What if, instead of an atomic bomb, we won World War II with magic? Then, what if, instead of the Nazis, it was the wizards wielding that magic who took over the world, ruling from mighty towers while the rest of us struggle to get by? That’s the premise of Gutter Magic.
A hundred years or so after the war ends, a man named Cinder and his goblin friend, Blacktooth, are petty thieves trying to steal pieces of a spell. In the meantime, they’ve managed to attract the ire of just about every powerful wizard in the country. It’ll all be worth it, though, when the spell is cast and Cinder is able to claim the magic that everyone else in his family has.
There’s a lot to like about this comic. The story by Rich Douek is fun with plenty of magic and adventure. What really stands out, though, is the artwork by Brett Barkley. Through the art, the comic manages to create a world that’s equal parts magical and modern and stunning all around.
This issue is a little heavy on exposition at times, but that’s easily forgivable. Hopefully, now that the story is underway, future issues will focus more on action. In any event, I look forward to finding out.
