Gutter Magic

Gutter Magic #1-4

by Rich Douek, Brett Barkley (Illustrations)

It's magic and mayhem in Manhattan, as Gutter Magic follows the story of Cinder Byrnes, who should be heir to a magical legacy, but can't cast a spell to save his life. When he finally tracks down a spell that can help him, he must figure out how to cast it before the necromantic crime lord he stole it from tracks him down. An epic, gritty urban fantasy adventure that takes place in an alternate-history New York, where long ago, World War II was fought with magic.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics

120 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2016

About the author

Rich is an award-winning copywriter, and the creator of the independent comic series, Gutter Magic. He has worked on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Universe comics for IDW, and has published short stories in the New York Times-featured All We Ever Wanted anthology, for A Wave Blue World, as well as anthologies for Comixtribe and Red Stylo press. Additonally, he is a moderator of the Comics Experience Creator's Workshop, where he strives to help newer creators learn how to create their own comics and navigate the industry.

Reviews

[William O’Pomegranate · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.7 stars

[Rosemarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has very interesting world building, a mix of steampunk and magical fantasy, and the art is beautiful. What prevents me from giving it a higher rating is the protagonist, Cinder. He is selfish, power hungry and lacks compassion. His one small of act of goodness does not undo this. The reasoning for his behavior is understandable, but not very compelling. Look, I am all fine with following an anti-hero, but he doesn't seem to learn anything about himself over the course of the book. I know this is just the first 4 issues, and I do find the world intriguing, but I am not interested in following Cinder through it, not unless he can find some humility. I may be reading this wrong, this could be the story of the birth of a villain, which is fine, but it would be nice to have someone to root for.

[Jean-Luc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cinder Byrnes (lol) can't do magic. Potions, charms, sure, he can do the sort of "gutter magic" that's looked down upon by real wizards, but "magic chooses the wizard", and it didn't choose Cinder. And so he spends all of his spare time begging, borrowing, and stealing as many secrets as he can from other wizards, including family, in the hopes of somehow gaining the ability to do magic. But he's stolen from one wizard too many. The Morgue has sent her undead abomination Shiver to retrieve Cinder. Blacktooth, Cinder's goblin companion, just wants to keep his protégé from dying horribly. And he knows a guy...

Nazis show up very briefly to clue us in that this steampunk urban fantasy is also an alternate history. If you're a sucker for magic like me, this book delivers the goods.

[H.P. Holo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too short for the world it was trying to create; it introduced a lot of interesting ideas but, as a four-episode miniseries, didn't have the room to effectively explore them. However, its smart dialogue and general fun make it a good, quick read for people who love wizards and urban fantasy.

[Brewergnome · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, not awesome. Didn't do great at having enough backstory to explain why you're supposed to like someone who's such an ass to those around him. Will likely read the next one to see how it goes, though.

[Cid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed a character arch, which didnt realy complete it self.
Would have been good a continuation of the story/universe and some redemption of the main character becoming more aware of his actions.

[Ithlilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like many urban fantasies it's okay. There are magical creatures, people are sarcastic, some group of people wants to kill our heroes. I didn't mind it but I didn't love it. It's pretty looking and steampunky

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was well-executed with good art, especially the action scenes. It didn't strike me as particularly ground-breaking, but it was enjoyable. I'd definitely recommend it to fans of alternate steampunk histories. I think that thiw would be better served as a longer miniseries or an on-going comic. Perhaps there will be more.

P.S. I might be the only one that this bugged, but it kind of annoyed me that the side-kick character was a goblin (aka a the equivalent of the POC sidekick :/ )

Read in issues.

[Rosilyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this comic. Well written, beautiful art, engaging story line. I wish there was more! I literally hounded my local comic book store for weeks trying to see if they could find me a copy of the last issue. I can't wait to grab the trade as well. I look forward to reading anything and everything by this writer in the future!

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gutter Magic is one of those few works that I wish was longer. The foundation of some great world building is present, but it's not developed nearly enough in a four-issue miniseries. That having been said, what is there is a unique take on steampunk urban fantasy. I just wish there was more.

[Sean Kottke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at Fantasticon last year and have been eager to dig in. Lots of exciting world-building across the several texts collected here, great action, and accomplished art. Will keep an eye out for more from this world.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Skull Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

SOOOOOO Goood!

[Richard Mulholland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, enjoyed the premise and the setting that the team created.

[Alec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative and compelling story/world. Loved it!