Review - Charismagic #3

It feels like forever since Charismagic #2 was in our hands for our literary enjoyment. It's back now though! Writer Vince Hernandez returns alongside artist Khary Randolph, colorist Emilio Lopez and letterer Josh Reed in Charismagic #3.

Samsun is an all powerful sorcerer seeking out Kon. He's having a little trouble finding him, until he comes across a motley crew of black magic purveyors, including a witch and what seems to be a voodoo priestess. A nefarious alliance is forged among them, which will no doubt lead to more havoc in the future. Kon is quite the popular figure, seeing as how Hank, Sudana and Sparkles are also seeking his abilities.

Meanwhile, Hector and Alle are fighting to survive in the nether realm, facing a wide array of nasties that want them dead. They've got their own form of magic as well, making their talents valuable in the great magic war brewing. The issue ends with Hank learning he doesn't know everything he thinks he does about magic, but he's going to very quickly.

Charismagic is only in its third issue and, so far, it seems there's been a lot of moving things into place. Samsun is on this perpetual tear trying to find Kon. Sudana is determined to teach Hank more about magic. And Hector and Alle have their own thing going on magically.

I like Hernandez bringing in all different forms of magic. This issue explicitly brought in wicca and voodoo. Sudana is mentioned as being a druid, while Hank is a magician in the performer sense. It's a really nice concept and could lead to an interesting finale down the road, whenever the inevitable magic war breaks out.

The inevitable part is the thing though. The pacing in Charismagic is almost glacial at this point. Sudana and Hank are on their way somewhere, but it's not really made clear where. Samsun is doing more walking. Hector and Alle are really the only ones progressing, as they're at least faced with an immediate challenge they're forced to overcome.

Randolph's art is bold and includes sharp lines and edges. Lopez colors offer a very dark palette overall and the action scenes are well illustrated. The illustrations match up with the somewhat lighthearted dialogue very well, making it difficult at times to take the book as seriously as it may be intended. Three pages are spent on Sparkles wrecking shop while spewing witticisms, which adds some humor to the situation but detracts slightly from the gravitas of the impending magic war.

Charismagic is a decent series so far, but by the third issue there hasn't really been that much that's happened. The concept is really intriguing and, again, the idea of the differing magics is exciting. Hopefully, things begin to pick up in Charismagic #4.

Charismagic #3 is in stores now and interiors are below.