Review: Books of Magic #7

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Kat Howard

Artist: Tom Fowler and Brian Churilla

Colors: Jordan Boyd

Letters: Todd Klein

 

Summary

Tim and Dr. Rose are searching through all the magic doors they can to find Ellie. That is not going well. Tim’s Owl and Hettie have disappeared and that, is bad news indeed. Without Yo-yo, the evil librarian manipulates the magic and Tim and Dr. Rose end up Faerie. Nothing bad ever happens there does it? Oh wait…

Meanwhile, back in the real world, the police are looking for Ellie and all signs are pointing to Tim. That is even worse news indeed.

 

Positives

I can not explain to you, dear reader, the joy that this book brings me. Kat Fowler, is in total command of every detail of this book. Opening page, a huge splash of a newspaper. New readers are caught up in two seconds, returning readers hearts start beating again as we remember what is going on and the choices Tim is making.

In this issue, regular artist, Tom Fowler shares duties with Brian Churilla which is inspired. His trip to Faerie is beautiful and creepy and all the things we want the dreaming to be. I can not express enough how wonderful this entire series has been to see and now, with this new layer of amazing, it simply shines.

While I can not show you a page of that gloriousness, I can share this simple, but wonderful scene from Dr. Rose and Tim running in the rain. Look at the middle panel below and see the rain drop off of Rose’s elbow. The detail is not necessary, but it is the extra effort that makes this even more special.

Negatives

Pacing is constantly an issue in this series. Some things take a while to build and I can see that as a problem for some readers. However, the way that Howard and Co. handle the focus, I would refute that. Still, if you are looking for a lot of action, this series might leave you wanting more.

 

Verdict

Seriously, I can not sing the praises of this book any more. Whip smart story telling. Beautiful art. Each book ends with just the right amount of tease for the next issue. If you have not read this, you really, really should.

 

Tony Farina

Tony Farina

I am a writing professor at Siena Heights University. I have been reading comics for over 30 years. The first comic I bought was in 1984. Green Lantern 176. First appearance of the Demolition Team. Favorite Robin: Tim Drake Favorite Green Lantern: Jessica Cruz Favorite Flash: Barry Allen Favorite Batgirl: Barbara Gordon Favorite Nightwing outfit: Disco Favorite Batman: Duh, There can be only one