#23: Magic is failing

5th November 2014.

This is the first week in a very long time, in which I did not read any new superhero book. From new releases I've picked up only 2 issues: Marvel's Men of Wrath #2 and Tooth & Claw #1 form Image. And were these books good! Can't think of any week, that had an average quality of such high standard. Amazing. 

Since the very announcement I've been interested in this series. A 5-page preview, that we were shown was at least promising. When I picked up this issue last Wednesday, I had no idea who it was written by. And there was this jaw-dropping moment: "Man, it's by Kurt Busiek, guy form Marvels!". Little did I know about Tooth & Claw, but by then my level of excitement was overloaded. I've read some of Busiek's works and never been disappointed.

As it is a creator-owned project, Busiek has created a new world full of magic, mystery, various creatures and beautiful landscapes. I'd risk and say it's a mixture of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.  If you like any of those, you should already know to pick up Tooth & Claw. If not, there are much more reasons why you could do so. Busiek creates here a mythology, a turning point in the history of our characters.

In The Seventh City there is held a some kind of magic convention. Sorcerers and magicians from all Cities and lands gather to contemplate and talk about newest techniques and spells in the world of magic. The first speaker, Gharta of Daiir, a powerful magician, decided to touch a delicate and crucial subject. As he said, "Magic is failing". It's potential is waisted and with time may completely disappear. Gharta during his speech has proposed an idea, forbidden idea, which in religious themes would make him a heretic. He wants to found a team of most powerful sorcerers and build a spell, that would bring back Great Champion and, simultaneously, balance once again to magic. Some disagree, but some understand a history needs to be done. And a theory becomes an act.

What happens later, should be found out by each reader individually, but I assure you, good stuff is coming, so brace yourselves. Fluent and fascinating script is not everything what this series has to offer. Gorgeous artwork by Benjamin Dewey will amaze all critics. This man has mastered anatomy of many animals and shows his skills on each panel. I can't wait for oversized hardcover of this series. That will be a hit. Overall, Tooth & Claw is one of these titles, that in my opinion may defeat Saga in the future. It's another great installment to Image's catalogue. I will definitely pick up issue 2. Highly recommended.