Sandman and his universe. Undoubtedly, an original message in pop culture. But are the Books of Magic needed for us, the readers? The originator of the series is Neil Gaiman, this time the production is the responsibility of the American screenwriter Kat Howard ( Roses and Rot , An Unkindness of Magicians ), the author of the drawings is Tom Fowler ( Doom Patrol ), and the colors were chosen by Jordan Boyd. All these people contributed to the creation of a new book from the world of DC Comics.
Return to the roots
The album under review is significantly different from Gaiman’s original, The Books of Magic # 1 , from January 1990. The notebook remains an unrivaled model due to the creativity and ingenuity of the author – we meet John Constatine, Phantom Stranger and Doctor Occult in it. The protagonist Timothy travels with heroes across different dimensions, and his adventures remain unforgettable. New weird in a classic edition, something new for loyal fans of the DC universe. What’s more, the volume published in 2020 also differs from the concept of John Ney Rieber or Peter Gross.
2020 comic
What unites Howard’s arrangement with its predecessors is undoubtedly the protagonist – Tim, a rebellious teenager whose mother died under unknown circumstances, and whose father … cannot tear himself away from the TV screen, succumbing to depression. Meanwhile, the main character, who is to become the greatest magician in the world, has to face a dramatic reality – the aggression of the school persecutor and helplessness in matters of the heart. Fortunately, Timothy is supported by her classmate Ellie and an attractive teacher, Mrs. Rosa. In his adventures, he is accompanied by a white owl.
Don’t try to compare
The story told in the comic is a bit chaotic, which can negatively affect the interest of (slightly older, er, let’s say, thirty-year-old readers) the whole idea. The concept of the hero would also need to be refined, but it does not significantly change the fact that the volume cannot be called bad. It’s a nice story about a young wizard to enjoy, especially when we’ve never held Gaiman’s original in our hands. Howard’s story is a travesty of something that has already been appreciated. Not necessarily successful, but – as I mentioned – not the worst.
Harry, Harry Potter?
The similarities can be seen with the naked eye (characteristic visual elements: jet-black hair, glasses, unusual family troubles – including the disappearance of a parent [parents], unusual power that reveals itself over time, a characteristic school antagonist [with blond hair], a friend-owl, the unequal struggle between good and evil, the theme of an empty book). Timothy Hunter is similar to Harry Potter or Harry to Timothy. It does not matter, because no one has been plagiarized. But I’m sure you’re aware that Tim was born many years before Harry, huh?
From the visual side
The frames are not filled with many details, which is important in the context of the characters. Nevertheless, the adventures of the heroes presented by Fowler in various, yet ascetic backgrounds are consistent. The concept of the cartoonist is interesting, although it will not satisfy the tastes of the demanding audience. Many a reader will be surprised by the difference between the idea for a comic book cover and its interior. However, I can see a light in the tunnel – Boyd, responsible for coloring the volume, did the job! And these covers! Thanks Josh Middleton, Kaia Carpenter!
