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Preview: Gutter Magic

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Gutter Magic

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

It’s magic and mayhem in Manhattan, as Gutter Magic follows the story of Cinder Byrnes, who should be heir to a magical legacy, but can’t cast a spell to save his life. When he finally tracks down a spell that can help him, he must figure out how to cast it before the necromantic crime lord he stole it from tracks him down. An epic, gritty urban fantasy adventure that takes place in an alternate-history New York, where long ago, World War II was fought with magic.

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 120 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-659-1

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Preview: Gutter Magic #4 (of 4)

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Gutter Magic #4 (of 4)

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

It’s all come down to this – as Cinder stands on the cusp of achieving wizardly powers, the Morgue steps in to put an end to his ambitions. How much will Cinder risk to overcome her, and grasp the power he desires? Find out in the explosive conclusion to Gutter Magic!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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Preview: Gutter Magic #3 (of 4)

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Gutter Magic #3 (of 4)

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

It’s mayhem in the skies of Manhattan as Cinder and Blacktooth steal an airship to track down the elusive Oppenheimer. The only thing in their way is a vengeful sorceress, her legion of minions, and a rampaging dragon!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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Preview: Gutter Magic #2 (of 4)

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Gutter Magic #2 (of 4)

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

A showdown at the Goblin Market puts Cinder and Blacktooth on the path to tracking down their quarry – but the necromantic sorceress known as the Morgue wants Cinder’s head, even if she has to threaten his family to get it. Fans of Harry Potter and Sin City will love this genre-bending caper that brings magic down to the gritty streets of New York!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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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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IDW And Comics Experience Announce Publishing Alliance Featuring Creator-Owned Books From New Talent

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IDW Publishing announced today a new publishing alliance with Comics Experience, LLC—an online comics education resource and creative community. Under the alliance IDW and Comics Experience will focus on publishing creator-owned titles from new comics talent.

The mini-series announced today, the first of which launches in January 2015, include:

  • Drones by Chris Lewis and Bruno Oliveira, the story of two Predator drone operators on a bizarre journey that will take them to a terrorism-themed hotel in Las Vegas, in a war where terror and entertainment have begun to blur.
  • Creature Cops: Special Varmint Unit by Rob Anderson and Fernando Melek, about animal control officers in a near-future city who must deal with patchwork, hybrid animals, from gator-snakes to panda dogs.
  • Gutter Magic by Rich Douek and Brett Barkley, set in a world where World War II was fought with magic, and the heir to a powerful magical dynasty can’t cast a spell to save his life.
  • Tet by Paul Allor and Paul Tucker, is a story of hard-boiled crime and star-crossed romance, set at the height of the Vietnam War and the decades that followed.