Tensions Mount And Tempers Fray: ‘The Magic Order 4’ #4 Advance Review

With Cordelia and Francis captives of Perditus, the Wizard King, and ready to meet them all in the fighting arena, this issue builds up the tension, but in doing so left me frustrated. The pacing and plotting by Mark Millar are all great, helping build towards a climax, but in putting that off until next issue, I felt cheated. But, that’s all part of great storytelling; keep ‘em on the edge of their seats and wanting more. So now, having built up my expectations, I now find myself having to wait another month for some form of closure. And I’ve never been one for delayed gratification.

Dike Ruan is such a great fit for this book too, having enough of a similar style to both Olivier Coipel and Stuart Immonen that it fits in nicely with previous volumes in this magical family saga. He is equally comfortable capturing the grandeur of Paris as he is portraying the more fantastical elements of this series, and his choice of panelling also adds to the storytelling in interesting ways that draws the reader in. The heat of the arena, contrasting with the cooler colours of the cells Cordelia and Francis find themselves in works really well, thanks to colourist Giovanna Niro, who also helps in creating a change of tone at important moment in this issue. Particularly during one fight involving Perditus, who we are told spends his days fighting relentlessly. A merciless tyrant who seems to have no room for remorse in his dark heart. And, a worthy villain to take on the ex-leader of the Magic Order. An Order who seems to have let their new found status under Albany’s rule go to their heads, as witnessed at the start of the issue. A reminder of what is happening in our realm while the rest of this issue, once more, spends more time in Kolthur. 

As this title has developed over four miniseries, The Magic Order has expanded beyond the Moonstone family and given loyal readers not one but two fantastical worlds of interest to explore. Whatever the outcome to this latest Moonstone melodrama, the magical universe Millar and his colleagues are building is ripe for many more stories to come.

The Magic Order 4 #4 is out Wednesday 19th April from Image Comics