizardry his entire life, and he’s finally got the key to unlocking the power of magic. But first, he needs to stay one step ahead of the sorcerous crime lord that wants him dead. Writer Rich Douek and Artist Brett Barkley present an action-packed urban fantasy tale, set in a modern New York City where World War II was fought with magic.

Unlike most fantasy themed comics (with some exceptions), Gutter Magic #1 is much more modern. Oddly enough IDW Publishing has done this before with James Patterson’s Witch and Wizard, and a few other modern fantasy comics. While modern fantasy isn’t anything new in comics, Gutter Magic #1 is a unique take on the idea. Making magic a rare gift, and making the wizards extremely powerful compared to the “normal,” population is slightly cliche but, it works wonderfully in this setting. There is a little revealed about the main character’s lack of magic despite his families’ gift, but that makes the story intriguing. However, there seems to be a back story to the world that needs to be addressed, which hopefully is explored in the next 3 issues.

The artwork is well done, with a degree of realism in both the human and non-human characters. Even the world is well done, with an extreme attention to the post WWII world, with minor elements of steampunk that can be seen in some of the panels. Of course that does explain the slight Victorian dress of the characters, over a more modern style of clothing but, that works with the story well.

Story: Rich Doeuk  Art: Brett Barkely
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Comics Experience provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Deluge #1

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Deluge is the story of an undercover FBI Agent trapped in New Orleans and on the run from a group of rogue cops in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Deluge is a triumph.

It is a buddy-cop, noir, comment on current events and culture in pre- and post Katrina New Orleans.

Writer J.D. Oliva and artist Richard P. Clark are a great team. Clark’s art matches the tone of Oliva’s story telling with perfect synchronicity.

The first issue sets up the social commentary of morality, race, class and police brutality in America. It also has more than a hint of  a conspiracy that you just know goes all the way to the top.

It starts with introducing two sets of partners from two very different walks of life. And all four have their own ways of seeing the world, and they all become remarkably individual very quickly.

This issue will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for issue #2.

Deluge #1 is available on comiXology January 13.

Story: J.D. Oliva  Art: Richard P. Clark
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Read it NOW, why aren’t you reading it yet?!

J.D. Olivia provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Preview: TET #4 (of 4)

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TET #4 (of 4)

Paul Allor (w) • Paul Tucker (a & c)

We’ve seen Eugene’s story. But during his last day’s in Vietnam, he finally learns how Ha survived the war. She’s always been much stronger than him; and much stronger than he’s given her credit for. With all their secrets gone, Ha and Eugene must decide how to move forward.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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Review: Tet # 4 (of 4)

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TET REG COVER ISSUE04Tet is the third entry in IDW Publishing’s new creator owned and imprint Comics Experience, and I’ve been reading this one since the first issue. It originally was not in my pull list when I saw the title on the rack, but I immediately recognized it for it was—a book set during the Vietnam War—and picked it up.

Every generation has its set of war movies; and for an eighties kid like myself, it was the Vietnam War. I enjoyed watching films like Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, Born on the Fourth of July, and Aliens—yes Aliens was a sci-fi metaphor for the Vietnam War, watch it again if you don’t believe me.

Tet is like that Vietnam War movie from the eighties that never got green lit (but should have). Despite the rule breaking happening in eighties film work, one thing always remained the same—there were never any LGBT characters serving openly in military films, the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ (now repealed) rule applied then in military films too. There were allusions and metaphors, and some bromances tinged with homoeroticism, but I cannot recall any open LGBT character from any of the mainstream 1980s Vietnam War films—a butchy Lt Vasquez in Aliens was as close as we got, and even she we had to infer. Tet, as a comic book, fixes that.

When I was given a chance to review issue #4, I jumped on it. Issue #3 resolves one mystery, but leaves another for the next issue: what happened to Lt. Eugene Smith’s fiancée, Ha, during the Tet invasion? You will have to pick it up your self to find out.

However, I will tell you this, issue #4 concludes this well drawn tragic love tale. Lt. Smith’s and Bao’s friendship is put to a final test, and the Lieutenant may finally come to terms with his pain. If you are a fan of smart crime noir, and gritty war comics, this one is for you. The story is heartbreaking, but overall, extremely satisfying. Tet is a sleeper that hasn’t got too much attention; but it should.

Story: Paul Allor Art: Paul Tucker
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

 

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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