Image Comics 2018
Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by Olivier Coipel
Coloured by Dave Stewart
Lettered by Peter Doherty
A dark force is targeting The Magic Order, killing off its members one by one. Time is running out, and the death toll is rising. Will Gabriel return to the fold to save his family, and the world, from the forces of evil?
I like this for more reasons that you’d expect on the surface. Yes it is extremely well written and exquisitely illustrated and yes it has the whole secrecy is of the utmost importance to it, of which we’ve met one who has a work around for that, and yes it feels like the Malfoy’s are currently winning the battle of good versus evil yet through it all there is deliciousness about this that permeates the book that is hard to pinpoint but it’s there. That “It” factor that recognise however you don’t know why, you also have to factor in the imagination and creativity in the characters, characterisation and designs of the costumes.
I am a huge fan of the way that this book is structured starting with that opening. I mean oh my sweet mother of Baileys Irish Cream that was something I couldn’t have prepared myself for and even now sitting here talking about it I am kind of in shock still. The revelations of that are huge and actually kind of go a long way in explaining or showcasing the characters personality. This was the kind of opening that makes theatre goers stand up and applaud.
The way that Mark is able to write continually amazes me with this simplistic complexity way he’s able to transition from one segment to the next like magic. There is also the most perfect placement of humour within these pages as well. The summoning of his father as seen on the headline of a newspaper, oh thank the gods above for seeing a newspaper, is a prime example of what I am talking about. Also I have to say that I do not believe I have ever heard conversations occur like the ones I see in these pages outside of a room full of gay men and drag queens in how utterly charming, sweet and kindness dripping with sarcasm, threats and accusations. I mean wow to pack it in there like this is a huge part of that wow factor.
While I could probably read the words alone in the form of a novel do not discount what Olivier brings to the table here. The man’s style is remarkably smooth and has some extremely nice linework when it comes to attention for detail. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels showcases just how good and strong his eye for storytelling is. I am about to say something things I don’t believe I’ve ever said before and that’s about the subtlety of the work, the hint of movement or the facial expression that contradicts the words this is the kind of subtlety that you just don’t see. It is so well done and so very expressive and telling and Olivier took us there and dropped the mic. Now none of this would matter as much if it weren’t for Dave and his master work in colouring. His use of subtlety with shading, high and low lights and his ability to create a mood make him one of the most elite around.
While part of me likes that the way they are chasing Madame Albany and how she’s kind of following them and picking them apart like the duck hunting at the carnival. While everyone knows what is going on that isn’t stopping anyone from going about the daily routines and arrogance or complacency is going to get you killed case in point here.
With some of the best writing the world has to offer alongside the kind of interiors to highlight those words make this more magically delicious than a huge bowl of Lucky Charms. Oh and btw Olivier if you want to do a Venetian for me I would be eternally grateful.