Review: Shades of Magic #6

STORY

Shades of Magic is set in a world of high fantasy sword and sorcery as well as one filled with intrigue. This issue starts with a general recap to get new readers up to speed on the credits page. Prince Maxim is seeking to prove himself by entering an annual contest called the Night of Knives. This contest pits its contestants against four lethal magical trials designed to push the entrants to their very limits. Not having read the previous issues the context seems to indicate that the Prince is seeking to prove himself in this manner to show that he is a capable and brave leader. The contest however is not his only worry as there are those who plot the Prince’s capture or demise before he can even enter the tournament.

The story has a pretty classic set up with a young hero out to prove himself, a mentor in the form of his loyal guard Isra a quest to be taken and of course enemies to be vanquished. Its all pretty satisfying fare even for well trod ground such as this. Prince Maxim comes across as headstrong but not unlikable and proves himself to be both smart and resourceful. His soldier companion Isra is an interesting change of pace for a mentor as she appears to be in her prime and not some grizzled graybeard of a soldier or wizard. The villain, whose name isn’t mentioned this issue, is quite the manipulating skulker, able to get others to do his dirty work until he is ready to strike himself.

I didn’t get a great sense of the world in this issue but it seems that characters mostly prefer to use either magic or weapons with the Prince being the only one to notably use both. The magic used is not to the extreme, no one was conjuring demons or throwing lightning but it was more prevalent than what is found in something like Game of Thrones. It seems balanced enough so that fighters and mages have pretty equal footing in combat. Its a pretty interesting world,, not unique per say but I’m involved enough in the story to want to see more.

ART

The art isn’t up to the standard of companies like DC, Image or Marvel in it’s prime V.E. is however a very competent story teller with very clearly laid out pages that are easy to follow. Characters are distinct and expressions (acting) all work perfectly. Backgrounds are there and while perspective and design are evident they feel underdeveloped. I’m not expecting George Perez level of detail mind you but I wouldn’t mind if things were tightened up a bit. Though I can’t tell if this is an issue with the penciler or the inker. The colors work well enough with the art. Again nothing flashy going on here but Angiolini does know precisely when to emphasize characters or action.

The cover and variant are both extremely well done. Particularly the cover with the Prince’s sword dissolving into a flare of magic forming a crown over his head.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Pretty decent comic and good enough to keep me interested. I’d be willing to read more. I’d say if you’re in the mood for some sword and sorcery give Shades of Magic a look. 3.5 out of 5!

[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]

SHADES OF MAGIC 6
Writer: V.E. Schwab
Art: Budi Sethawan
Inker: Andrea Olimpieri
Colors: Enrica Eren Angiolini