The Magic Order #6
Image Comics
Writer: Mark Millar
Artists: Olivier Coipel
On this conclusion to another of Mark Millar’s project on Netflix, we finally understand what caused all the betrayal and violence that led up to this point, although much of it just felt like it was pretty obvious to begin with.
The issue continues where issue #5 left off as Gabriel reveals his reasons for betraying his family and aiding Albany on her plans. As the reader goes through this review they might have some theories of their own, had they not read the issue yet. Sadly the theory that instantly pops on any reader’s mind is what Millar used to conclude the story. It isn’t even properly explained by Gabriel as he goes on for only four panels about his reasons.
Despite that, I liked the story and its conclusion. We are presented even another twist to counterbalance last issue’s and, even though it may feel like an ex-machina (because it kind of is), it’s passable since Millar reminds us of Cordelia’s personality and her fame among the Order and since we’re talking about magic. The twist and
If it feels like I’m focusing too much on this final twist it’s because it is the best part of this series’ writing. The rest of the book feels off. Firstly, the ending felt extremely rushed presenting most of the final consequences of the whole happening in a single dialogue sequence between Cordelia and her father. Those consequences also being escalated too quickly.
Secondly, there was a lot of build up throughout the whole series about how powerful a mage Gabriel was and yet his conflict is also resolved abruptly making it feel like Mark Millar merely used this build up so that he could avoid writing an action sequence against the over powered character, which proves its difficulty, but still feels lazy.
The artwork for this issue, as well as for the whole book, is amazing and it’s sad that it accompanied such average writing. Coipel’s pencils are beautiful, portraying the mystical elements of the universe in a realistic way making it all look like a raw type of magic that really messes with reality. This realism presented by Olivier also makes for greatly expressed characters and gore elements that Millar loves so much in his works. All that and the sense of movement Coipel is able to deliver with his drawing makes The Magic Order a wonderful looking book with so-so storytelling.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=tf_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=sequentialp0d-20&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B07GX7SWYG&asins=B07GX7SWYG&linkId=6716db8d434e1549ab4c13610c45a426&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff">
</iframe> </div>The Magic Order presents us with interesting characters and an interesting universe. Sadly that is what seems to make Millar’s writing: great narrative construction but average narrative conduction as it has been a while since I read something of his that didn’t feel rushed at the end. That being said, this is still an amazingly illustrated book that gives us a good read at the end of the day.
The Magic Order presents us with interesting characters and an interesting universe. Sadly that is what seems to make Millar's writing: great narrative construction but average narrative conduction as it has been a while since I read something of his that didn't feel rushed at the end. That being said, this is still an amazingly illustrated book that gives us a good read at the end of the day.
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Story
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Characters
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Art
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Writing
