Written by Robert Place Napton
Illustrated by Zid
Letters by Troy Peteri
Covers by Zid
Published by Image

the three cents.
Simon and Gwen’s emergency-caused but highly awkward hiding out at Gwen’s mother’s home following the destructive sacrifice of Merlin’s mansion does not bode well, obviously, as Morgana herself is in hot pursuit. But Simon is proving to be a quick study and bargains with the druidic femme fatale in a gambit that will either be completely brilliant or the stupidest move he could possibly have made. Less action in this issue than previous chapters, as this is the point where all parties seem to lay their cards on the table (while casually trying to ignore that Gwen is still in her undies for a sizable portion of the story, god bless).

Napton’s globe-trotting in this plot calls to mind a bit of Indiana Jones, and the adventuresome questing proves a lot of fun in the doing. Simon’s own high-speed journey into the realm of magic-using is still really smartly considered, with his scientific background actually proving more and more of a benefit. The archeological aspect of this story really adds to the overall scale as well, in terms of global reach and historical backgrounds insinuated. The final issue of this limited series is the next installment, and seeing just how heavy these players are might prove impossible to fully wrap it all up next month. I’m only reviewing comic books now for friends and for projects that I honestly love or loathe (in any case- not too often), but Son of Merlin has surprised me as being the finest series Top Cow has ever produced- and I actually like much of their current direction. So here’s hoping there’s more in the works!

Zid’s storytelling is so cinematic, and he captures realism without ever coming across as a dirty stinking photo-tracer, amazingly. His page compositions are very compelling, and his flow for the action scenes and the talky scenes are always fluid irregardless. He is really, really good, and even if SoM cannot continue as a series I sure hope he finds something soon as worthy of his obvious talents. And Peteri is a madman, lettering as many comics as he does while remaining absolutely flawless and concise on ever page sporting his work. The themes of this comic give him ample excuse to break out the funner toys in his cache, and he guides eyes keenly while playing up the dynamism of the assorted plot points.

Son of Merlin was announced long before its initial release, and the wait has surpassed expectations for me, I freely admit. It has provided an interesting dynamic into the relations of science and magic not often explored to such degrees elsewhere, and has done so in a thriller of a plot with great characterizations and exceptionally attractive artwork and production. The next chapter will be the last for this volume, but I really would like to see more. This has been as professional as a comic can be in execution without sacrificing something legitimately worth saying in the process. Free Comic Book Day is today, so while you’re at the local shoppe, hound your friendly neighborhood retailer for this title. Tell them I said.

Tags: exegesis, Robert Place Napton, Troy Peteri, Zid

Written by Robert Place Napton
Illustrated by Zid
Letters by Troy Peteri
Covers by Zid
Published by Image

the three cents.
Catching up on the stellar science-fantasy series, the bastard son of the apparently now dead Merlin is coming into his own while suddenly finding himself under his father’s shadow. In the second chapter, Gwen’s introduction to Simon is cut short as magic-wielding assassins are sent by the malevolent CEO Morgana LaFey to fetch the special book now in Simon’s possession. Gwen begins training Simon with what she knows, before they are attacked once again as the threats loom closer and deeper. The third chapter has the heroic young couple sacrifice one of Merlin’s homes before braving a fact-finding spy mission inside the confines of LaFey’s corporate headquarters. Lots of riveting plot development, and it all unfolds rather quickly nonetheless.

Napton seems to be resisting the natural impulse to literally match up Simon and Gwen, which makes for a fun dynamic to their sudden working relationship. The concept of magic being another form of science is still very fascinating and explored generously, with the elements of psychic powers being expressed in Simon’s training as a manner of energy manipulation. We also get a broader look into the true scale of the stakes, with LaFey being as otherworldly dangerous as she is easy on the eyes, as well as through the glimpse into Gwen’s upbringing suggesting the breaking down of the forces of light. This is very precise and calculated storytelling, and much more is being setup than any finite series could manage.

Zid is a great artist, with a digital painting style that may even be more realistic than that of Alex Ross’, but not losing any dynamo whatsoever in the syntax. His panel arrangements are especially striking, dancing the line between cinematic and bombastic. He handles the quieter moments decidedly well, although the cheekiness of Gwen being in her undies for a sizable portion of the second issue may have been appealing to a lower standard in audience than what I think the story is aimed for. Don’t get me wrong though, as it is always nice to see an un-exagerrated female form interpreted so enticingly, and I am a total sucker for red-heads anyway. Strong placements from Peteri as well, with a captivating pull over the pretty visuals.

This series is a lot of fun, being as much of a techno-thriller as a redefinition of the Avalon mythology. There are shades of Doctor Who in the premise and execution, but really, while many of these names might sound familiar, there is a potent level of originality at play in these pages. Napton is being incredibly thoughtful in his approach to both science and magic, and doing so with some engaging characterizations, and Zid’s efforts are career-defining to say the utmost least. I sure hope the comic does not end as a single mini. I have cousins in the stix who manage cock-fighting tourneys, so a blood sacrifice offering is not out of the question on my part.

Tags: exegesis, Robert Place Napton, Troy Peteri, Zid

Written by Robert Place Napton
Illustrated by Zid
Letters by Troy Peteri
Covers by Zid and Stjepan Sejic
Published by Image

the three cents.
What a truly great first issue. The debut of Son Of Merlin from Heroes and Villains Entertainment and Top Cow lives up to all long-awaited expectations, as Napton and Zid offer up a new premise of dark fantasy where science and magic take a long and hard look at one another. So very much more than a mere modernization of the Arthurian legends, we are given a suggestive take on the nature of energy itself, along with a great cast of characters caught in the middle of a centuries-old war over the fate of our silly little species. I don’t think this is to be an ongoing series, but it is rare that I read a first issue and wish for just that.

Napton’s plotting is crisp and intriguing, smartly introducing the prime players through their actions rather than unreal exposition. His ear for dialogue is powerhouse, with well-defined characterizations and just enough humor expertly placed so as to keep the pages turning without coming off as a glib ode to popular culture in general. The world of Son of Merlin is kept absolutely realistic, best exampled by the personality flaws and personal quirks that restrict the abilities of forces both good and evil. Merlin, the grand old wise hero we already know, is here shown to provide for his own defeat based exclusively on his concern for the safety of Gwen, his young (and attractive) apprentice. Simon Ambrose, the son of the wizard, is the youngest professor at MIT but despite his learned accomplishments is completely unknowing of his origins, and at first totally unwilling to jeopardize his overworked existence by embracing his apparently truer calling. Morgana LaFey, head of LaFey Industries, though representing the perfect picture of an evil queen in a modern world, and while offering threats both real world and arcane, clearly suffers from basic arrogance being her greatest Achilles heel. Great cast, and while the science in particular is taken from our own world, the magic is shown in thoughtfully believable aspects that are at once sinister and non-derivative. Napton is an under-utilized writer, I’ve said that before and will keep pushing it, but here he is unleashing just how confidently he can approach world-building with the end result being something akin to the more intelligent of the X-Files scripts than to standard superhero stuff. This may well be one of the smartest and most promising setups from Top Cow ever, to be frank.

Zid is a mighty strong artistic threat, giving solid layouts and capturing the dynamically surreal and the everyday all like an older pro. The people are rendered photo-realistically (indeed, Simon looks to be inspired more than a little by the actor James Franco), with everything from costuming to the action of implied movements showing several degrees of style beyond that exhibited by whatever supernatural by way of gritty primetime television dramas folks are hooked on these days. Top Cow is known for its art, of course, but Zid’s work is certainly more in keeping with what Sejic has been digitally painting for the publisher than the tiresome cross-hatching and heavy inks of their intricate house look. Maybe shades of Alex Ross as well. And Peteri does wonderful things in moving the wordflow along, and especially in giving the paranormal parts an extra coat of eeriness with his effects. The entire product and presentation is professional and polished, while presenting loads of new toys to explore.

The creative team is genuinely strong and well-matched, and the story they are sharing with us knowingly marries some familiar mythology with an earnest desire of not only shining new perspective on these icons, but also of inviting readers to ride along as they redefine the relationship of science and magic through their adventurous tale. When you consider that the initial concept of the Big Bang theory was actually first established (but not coined per se) by a priest, and if you are comfortable with the scandalous notion that Creationism and Evolution could honestly co-exist after all, then this could easily be the liberal dose of sexy brain candy you have been waiting for.

Tags: exegesis, Robert Place Napton, Troy Peteri, Zid