RISE OF THE MAGI #1 Review

Can Asa finish his brothers quest? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

A small black sphere contains all the magic that exists past, present, and future. Without it, two worlds would not survive. The sphere has been protected for centuries by a spell that was believed unbreakable. Asa Stonethrow, a common man in the world of magic, discovers the spell has been breached and a small chip of the black sphere has been stolen!

Rise of the Magi had a brilliant Free Comic Book Day appearance which acted as a prelude to this issue. This issue however is much better being as close to perfect as possible. The way that it transitions from acts set prior to the FCBD issue to acts set straight from the FCBD’s climax was simply amazing giving so much depth and background.

Marc Silvestri writes one of his best scripts yet setting up a story of good and evil, all in the world of magic. The way that Silvestri takes the story backwards really helped give definition and structure to the story going forward as though it was a shame to see Asa missing for so long, the way that Silvestri set-up the backstory was well worth it. I also loved the tension and vibe that came from our villain Commander Gore and how his actions seemed very sinister.

The artwork for this issue is split with Sumeyye Kesgin covering the first chapter and Silvestri himself working on the second. Kesgin’s art was just as magical as her work on the FCBD issue with the fun and dynamic style giving a lot of energy to the issue. She also gives captivating facial expressions as well as the odd bit of explosive action. My fanboy brain however was more excited to see Silvestri once again work on interiors as though it wasn’t his best work, being a little too rough at times it was a joy to see his sketchy and intense style.

Rise of the Magi follows on from the FCBD issue in a phenomenal way with Silvestri and Kesgin giving us a fabulous opening issue that is as close to perfection as you can get.