Read ‘The Magic Order’ #1 Now For Free, Courtesy of Netflix & Millar [EXCLUSIVE]
Warning: this preview of The Magic Order #1 contains adult language and violence.
Behold a world of wonders and wizardry as writer Mark Millar and Netflix present the first issue of the critically acclaimed dark fantasy series The Magic Order free of charge, exclusive on Screen Rant. Just in time to set readers on the right path for the new series, The Magic Order 2, The Magic Order #1 is not only a splendid introduction to the comprehensive world Millar (Kick-Ass, Old Man Logan) and artist Oliver Coipel (The Amazing Spider-Man, X-Men) build over the course of the six-issue series, but a brilliant demonstration of how to build a solid dramatic premise from a technical standpoint, as this team delivers a genesis for the ages.
Merely the first step in a decidedly wild ride through the domestic fracases and frantic disarray of the Moonstone family, stewards of an ancient order of magical protectors of humanity, the seminal first issue of the series deals with a densely-laid cross-section of dramatis personae in the ensuing magic act/blood bath the story will evolve - or devolve- into depending on your point-of-view. Much of the action concerns the four principal members of the enchanted family stepping onto stage, the patriarch Leonard Moonstone, leader of the Order, Gabriel his eldest and currently prodigal son, Regan, his more responsible second son and Cordelia, the youngest daughter and general screw-up. Beginning with a grisly and heartrending murder, the family assembles to mourn the magical assassination of one of their own, as their conspicuously sinister cousin Madame Albany pays a not-quite sympathetic visit.
The Magic Order #1 premiered in 2018 from Image Comics, a seemingly bizarre mixture of The Sopranos and Harry Potter of all things, brought to life in riveting fashion by a rock-solid conceptual delivery by Millar and Coipel. What sets The Magic Order apart from its contemporary “mature”-oriented comics, aside from the brutal action, is the cerebral delivery of these often astonishing scenes of chaos related within the panels.
Check out the full (and slightly censored) issue presented exclusively by Screen Rant below, or download the uncensored, high resolution PDF here: bit.ly/2XNvwcB
Though bleak, bloody and harrowing, The Magic Order #1 does well what few franchises achieve in their introductory episodes: it crafts a living and exciting world from the experiences of its characters without overwhelming the reader. What makes a good comic is more than just a catchy, scary concept or quirky characters; it takes a realistic sense of the relationships that exist among these fictional people as well as their relationship with their environment. Producing such an effect cohesively might as well be Mark Millar’s trademark, and he exhibits it here with his customary flourish.
If you like this issue check out the rest of The Magic Order from Image Comics, and check out The Magic Order 2, on sale tomorrow, Oct. 27 wherever comic books are sold.