Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by Jim Butcher & Mark Powers
Illustrated by Carlos Gomez
Coloured by Mohan
Lettered by Bill Tortolini
An uneasy peace has settled over Chicago, where an array of supernatural factions frequently battle for supremacy. Thanks to the city’s only Wizard for Hire, Harry Dresden, a plot targeting magical practitioners was stopped, and the White Court of Vampires’ part in it exposed. “Gentleman” Johnny Marcone, the town’s most powerful and ruthless mob boss, was made a freeholding Baron under the Unseelie Accords, a set of decrees governing the actions of the magical world’s major powers, in return for his help in ending the threat. Soon after, Marcone once again aided Harry and his apprentice, Molly Carpenter, this time helping them take down a mad wizard bent on making Chicago his personal playground. However, the gangster remains a dangerous criminal who, whatever his motivations, is wholly focused on cultivating his own power. The White Court, led by Lara Raith, is the dominant supernatural faction and sees the city’s citizens as nothing more than a source of sustenance and pleasure. Things are calm now, but tension between these rivals boils beneath the surface…
I’m so happy that Dynamite and Jim have been doing these original stories tucked inbetween the novels. This world he’s created and these incredible characters are some of the most beloved in recent years and to get these stories in conjunction to new novels well that’s just icing on the cake here.
With the whole White Court thing looming over this issue and their threat is so welcome once again. If you haven’t read the novels I rather enjoy that these are enjoyable as they are as the guys really do a great job in telling you everything you need to know without having to have read them. If you are a Dresdenite then it’s even better to revisit this time in his life. Murphy is being kept out of the loop, as usual much to her chagrin and seeing Butters this issue is utter fabulous!
If there’s one thing about the world of Dresden is his supporting cast is just as interesting as the villains and situations he finds himself in. Granted some of their visages aren’t what I pictured but it’s comics and this Dresden and Butters are definitely more pleasing to the eye.
The characterization here is pretty darn spectacular. I mean you forget some things about their personalities after a while but this reminds you, or introduces you, to them so incredibly well. Molly’s brashness and naivete are great to see. I do also love when he teams up with his brother for any reason and it’s nice that they know who each other is and their frequent history with one another. Though I thought Thomas would be well more sexy and not have a kind of mullet. Classier I guess.
I am a huge fan of the interior artwork, even with my nitpicking. The attention to detail is superb! The backgrounds the character definition and the way the story flows from page to page, panel to panel shows A Clockwork Orange, yeah that was just perfect! Oh and what sese at the end of the issue, bravissimo so stunning!
Dynamite has assembled a great team including the character’s creator to bring these stories to life and they really do just bring immense joy.