Charismagic: The Death Princess #1

Explore the breathtaking world of Charismagic by journeying back to its ancient origins!

Orlana, spoken of in hush tones as the “Death Princess”, rules over all who oppose her reign. Not by force, but through the most dangerous of all magical powers—the ability to control minds! Under the Death Princess’ shadow of dominance and fear, the humans of Earth find themselves at risk of their civilization falling completely under her rule forever! Until Kon, a young but powerful wizard finds himself on an unimaginable quest to break Orlana’s curse on humanity, and set free those she wishes to forever hold under her spell!

I’m still fairl new to the Charismagic world, only having read the last series. I enjoyed that one, a lot. This new series goes back a bit focusing on Kon, who played a role in the previous volume. The story is much more fantasy focused, taking place in this world, a time ago where magic rules.

I’m not much of a fantasy person, something I’ve stated a bunch on our radio show, but this first issue got me. There was something interesting about it that has me wanting to see what comes next. Kon is basically gathering his troops as we also get a glimpse at the big baddie. It’s a nice start that has me wanting to see where it goes. There’s been quite a few fantasy series like this out lately, and this one is right up there with the best of them.

Emilio Lopez’s art especially needs to be mentioned. It’s awesome with a cool look that I can only describe as an animated look. It’s just beautiful to look at and adds so much to the first issue.

Story: Vince Hernandez Art: Emilio Lopez

Story: 8 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Executive Assistant: Assassins #4

Introducing Executive Assistant Sophora!

The high seas are growing increasingly dangerous—and fatal–for both voyagers and pirates alike. Enter Sophora, a new breed of Executive Assistant sworn to protect her master on both land and sea! When Tikoté, a budding captain of a pirate vessel decides to up the ante on his competition, he decides to enlist the help of Sophora. However, when the allure of the open sea—and love—beckon, Sophora makes a choice that puts her squarely in the crosshairs of her brutal master!

Executive Assistant comics as a whole are a bit uneven for me, which is a bit odd. Some issues have been really solid while others not as much. this fourth issue is the beginning of the second story arc featuring a new assistant, Sophora who has been hired not by the usual employer. Instead, she’s working for pirates and also unlike other assistants, she’s also having some issues with a personal life and a relationship.

That together with solid art by Lori Hanson has be high with hope for this story arc. The series is a bit disconnected with it’s focus on various assistants, but I’m guessing it’ll all come together eventually.

Story: Vince Hernandez Art: Lori Hanson

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

Idolized #3

Joule’s been kicked out of the IDOLIZED competition!  As she desperately attempts to find a way back in– if she does, will she be able to even survive the competition?  IDOLIZED kicks into high gear, as Joule faces off against the Top Ten finalists, the show’s producers, and her own seething cauldron of emotions, all in order to keep her desperate quest for revenge alive!

I love, love, love this series. Mixing super heroes with American Idol, the series written by David Schwartz nails it’s subject, a cheeky send up of both genres. You can see that in the covers featuring a real model acting out the main character Joule, almost a statement on how women are depicted in these series. Joule our protagonist is full of teen angst, but also has that drive that makes her feel right in place of other super hero comics out there. The comic really feels like it’d totally fit in that super hero universe that starts with an M. It’s that good, actually better, than a lot of what’s being put out there. There’s a lot to the series, to enjoy and compared to that other series out there that’s similar, I’d take this one hands down.

The art by Pasquale Qualano is amazing, capturing the feel of the comic perfectly. I’d imagine many of you are overlooking the series and boy are you missing out on one of the most entertaining comics on the shelves right now.

Story: David Schwartz Art: Pasquale Qualano

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Aspen Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review