Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Stuart Immonen
Colourist: Sunny Gho
Letterer: Clem Robins
Cover Artists: Stuart Immonen, Greg Tocchini, Mark Chiarello and Ozgur Yildrim
It’s been over 2.5 years since volume 1 concluded and I’ve been waiting patiently for the follow up ever since. You can read my views on volume 1 here https://bensnerdwords.wordpress.com/2019/03/15/magic-order-comic-review/. Before I continue, I’d like to thank Lucy Miller and Frances Mullen for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book before the official release on Wednesday 27th October.
I’ve literally just finished reading this issue, I had to get my thoughts out straight away and hype the book as early and as much as possible. We pick up the Moonstone’s story six months after Cordelia cast a spell which allowed her brother Gabriel to sacrifice himself in order for his daughter, Rosetta to be resurrected from the dead. Rosetta is now under the care of Regan Moonstone, who appears to be teaching her in the ways of magic. Their Father, Leonard Moonstone has retired and has entrusted the Order to Cordelia. He now lays about in Castle Moonstone surrounded by mythical creatures, whilst he mourns the loss of his eldest son. Uncle Edgar is still confined to castle under his own choosing.
We have some new characters to meet. I won’t spoil their roles for you, but let’s just say they are a family of old magic and not too happy with the Moonstones or the Magic Order. Their introduction in those first couple of pages picks up where volume 1 hit hard, catching the reader with shock and excitement, both delivered with equal measure.
Onto the visuals and massive praise must go to Stuart Immonen. He came into replace the brilliant Olivier Coipel and delivered a phenomenal first issue. The scope of each panel, how they’re laid out, the spatial awareness to create a wider scene, the colours changing from light to dark; everything is superb. I have complete faith that Stuart will continue to provide fantastic art for this volume, he has the skill and the vision to bring this story to life.
This is a great first issue, Mark effortlessly brings us up to speed in very few panels, allowing for the story to naturally progress and keep us entertained. We know what each character is up to and that gives him time to tell the story’s continuation without being bogged down with recaps. Yes, it’s an age old story of good and evil, but to tell it with wizards directed at an adult audience was a brave move and not just any old soul could pull it off. Volume 1 finished with a massive pay off and removing some strong, villainous characters, you wouldn’t have been wrong in thinking ‘where is the story going from here?’. That’s what separates the greats from the pack, they know how to keep evolving characters and stories. Mark has done this consistently over the years and even though he’ll tell stories of heroes and fantasy, they are always grounded in humanity and give the reader something or someone to identify with. The Magic Order 2 issue 1 already leaves the reader knowing that this is going to raise the stakes from volume 1 and add a little more for insurance. I’ve got a first class ticket and I’m riding this one until the end of the line.
I could give a play by play breakdown of this book, but that would be ruining it for everyone. You need to read it yourselves. Please add this book to your pull list, you won’t be disappointed. All I can ask for is that volume 3 doesn’t take another 2.5 years to be released.
The Magic Order 2 #1 will be released on 27th October 2021 and is published by Image Comics
The Magic Order 1 is available in collected editions from all places that sell good books.
Thanks for reading,
Ben
Bens Nerd Words 