by M'Oak
After a truly disgusting editorial, M'Oak continues the tale of the thief
Rubel and the reincarnated sorceress Heath in his charge. Heath has
decided to go to the absent (both in person and often in mind) wizard
Quinton's old home to try and find books of magic. But they discover that
the evil Prince's Guard is trying to break in the place despite Quinton's
"wards" on the place. Once they do manage to make it inside, a
search for actual magic books is difficult, as most every book in the
place is nonsense with titles like "Laundromat Fortification" or
"Athletics for the Deceased." As more fearsome enemies close in
on Heath, Rubel and Varkias the imp, the extent of Quinton's manic genius
is revealed in their escape.
This was one of the most enjoyable issues to date! From the portrayal of
magic to the humor to the action sequences, this one was plain fun without
sacrificing the story's drama. M'Oak's characters are rather talky, but
it's all good dialogue. The only weakness was the deus ex machina of Rubel
showing up Just In Time. The other elements worked so well that I'll let
it slide. Knowing M'Oak, he'll probably explain it soon, anyway. He's a
pretty tight plotter.
This issue reminds me even more why this is my favorite comic book being
published. And even though it's a work in progress, this issue stands well
enough on its own to merit my highest rating. Grade: Classic [4.0]
From: KJ Sampson (c721329@showme.missouri.edu)
This review is copyright 1998 by KJ Sampson, reprinted here by permission