BOOKS OF MAGIC #10
Recap
In a strange parent/child role reversal Tim has to collect his father from the police station and discovers that his little magic spell might have done more harm than good. At the same time Rose goes to Hettie to collect YoYo and is given some home truths of her own, as well as facing some pertinent questions about how truthful she’s been with Tim about her actions.
Review
Right from the start it’s clear something is different with the art and it wasn’t until I checked the credits at the end I saw the colorist had changed. Though the change is subtle it is noticeable and I immediately took to Marissa’a style. The tones were a little brighter and of a lighter pastel shade, compared to the more earthy and warm natural accents we have seen in the previous issues. I think after the otherworldly nature of the previous outings to the Dreaming, Faerie and the Bookbinder prison this may be deliberate. It is definitely what gave the issue it’s more vibrant and welcoming feel and made the mundane earthy plane a little more focussed than before. And it also compliments the style of Tom Fowler & Brian Churilla very well. The different settings of the sun dappled park, Ellie’s warm and relaxed home and the contrary cool appearance of Tims own home life informed the emotional difference between the various settings very well. They also depicted Tim’s distress at his fathers incarceration perfectly.
My one gripe (don’t I always have one) is the slight inaccuracy of the wardrobe department. I have only ever seen American police wear their badges on a cord round their necks. Not our boys in blue, whether it be uniform who wear it on their person, or plain clothes who are usually seen to flip their badges out of a wallet. I believe this is possibly a health and safety issue, as door security staff have to wear clip on ties to reduce any threat of strangulation from attackers. It’s a small point but it does niggle when there are inaccuracies like this as it breaks up the concentration in reading and therefore the enjoyment. Other than that the whole issue was perfect.
Final Thoughts
An unexpected twist on top of an already eventful tale. This was a treat of an issue with much to digest.
Books of Magic #10: Magic Has A Price
- Writing - 8.5/108.5/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 8.5/108.5/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 8.5/108.5/10