THE MAGIC ORDER 4 #3 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS/Netflix
STORY: Mark Millar
ART: Dike Ruan
COLORS: Giovanna Niro
LETTERS: Clem Robins
EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin
COVER: Dike Ruan with Giovanna Niro
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dani Strips with Brad Simpson
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2023)
Rated M / Mature
The Magic Order created by Mark Millar at Netflix
The Magic Order 4 is a six-issue miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist Dike Ruan. The is the fourth installment of The Magic Order series, which began with the 2018-19 miniseries written by Millar and drawn by Olivier Coipel. The Magic Order is a band of sorcerers, magicians, and wizards – with a focus on the Moonstone family – that live ordinary lives by day, but protect humanity from darkness and monsters of impossible sizes by night. Colorist Giovanna Niro and letterer Clem Robins complete the series creative team.
The Magic Order 4 focuses on a coup within the order, one that has left the Moonstones defeated … seemingly … by the dark one who always wanted to rule the order – the supposedly defeated Madame Albany. Now, to save everything, Cordelia Moonstone, the now deposed leader, will have to go way down in the dirty dirty to restore order.
The Magic Order 4 #3 opens with Cordelia and Francis King prisoners in this world/dimension known as “Kolthur.” Fellow prisoner, Ubris Obrughast, informs them that the state of affairs within The Magic Order on Earth is well known in Kolthur. He also tells them about Edgar Seemus a.k.a. “Uncle Edgar,” and how he (partially) caused the state of affairs in Kolthur. But what he tells them next may well induce a stroke in our heroes.
Meanwhile, Uncle Edgar, the Wizard King, has a visit with Albany...
THE LOWDOWN: My favorite Mark Millar Netflix creation is The Magic Order. It always surprises me, and before I read each issue I wonder not if, but how I will be surprised. Every time I think I might creep away and choose a new Millarworld favorite to love, The Magic Order drags me back.
I don't even have the words to describe how much The Magic Order 4 #3 shocks me. I remember being creeped out and scared of the entire “Manson family compound” sequence in Quentin Tarantino's enthralling film, Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood, but The Magic Order 4 #3 said, “Hold my moonshine.” Then, it preceded to show me some uncomfortable family drama that made me concerned I was reading contraband material. But it all utterly delighted and entertained me.
I'd say that Millar and Dike Ruan are killing it, but I think that I have said that a few times already. Truthfully, everyone on this creative team is slaying. Niro's colors are great. Robin's lettering is great. If Marvel and DC Comics' titles were as good as The Magic Order 4 #3, they wouldn't need crossover events to bump up their sales.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of The Magic Order will want to read The Magic Order 4.
A+
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
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