Mage: The Hero Denied #0 –
Image Comics
Written by Matt Wagner
Art by Matt Wagner
Colors by Brennan Wagner
Letters by Dave Lanphear
Being a legend is a funny thing. Sure people know who you are, and there is a certain amount of prestige that comes with it, but here’s where it can get annoying. There will always be some young, hot shot who thinks they can take your place and be better than you ever were. Fans have waited a long time for this legendary character from Matt Wagner to return, and his final chapter has begun. Mage is back, and this time, it’s The Hero Denied.
For those who don’t know, Mage follow Kevin Matchstick who was just a regular guy, until he realized he was something much more and had the ability to wield incredible power. Of course, with that, it also comes with a destiny to fulfill and some pretty nasty creatures to deal with in the process. In this introductory half issue, Kevin meets up with another “soldier” in the fight, and that moment happens that every aging man dreads at some point. Not sure that it requires a SPOILER ALERT if you’ve been there, but if you haven’t yet, you probably will. Let’s just say it’s not exactly something that gives a reluctant hero the drive to push forward. Things do get a bit out of hand when some company arrives, and leads to something that definitely gave me a bit of a laugh. Since this is a half issue, the end reveal comes quick, but is definitely a nice “WOW” moment heading into Issue 1 when it drops in August.
Ever since reading Matt Wagner’s work with The Shadow, it has made me want to reach back into more of his work. I’ll admit I am not a long time reader of Mage, but the story always interested me, and it’s something I would definitely like to read more. This zero issue is a nice jumping on point if you feel the same way, and you really won’t be too lost. Keep in mind this is a zero issue, and a half issue, so the character development is at a minimum. Still both prominent character in this issue balance each other quite well, and will likely give you two opposite reactions. Wagner’s art is always very appealing, and another nice job by Brennan Wagner as well. Bring on the final chapter!
RATING: PULL / BUY