Charismagic Vol. 3 Issues 1-3 (Comic Book Review)
By: RogueSymbiote
In the aftermath of near world ending destruction brought on by the Death Princess, humanity has become less accepting of magic users. Magic types are even being threatened with deportation. While the magic community attempts to blend in, Sudana, a druid by birthright, continues her quest to protect the world from magical threats. As she does so, her boyfriend Hank tries to figure out how to cover their housing expenses. Being the world's most powerful magician with a magical, talking cat may be helpful in that regard.
Story Arc
Sudana is sought after by special authorities to aid in their understanding of a foreign entity. A facility known as Area 96 houses something that may be magical, alien or even both. The young druid warns the officers that what they are in possession of is far beyond their control. Back at Area 96, a pair of scientists begin to investigate the nebulous creature. Their curiosity is cut short however when the entity escapes from its container.After discussing how to pay for their apartment, Hank and Sparkles decide to star in a tv show depicting their true life story. Hank is not only powerful, but extremely popular after saving the world. Simon, a producer, reassures the pair that the show will be amazing. After watching a horrifically cheesy promotional ad for their tv show, Hank receives a knock on his door.Hank is surprised to see his former enemy, Samsun, at the door. The defeated man who has tried to kill Hank twice explains that he is done fighting and just wants a drink. Just as tensions appear to calm, the being that escaped from Area 96 crashes through the ceiling and possesses Samsun. After some ominous dialogue, the transformed Samsun removes all magical power from Hank and vanishes.Sudana begins to recruit former allies to help her face evil forces. After picking up the gigantic Munchy, the pair persuade a ghoul named Jerry to join them. The possessed Samsun is shown confronting The Order, a powerful council of magic users, and easily defeats them. It is revealed that the entity possessing Samsun is very old and self proclaims that it is magic in its purest form.
Desperate to recover his magic, Hank follows Simon to The Magic House. Simon explains that he may find some answers here from Contessa. The mistress of the House of Magic has the power to make any magic user see what they desire which makes for some tantalizing visuals. Contessa agrees to help Hank, but her true intentions are much more sinister than her beautiful appearance. She warps Sparkle's mind and cages both Hank and Simon in order profit from those who wish the magician harm.While traveling on the road with Munchy and Jerry, Sudana's truck is struck by a powerful blast. Crawling from the wreckage, the druid witnesses Samsun and The Order. Sudana immediately recognizes their twisted nature as a curse by the being known as the Magic Harvester. The Magic Harvester proceeds to explain his plan to cleanse the world of all magic except for his own. His judgment does not insure death, but rather the attainment of power to his collection. Munchy springs into action to defend Sudana, but Jerry needs some convincing. After fierce battle, it appears as though both Munchy and Jerry are disposed of by members of The Order. Sudana is captured by the Magic Harvester who utilizes her abilities to connect with other magic users. As Contessa explains that she has a partner who reassured her well being, all of the mystical creatures that filled the Magic House are pierced by the Magic Harvester's power.
Comic Review
Aspen Comics does it again with this fantastic dive into the mystical realm. Charismagic is in its 3rd volume, but allows you to enter this series without needing to know anything that came before. This is another new title for me, but the writing is masterfully done. It offers the perfect amount of backstory without overloading you with exposition. Writer Vince Hernandez weaves together a fun, exhilarating and mystical story that makes you want the next issue right now! If you can make me like a talking cat, you've done something pretty impressive.
Charismagic offers a unique take on a world where magic is prevalent. Incorporating ghouls, monsters and other magical beings makes for a visually diverse experience. The pencils and inks by Joey Vazquez make for some truly beautiful panels. The clear depiction of movement on the page allows the reader comprehend everything that is transpiring. There are some style choices I haven't seen in any other comic before which makes this series extremely refreshing.I can't speak for the previous volumes, but this run feels like John Carpenter's The Thing meets Constantine in the best way possible. If you're a fan of magic, humor, solid writing and unique art, Charismagic is a series you need to pick up. Once again, I struggle to come up with any negatives about an Aspen Comics title. I thought Sparkles would get old real quick, but she was a great anchor for Hank and served well as the comedic relief. If you would like to start your magical journey with Charismagic, click right here to be whisked away to the wonderful land that is the Aspen Comics online shop.Note: Aspen Comics provided us with a digital review copy in exchange for our honest review.
