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 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…
Well here’s a change of pace as Mark takes the reigns and tells his own original Harry Dresden story. Not going to lie i’m used to Jim Butcher being involved in these and while Mark has been by his side for quite some time it’s nice to see him stretch his wings and take on the character solo. It should also be noted that this story does more than mark his own story it also takes Harry out of his comfort zone in the city of Chicago.
I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again this is such a great companion to the novels and getting my fix with these while waiting for a new book to come out is a sheer delight. I think the opening here is brilliantly done. I like that we see that the way that his adventures affect his mind even if it’s through his subconscious dreams, which are more powerful than people realise and should be paid attention to. Plus if it’s foreshadowing for a future story than bring it baby because i’m down for that!
I love the guest star and the catalyst for this new adventure. Also that Harry tends to be more reactive and prone to thinking he knows everything while being the presence of one probably does is going to be extremely interesting to see play out. The dialogue and interaction between the two is already incredibly fun to witness. Not to mention the fact that this gues star isn’t one we’ve seen often in the series makes it even better. I’d love nothing more than to see more of the council and its members brought to life in this series of stories.
With no Karen, Molly or anyone else at his side other than Mouse and his mysterious traveling companion can Harry find a way to use his detective skills to figure out what’s happening before they are set upon by forces out to destroy them? It’s an interesting proposition to say the least and one i’m more than happy to follow along for another five issues.
Dynamite scored a major coup when they got the rights to publish the Dresden Files stories. They continue to be among the best and brightest collection of mini-series to consistently be on stands today. Mark proves he’s got the perfect understanding of the character the world he inhabits here and hopefully this will continue.