Review: The Struggle For Direction In MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #32

The new arc of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Boom Studios is having some difficulty with the new cast. The fans were hyped for this ragtag group of different Rangers from different teams across the mythology. Will this be the issue where they pull themselves together?

Summary

After the mysterious ranger stole their power source, the team has no choice but to pursue despite their limited powers.

Writing

The best word to describe this issue is awkward. Everything from the plot, to the characters, and even the artwork seems like it is struggling to connect properly. There are patches where it seems like a team dynamic is starting to form between characters but at the same time they feel more like hints of attempting individuals to be shipped together. Both Kim and Heckyl and Mike and Tanya have moments where it appears like they are looking into each other’s eyes longingly as if to showcase they are falling for one another. Kinda feels like there should be more team building first before you start putting people in relationships.

Writer Marguerite Bennett seems to have fallen into the trap of overusing technobabble and just as much “tell not show” in this issue. One of the best examples comes later in the issues when as as mysterious ranger bonds with her companion. The dialogue seems more exposition than it feels more like two individuals who have known each other for a while bonding. Hopefully this will get resolved more in subsequent issues.

Artwork

Sadly the artwork doesn’t escape this sense of awkwardness either. The pencils by Simone Di Meo and inks by Alessandro Cappuccio seem to struggle with the free range they have to introduce new characters into this fresh setting. The villains designs used are scary but the same time they’re making the comic feel like an entirely different series. With all the different cannon fodder villains Power Rangers has had over the years you think they’d be able to use at least use one as a more recognizable threat to help ground the series.

The colors by Walter Baiamonte and Francesco Segala help with setting the scene the book takes place in another dimension. Sadly it does nothing to help the flow of the action scenes which seem to be all over the place with character positioning and direction. These elements are essential for helping the reader to follow how the fight is playing out.

The lettering by Ed Dukeshire does help with the flow of the conversation but does nothing to aid with the previous complaint of the chopping action scenes. You’d think if anything would be able to save the issue it would be the work Dukeshire who has been on the series the longest of everyone.

Conclusion

This issue of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers still doesn’t help to make the team click together and sell the interest of the new arc. Maybe it’s because the story has made the characters more reactionary than showing them in more natural situations. Still, this issue isn’t without hope and there is still a chance this storyline can redeem itself moving forward. Let’s just hope it comes sooner than later.

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Review: LONDON FIELDS Is A Messy But Intriguing Mystery

Sean Boelman

Plagued by a troubled past, London Fields is a new neo-noir thriller finally making its way to theaters. It is based on the novel of the same name by Martin Amis, following a terminally ill writer who finds his swan song in the story of a femme fatale who begins a love affair with three men despite knowing that one of them is going to murder her.

The film was supposed to debut at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, but was pulled from the lineup due to legal troubles. First the director sued the producers over creative control. Then the producers sued Amber Heard, accusing her of not fulfilling her contract. Now that this legal trouble has been settled, the movie is being released, although maybe it would have been better off staying in limbo.

The best word to describe this film is bizarre. At once, it is an absolute mess, a fun neo-noir romp, and an ambitious story about art, fame, and death. Somehow, despite its glaring flaws, the movie manages to be oddly alluring. It doesn’t really fall into the “so bad it’s funny” category, but it also isn’t frustratingly or unbearably bad. It is truly difficult to express in words the overall quality of the film because it is so all over the place.

The main mystery of the story is compelling, but predictable. From the beginning of the movie, it is obvious where it is going to go and what the ending is going to be. However, the film manages to make it even worse by making the ending feel unresolved. There isn’t enough explanation as to what led to the ending. It is all extremely convenient and requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief.

The romantic subplot is also quite frustrating. The basic structure of having three guys fall for one girl is obviously nothing new, so a movie has to make it compelling for it to work and stand out. It doesn’t do that. Largely due to lackluster character development, the romantic storyline feels completely inconsequential.

The protagonist just isn’t developed well enough. There are some hints of an interesting character every now and then, but he felt really shallow. His purpose was to serve as the audience’s perspective rather than a rounded character on his own, and that wasn’t a good decision. The other three lead characters are all very flat. They move the story along, but that’s it.

There are also some elements of the story that felt very random, their inclusion in the story not making any sense. For example, the film is set in a dystopian future. There are plenty of visual cues that make it easy to see the temporal setting. Yet this doesn’t ever play a big role in the story. So much of the movie is meant to be a throwback to noir that this counters the futuristic setting.

Additionally, there is a subplot about darts. Yes, competitive darts. One of the main characters is a professional darts player, and a significant scene in the film is set during a darts tournament. While it does provide for an intense and interesting scene, why darts? There doesn’t seem to be any symbolic purpose. It doesn’t really add anything to the story or the character. Furthermore, this storyline introduces some of the more inexplicable elements of the plot. Why is Keith’s rival in darts also a mob-boss like character from whom he borrows money? It just feels awfully convenient.

That being said, the movie’s visual style and execution is actually pretty solid. It’s a shame that these things weren’t utilized more effectively to complement the story. The cinematography and production design are both good, a combination of the old and the new. The editing is innovative at times, with some unique strategies being used to make the film more thrilling. The soundtrack is great. Also, despite the problematic material they were given, the actors give surprisingly decent turns. Billy Bob Thornton, Amber Heard, Jason Isaacs, and Johnny Depp all give enjoyable performances.

Overall, London Fields is a hot mess, but a very watchable one at that. This is one of those movies you have to see to believe, because it is unfathomable how it got to this point.

London Fields opens in theaters October 26.

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How BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Unravels Freddie Mercury’s Psyche

Anthony Composto - EIC

Rami Malek secures a Best Actor nomination in Bohemian Rhapsody, out this weekend.

Directed by Bryan Singer (kind of), Rhapsody is the story of Freddie Mercury (Malek), Queen, and their rise to superstardom in the 1970s and 80s.

Now, this is not a “Queen movie”. If you’re looking for an in-depth chronicling of their history, look elsewhere. Spanning two decades in just over two hours, the film actually breezes through the band’s success. But that’s not to its detriment; it’s so that it can be a stronger study of Mercury. That’s its purpose.

However, that being said, one of the film’s strongest attributes is how it portrays the band as a whole. Singer and screenwriter Anthony McCarten make sure to give each member his due, and show how vital they all were to Queen’s success. The filmmakers show outright how Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon were each responsible for some of the band’s biggest songs, a few of which Mercury had almost nothing to do with. If there’s one thing to take away from Bohemian Rhapsody, it’s that Queen was not just “Freddie’s band.”

bohemian rhapsody review — Left to right: Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon, Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor, Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, & Gwilym Lee as Brian May.

This is his movie though, no doubt about it. McCarten has written a character study more than a biopic. It’s the story of a man who exudes confidence and fearlessness, but who was ultimately terrified of being alone, and of the “in between moments” when he was left to himself. It’s the story of how he seized the world, lost himself in the process, and tried to find his way back. Singer focuses on this – on the small, powerful moments – more than the major milestones to show who the rock star really was. Bohemian Rhapsody is a beautiful, deep look into Freddie Mercury’s psyche that will hit you hard whether or not you already know his story. Because Queen fan or not, we’re all human, and we all have our demons. Freddie was just a man looking for love in any way, shape, or form.

Let me echo what every other critic has already said: Rami Malek is incredible. He disappears completely and becomes Freddie Mercury. The way he moves, his facial expressions, his stage bravado – all stunning. He put a ton of work into getting the mannerisms down pat, and it shows. Malek aside though, there isn’t a bad performance in Bohemian Rhapsody. Everyone delivers. This is one of the best acted movies you’ll see this year.

Side note: the decision to show the entirety of Queen’s Live Aid performance in the film was brilliant. What a masterful sequence. It’ll give you chills and probably a few tears.

Whether you’re a Queen fan or not, go see Bohemian Rhapsody. Again, it’s a beautiful story that shows every legend is just a person with their own hopes, fears, and demons.

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WRONG TURN Reboot in Development with Original Creator McElroy

Michael Stagno

October 24, 2018

In what is becoming a trend in the horror film industry, yet another franchise reboot is coming, this time, with Wrong Turn.

The world needs a series of films depicting a group of friends, whether camping or just hanging out in nature, fighting to stay alive versus a cannibalistic group of mutated forest dwellers.

That’s right, rather than continuing the series, with what was supposed to be the seventh installment in the franchise, the powers-that-be, specifically, creator Alan B. McElroy, are deciding to blow it up and start over, along with producer Robert Kulzer and director Mike P. Nelson.

It’s rare to see the creative team return to reboot its own project, but the new film, according to Deadline, will feature a group of friends, engaged in a cross-country hiking trip, that soon find themselves under a different law, in an inclusive society, and may discover they are not actually the victims in this scenario.

“One person’s American dream is another’s worst nightmare,” Said Kulzer. “Alan’s reinterpretation of his own work and Mike’s vision are a frightening reflection of our world today.”

The series survived six installments, all of which had the same basic theme of following a group of outdoors enthusiasts, detoured or wandering, resulting in coming across a group of mutated cannibal brothers, namely ‘Three Finger’, ‘Saw Tooth’ and ‘One Eye’, bent on killing all trespassers, but usually each had a different retelling of the origin of the family, including a Christmas version, with the fourth film, which took place in a snowstorm.

So, as we prepare for the next round of unsuspecting victims to make a ‘Wrong Turn’, let’s take a trip down memory lane …

Wrong Turn (2003)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XC_bCL7xRs[/embedyt]

Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYhphQuRP-0[/embedyt]

Wrong Turn 3: Left For Dead (2009)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU441oo2chw[/embedyt]

Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings (2011)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BzT8h_arRc[/embedyt]

Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines (2012)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEsyUP1y88g[/embedyt]

Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIqiVKU1LMs[/embedyt]

What do you think, is the world ready for yet another horror reboot? Are you excited for yet another Wrong Turn? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Roxanne Benjamin to Write NIGHT OF THE COMET Remake

Michael Stagno

October 24, 2018

The insanely-talented writer, director and producer Roxanne Benjamin has been tabbed to pen the reboot of Night of the Comet for Orion Pictures.

The original Night of the Comet (1984) tells the story of a comet that wipes out most of life on Earth, leaving just two Valley Girls fighting against cannibalistic zombies and a sinister group of scientists, looking to make every remaining person its own research subjects. It has a nice blend of horror and comedy and, if done right, will be a refreshing full-horror/sci-fi spin on the original.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F13mpUTYS3E[/embedyt]

The original film, written and directed by Thom Eberhardt and starring Kelli Maroney and Catherine Mary Stewart, had a budget of just under $1 million and actually went on to gross over $14 million.

Benjamin wrote Southbound and two shorts, The Birthday Party and Don’t Fall, for XX. She also served as producer on the awesome trilogy, V/H/S, V/H/S 2 and V/H/S: Viral. Moral of the story: She knows how to scare you, while keeping elements of comedy to ease the fear a bit.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see any of the above films, 1) Why? and 2) What are you waiting for? Southbound tells five interlocking stories of the fate of weary travelers as they confront their worst nightmares and darkest secrets, while driving down a desolate stretch of desert highway. XX is more of the same, as four short stories make up a feature film. What’s cool about this project is that all four shorts were written by women, also including Jovanka Vuckovic and Karyn Kusama. Lastly, the V/H/S series, which tells the story of videotapes, which reimagines horror on the screen, but also brings said horror to life in real time!

Beyond those projects, Benjamin also has one in post-production, which she wrote, directed and produced, called, Body at Brighton Rock, which follows a park ranger that spends the night at a potential crime scene on a remote mountain trail.

Orion Pictures was recently relaunched as a distributor studio by MGM, back in 2017, and is also set to helm upcoming projects like, The Prodigy, Gretel and Hansel and reboots of Child’s Play and Bill and Ted.

What do you think, are you sick of reboots or do you think this film deserves one? Should we leave the awesome 80s in its decade? Let us know in the comments section below.

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TRAILER: TIGER Is A Boxing Movie Featuring An Unrecognizable Mickey Rourke

Ruben Diaz

October 24, 2018

Tiger stars Prem Singh as Pardeep Nagra, a religious man determined to be a great boxer with the help of a trainer played by Mickey Rourke who looks like he’s stepped into another person’s body. However, parts of Pardeep’s Sikh faith are at odds with the fighting community. Tiger is set to premiere November 2, 2018.

About Tiger

Official Description: A practicing Sikh is banned by the boxing commission for refusing to back down from his religious beliefs. Through racial profiling and stereotypical threats, he does what any strong American would do, fight back.

The comparisons to Rocky are not only surface level. Yes, they are both movies about boxers overcoming adversity. However, as with Rocky, the star boxer here (Prem Singh) also wrote the film (with co-star Michael Pugliese) back in 2010. And took a long time to convince enough people to get the movie made. However, Singh and Pugliese’s hard work paid off, Mickey Rourke signed on, as did director Alister Grierson, and here we are. Tiger looks every bit as grounded in reality as Rocky or Creed with just as much tension, drama, and boxing action.

Tiger features a cast that includes …

Mickey Rourke as Frank Donovan
Prem Singh as Pardeep Nagra
Janel Parrish as Charlotte
Marshall Manesh as Kulwant
Michael Pugliese as Bryan Doyle
Jacob Grodnik as Barry Zaya

I can’t get over Mickey Rourke here. What’s going on? I need to know if that’s makeup or more surgery he’s had done to fix the problems he gained from being a boxer in the 90s. With that said, this looks like a great fit for what he brings as an actor. I’m positive that one day, Rourke’s life will make for a really interesting movie and likely win an Oscar for a future lead actor.

The trailer for Tiger sets up an interesting film as it makes you feel the tension of this hyper-religious fighter facing a tough decision that affects everything he believes in.

Did this trailer get you excited for Tiger?
Leave your comments below!

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Review: OLD LADY HARLEY #1 Sets Up An Apocalypse Yet Still Delivers Laughs

Manuel Gomez

Harley Quinn fans are in for a treat as Frank Tieri, Inaki Miranda, Eva De La Cruz and David Sharpe revisit the Old Lady Harley concept in a debut issue that is fun, funny and sets up one hell of an apocalyptic future for the DCU.

After liberating New York City from her now-feral Gang of Harleys, poor Harley wants nothing more than to slip back into retirement in her coastal (and heavily guarded) paradise. But the Laughing Boys Gang has another idea—they’ll follow her to the ends of the Earth, to drag her back to their leader! It can’t actually be…him! Right?! He couldn’t possibly still be alive, could he? After all…Harley killed him herself with her bare hands! Should she turn to President Power Girl for help? Or flee to the 51st state, Atlantis? Step into an insane vision of a future DC Universe we all better hope we don’t live to see!

Old Lady Harley #1
Written by: Frank Tieri
Art by: Inaki Miranda
Colors by: Eva De La Cruz
Letters by: Dave Sharpe

Writing

Harley Quinn has sort of become DC’s defacto ‘metacharacter’. That can be a blessing in the hands of the right writer and a curse in the hands of the wrong one. Luckily, Frank Tieri is the right kind as Old Lady Harley #1 is a solid balance of pop-culture riffing and honest to goodness comic book world building. Tieri excels at the mile a minute jokes Harley fans are accustomed to. Some of the highlights here include a ‘Kraken Barrel’ restaurant (I’m sure you can figure that one out!), ‘nameless references to Thanos and Infinity War (complete with finger snapping comment), and an extended cameo by none other than the fucking Condiment King himself.

It’s not all Jokes though, as one can tell Tieri is carefully laying out not only a detailed future DCU but a tragic story for Harley as to what led her to her current state (SPOILER ALERT it has to do with something she did to the Penguin). Highlights for this future DCU include Azrael robots, the Laughing Boys Joker gang, and best of all (ANOTHER SPOILER ALERT) a cliffhanger appearance by Batman Beyond!

ART

For any Harley Quinn comic to work, the art has to match the energy of the writing beat by beat. Inaki Miranda and Eve De La Cruz do a great job of following the momentum of Tieri’s storytelling. The visuals pop and are filled with visual jokes and easter eggs. The layouts are dynamic. The colors compliment everything well. Check out page 21 for some fantastic composition!

Letterer Dave Sharpe also does some awesome work with fonts, word balloon shapes and other lettering tricks. It adds an extra level to everything.

Conclusion

Harley Quinn fans need to check out Old Lady Harley #1. It gives you everything you love about this fan favorite character, but with the addition of a crazy new world to explore as well. Who better to guide you through an insane new future than the DC’s insane Harleen Quinzel?

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Review: SPIDER-GWEN: GHOST SPIDER #1 Hits the Ground Running

David DeCorte

Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 doesn’t waste any time jumping into the action. The story picks up where Spider-Gwen Volume 2 left off, with Gwen Stacy back on the street and slinging webs once again.

The new series ties into Spider-Geddon, the sequel to 2015’s Spider-Verse story. Marvel put a lot of energy into pushing this latest major event across multiple titles, with the story set to wrap-up (of course) just in time for the release of Into the Spider-Verse in December. That said, Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 is much more than a shallow promo.

The Writing

Gwen Stacy’s just getting back into the swing of things (no pun intended). However, the comic crackles with energy right from the first page and doesn’t let up. Seanan McGuire’s writing is tight and constantly pushing the story forward. We cover a lot of ground here through snappy banter in characteristic Spider-form.

At the same time, it doesn’t feel like we’re being rushed. The book still takes the opportunity to slow down and soak in a contemplative moment here and there. Everything leads up to an emotional reunion on the last page, but it doesn’t feel forced or unearned.

The book pivots around issues 1 and 2 of Spider-Geddon, though, so you may be missing a few details in the latter half if you’re not following that story. Even then, there are plenty of context cues throughout, so it shouldn’t be a major issue. Even if you’ve never picked up any Spider-related title, Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 is a good jumping-on point.

The Art

The combination of Rosi Kampe’s inks and Ian Herrin’s colors work great here. Every page has a sense of kinetic energy, keeping you locked in the story.

The line work throughout Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 is electric. The inks seem to jump off the page, while everything flows naturally from one panel to the next. The work is crisp, but reflects that the artist knows how to dabble in the lighter, more cartoonish aspect of the medium.

The line work is accentuated by vibrant color choices and splashes of contrast. The bright palette makes the more abstract backgrounds pop and propel the action. There’s a fight scene towards the end of the issue in which most of the backgrounds simply dissolve into abstract colors. It could have come across as an easy way to speed-up production time, it actually works to the book’s benefit. The flashes of color help to sell the sense of motion and focus the reader’s attention, like a flash bulb lighting the scene.

Final Thoughts

Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #1 is an excellent way to jump back into the story of Gwen Stacy as a member of the Spider-family. Returning fans and new readers alike should find plenty to love here.

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Review: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #8 Continues A Winning Streak And Introduces A New Threat

Manuel Gomez

Nick Spencer, Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba, Edgar Delgado and Joe Caramanga deliver another fantastic issue of Spider-Man in a run that is already becoming classic.

The heist of the century is ON! Who are the Thieves Guild of New York? Spidey might die trying to find out.

Amazing Spider-Man #8
Written by: Nick Spencer
Art by: Humberto Ramos
Inks by: Victor Olazaba
Colors by: Edgar Delgado
Letters by: VC’s Joe Caramanga

Writing

If you have been reading Spider-Man since Nick Spencer took over, then you already know the scribe was meant to write the Ol’ Web-head. Spencer has a knack for capturing that perfect Parker inner monologue and it’s especially evident in this issue. The story starts with a free-falling Peter telling us “I usually love this”, then reveals that this current ‘flight’ through the city is not of his own doing. That one-on-one approach to Pete’s voice is arresting and grabs you. But Spencer, ever the clever narrative trickster, then takes us out of that moment and jumps into the introduction of a mysterious new group of villains, The Thieves Guild and it’s leader Odessa Drake. The Guild has been stealing equipment (including cleaning out the Hall of Costumes in Avengers Mansion) from some of the Marvel Universe’s biggest heroes and everyone wants to know why. New villains are always a great idea and by having the Guild be a threat to the Marvel Universe as a whole nicely ties this title to the overall 616 universe without having to be part of a big crossover. Drake and the Guild may seem a little typical at the moment, but Spencer has pulled the rug out from under us before; something is brewing with these guys for sure (again just look at what they are stealing).

We also get to see Spencer write some of Marvel’s biggest characters (even for just a panel or two); there are fun moments with Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, The Punisher, Tony Stark, and Jarvis as they find out their stuff is missing (a Dude Where’s My Car moment with Ghost Rider is a highlight). The stakes are high but these quick scenes are plaid loose, fast and fun. They speed and advance the narrative perfectly.

Mary Jane is also fleshed out more in this chapter. She a character that has had many changes in recent years, yet Spencer is able to make all of those work as a way to giver MJ growth.

But back to Pete. Throughout the issue, we get a sequence of Peter and MJ on a date and it’s classic for all the great reasons. Spencer creates perfect chemistry between the two as they share ice-cream at a food fair. Their newfound romance does not feel forced. It feels natural, organic and real. Two old friends finding out they love each other.

This being a Spencer comic, it has to end on a cliffhanger. And the reveal that…SPOILER ALERT…Spidey had his web shooters stolen (hence the issue opening freefall) is fantastic. When you toss in a last minute appearance/attack by the Black Cat, you get pumped for the next issue.

If anything is missed in this issue it’s an appearance by recent regular cast member Fred Myers/Boomerang. Fred is quickly becoming a fan favorite and he is definitely missed here.

ART

Humberto Ramos is a very energetic and atmospheric artist. When you add Victor Olazaba’s inks and Edgar Delgado’s colors, you get a perfect package for this title. Ramos excels at Spider-Man poses and anatomy. There is an animated feel to his Spidey that adds so much energy to an already energetic character.

Olazaba’s inks solidify the images, giving them weight and texture. And Delgado’s colors create a mood and feel that jumps off the page (just check out the palette in the nightclub sequence that introduces Odessa Drake.

A shout out must be given to letterer Caramanga, who has some neat narration boxes and clear, easy to read font. It’s a subtle thing but it adds to the reading experience immensely.

Conclusion

Amazing Spider-Man is one of Marvel’s best current titles. Spencer and company continue to make Spidey engaging, fun to read and sort of the totem pole of the Marvel Universe. Not a book to be missed. Swing by your local comic shop and grab this up before the Thieves Guild gets to it!

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Review: BOOKS OF MAGIC #1 Recaps, Set Up New Adventures

David DeCorte

Books of Magic #1 is the last of the four new stories to join Vertigo’s Sandman Universe line. This one feels a bit less connected to the other titles in the shared universe, though.

Instead, the book recaps much of what teenage magician Timothy Hunter underwent in his initial four-issue run penned by Gaiman himself. This makes it a friendly jumping-on point for new readers. However, it might feel a little redundant to returning fans of the title.

The Story

We see Timothy struggling to live as average teenager, while still cognizant of his supernatural abilities. Overall, though, little has changed for Tim in the years since we last followed his adventures. He is cocky and self-assured, but his grasp on his powers, and the discipline required to use them, seems weak. It’s like the character has forgotten everything he learned in his earlier outings.

As a result, Books of Magic #1 feels less like a continuation of the story, and more like a relaunch. This could be intended to set up more dynamic growth for the character, though, so not a major gripe.

The first issue plays up the “chosen one” angle, emphasizing “Magic is neither good nor bad. Only its use determines its character.” Playing off that, we’re introduced to a mysterious cult who seems intent on ensuring Tim never complete his magical learning, for fear of how he’ll use his power some day.

The story in this first issue is solid, but it doesn’t move forward much. The story doesn’t really pick up momentum until its last few pages, rendering most it as setup. Writer Kat Howard is clearly building toward more in later issues, but this just feels like preamble.

The Art

Tom Fowler’s art in Books of Magic #1 provides the story an interesting aesthetic. The first five pages constitute a recap of Tim’s story, and the arcane imagery helps sell the magical angle.

Once we get into the story proper, the style settles down a bit. The lines are sharp and angular, especially in characters’ faces. While it works for some great, expressive looks, it has the side effect of making certain characters look a bit haggard, rather than youthful.

Like other titles in the Sandman Universe thus far, the colors used are rich throughout the issue. Everything is cast in shades of blue and orange, giving a natural, though just-slightly-off vibe.

Final Thoughts

Books of Magic #1 is a good start for the latest installment in this story. I feel like we’re going places…we just can’t really tell where yet, based on this first issue.

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