Strange Academy #1
Gabriel De Jesus
Recap
The Marvel Universe has mysteriously changed in such an alarming way that Doctor Strange has done what he's avoided for decades; he's opened a school for young sorcerers. Young people from around the world with aptitude in magic have been brought together in New Orleans to study the Mystic Arts under Strange, Brother Voodoo, the Ancient One, the Scarlet Witch, Magik, Hellstrom, and ALL your favorite Marvel magicians. But with all the new magical threats, is it too late?!
Review
Strange Academy #1 checks most of the boxes I would want in a first issue. An entrance character oblivious to the world she is stepping into, allowing her to ask all the questions a reader might have? Check. A cast of characters that are both interesting and intriguing, with hints of secrets and backstories? Check. An action scene that allows for our new characters to show what they got? Check.
The issue doesn’t provide anything new and unheard of, a magic school is something that had been done in novels, movies, and television. But Scottie Young is able to meld this familiar concept into the home of the Marvel Universe. He takes characters from across the marvel mythos to create a cast of distinct characters. The result is an opening issue that requires virtually no prior knowledge of the Marvel Universe (Do you know Dr. Strange does magic? You’re set.). Yet, it also allows fans to find aspects of what they love in the issue. X-Men fan? Meet Desi from Limbo (where Magik is the ruler) and Shaylee of Otherworld (currently seen in the pages of Excalibur). Thor reader? Meet Iric and Alvi the Asgardian twins and Guslaug, the Frost Giant. And that doesn’t even touch on the teacher cameos.
The art by Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado just matches the book perfectly. Just flipping through it shows the fresh, bright vibe of Strange Academy. The character designs are distinct and clear, a feat when we are talking 11 students from across the realms of Marvel. Then to take each of these characters and provide a brief view of what they can do in battle…it’s impressive, to say the least.
Final Thoughts
Strange Academy #1 (Young, Ramos, & Delgado) creates a perfect entry point to the Marvel Universe for young, new readers. Fun characters and beautiful art make this an enjoyable read for anyone to pick up.
Strange Academy #1: Yer a Wizard Emily...or a Magician...or Something
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10
