Advance Review: Cordelia Is Slightly Shaken, But Not Stirred In ‘The Magic Order 5’ #2

Mark Millar opens up this issue with Cordelia stuck in a mental institution and being prodded for answers she just can’t give. It’s a tried and tested narrative trope – the hero trapped in a psychologically created prison and being told by a medical professional their memories are all part of a larger illusion – and one Millar makes use of efficiently enough. After four volumes of the Moonstone family saga, no reader reading this could doubt her story. And neither are we meant to. Hence, this deception is soon revealed as a ploy of the Irios. This fraud may confuse Cordelia momentarily, but not the reader. 

And so we move from the mundanity of ordinary life to a scene more befitting of Salvador Dali, illustrating how deft artist Matteo Buffagani is; he is just as comfortable and talented rendering a busy workshop as he is in the more fantastical scenes, such as the magical battle we witness once the illusion has been dropped and Cordelia comes to her senses. His infusion of realism into his characters, beautifully balanced with an economy of line that reminded me of Stuart Immonen, is a wonderful compliment to Millar’s scripts. His brush breathes life into each character imploring the reader to relate to Cordelia and company, no matter how far removed they all are from the world of the ordinary that you and I inhabit. 

Joining the gang in this series is maverick magician, Clyde Bailey, who comes to Cordelia’s rescue in the nick of time. The rogue of the piece, he has all the charm of Han Solo with the looks and swagger to match. And an interesting addition. After all, who doesn’t like a charming rogue, right?

The Magic Order 5 #2 is an entertaining issue with plenty of action, exposition and mystery. But then what magic trick is complete without a good helping of mystery?

The Magic Order 5 #2 is out on Wednesday 30th October from Dark Horse Comics.