Dynamite Entertainment 2017
Written by Mark Powers
Illustrated by Diego Galindo
Coloured by Mohan
Lettered by Tom Napolitano
It’s been a rough few months for Chicago’s only wizard for hire. For Harry Dresden, putting his life on the line against the likes of the Red Court of Vampires and crazed demigods comes with the territory. But what he cannot abide—and what is taking a greater and greater toll on his psyche—is the suffering his enemies inflict on the innocent. Especially those he cares for the most. He’s seen a lot of horror lately, the kind that can make a man feel powerless. When that happens, anger and guilt take root, growing like a cancer. That’s a dangerous state of being for a wizard, and a figure of great power has taken notice….
I’m a huge fan of these original stories set between the novels of Harry’s adventures. It’s a chance to revisit him when things were different, less complicated in some ways and they still have that feeling of fresh and new that thrills us. Mark’s solo this time around and he’s putting Harry somewhere we’ve never seen before, outside Chicago in the U.S. and a companion that we’ve only read about minimally so the opportunity here for some creative and stellar storytelling exists.
I do like that we’re seeing Harry during his most explosive time period. By that I mean his temper, which granted is always on a short fuse is particularly missing right now. Also that Mark is exploring where Harry realises he needs to use more reserve and judgement and whom better to stress that than his current traveling companion Listens-To-Winds? The fact that there is also a Government Agency that “doesn’t exist” that knows about Harry is interesting as are the factions that are in this particular area. Also that this mystery is one that Listens-To-Winds needs help with, wink wink, well it’s got all the making and earmarks of a great story.
Love the interior artwork here. I’m a huge fan of this interpretation of Harry. I mean he’s supposed to be tall, awkward and not too terribly handsome, like a find more an acquired taste and while he claims to be just that we see him a tad differently. He’s kind of that geeky hunk that holds so many in his sway whether he realises it or not. The use of page layouts through their angles and perspective are well thought out and executed. Personally i’d always like to see more backgrounds in use but the creativity and imagination on display more than make up for that.
I appreciate the time Mark spent working with Jim on these stories and has such an expert feel of the character, how he behaves, thinks and acts. The story is extremely well written through it’s pacing, development and revelations. There is excellent characterisation and the interior artwork is spectacular making this one franchise that thrives more and more with each new exposure. Dynamite does some incredible work on this one and i’m always excited to see when a book is on stands.