EYE OF NEWT #1 Review

Is this the kind of fantasy story to add to your collection or should it be left on the shelves? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

As a young apprentice wizard embarks on a perilous quest, he encounters marvelous creatures of all shapes and sizes, and learns a dark secret that could shape his entire destiny!

With Dark Horse themselves stating that this is a story for fans of The Hobbit, Eye of Newt already has a lot to live up to. With every fantasy story there needs to be a strong protagonist, a magical setting and amazing adventures. This issue almost delivers all this as though it gives us an intriguing protagonist in Newt and wonderful scenery the adventure itself felt slightly lacklustre.

Fantasy illustrator Michael Hague takes to comics not only producing the art for his first series but also writing it. For a first attempt Hague doesn’t do a terrible job as he sets the world up wonderfully, giving a tremendous setting for this tale. He does however fail to produce anything spectacular as though there are intriguing parts to this tale there’s nothing about the script that wowed me. The thing that really let the script down was the dialogue with the lack of emotion and empathy making it feel a bit hollow.

The artwork on this issue was on the other hand amazing with Hague showing us why he’s one of the best fantasy illustrators there is. The captivating layout and unique panelling really gave the series a look of it’s own with the sublime detail giving a rich texture to the issue. Hague also gives the magic and wonder that a fantasy story needs with the scenery and creatures being beautiful beyond explanation. To top things off Hague also gives a tremendous finish with his colours being sensational.

Eye of Newt is a comic of two fronts having a lacklustre all be it intriguing script and phenomenal art. Due to this I fully recommend it to anyone who loves visuals but urge fans of deep, captivating stories to steer clear.