Summary: Kevin is regular guy going about his day when he happens upon an individual he mistakes for a homeless man, but in reality, he meets a Mage (a magician), named Mirth. Later, as Kevin is riding in an isolated subway car, he is startled to find himself being attacked by three bald-headed men with pale complexions, eyes with no pupils, and pointy spikes for elbows. In utter confusion and bewilderment of his current situation and because of his opponents makeover, Kevin decides to escape his plight by jumping out of the window of the moving subway. As luck would have it, Kevin may have alluded his transgressors, but only to wind up in the direct path of an oncoming subway train. Surprisingly, Kevin survives being run over by the subway! Dusting himself off, he desperately tries to wrap his brain about what's happening and longingly seeks the solace of his apartment home. However, when he gets there, Kevin finds Mirth awaiting him in his living room. Despite Kevin's adamant request for Mirth to leave, Mirth instead begins to explain who he is, what Kevin just experienced, the Grackleflints he just fought on the subway, and, more importantly, the importance of following him so that Kevin can discover the Hero laden within him. Kevin is hesitant to believe Mirth and most definitely hesitant to become any type of Hero. Yet, he knows he can't just simply ignore what he just experienced, as well as his sudden increase of strength and invulnerability. Begrudgingly, Kevin decides to follow Mirth, but with the proverbial one foot out the door. Thus, begins the sojourn of self discovery for Kevin, the Hero just recently discovered.
Reference: Matt Wagner (2017). Mage: The Hero Discovered. Image Comics. Portland, OR.
Why I Picked It Up: When I was in high school, I stumbled upon a promo poster for this comic book underneath an empty school desk. Being an aficionado of comics and looking for something a bit different than the usual superhero story line, I naturally was intrigued. Liking what I saw, I decided that I would look for it at my local comic book store on my next visit.
Why I Finished It: As I had mentioned earlier, I had become a little tired of the typical superhero tales published by Marvel and DC and I longed for something more. Mage was exactly what I had been seeking. Kevin, the protagonist, wasn't dressed in any elaborate costume, his physique didn't look steroid induced, and the story line quickly hooked my attention. Wagner's "avant-garde" drawing style was also a welcomed change and quite easy to follow. Facial expressions and action sequences were somewhat vague, but they didn't interfere with plot line comprehension. Then to have each issue begin with a quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet, a tragic play based on the actions of a reluctant and hesitant protagonist, well . . . that was the clincher.
Recommendations: This is an ideal story for people, who like me, are tired of the standard superhero plot lines. People who are tired of investing their money in indefinite series' that go on and on, with no end in site. People who want to try independent comic book authors. Mostly, though, for people who enjoy a little King Arthur mixed with Hamlet, with touches of mythology. This is a story that I believe would please all comic book fans. I know I enjoyed reading every page of the series from the comfort of my living room sofa.
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