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Hex11 #1-6
Hex11, Vol. 1: The Magic Age Rises
HEX11 is the epic story of one young witch living in a futuristic dystopia where magic has been discovered as a new technology. When she stumbles on a firefight between a demon mercenary and a black market magic dealer, she finds herself in the center of a sinister corporate conspiracy.
HEX11: VOLUME ONE collects the first 6-issue story arc of this continuing hit series; the premiere title for independent publisher HexComix. Nominated for the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity, with art by Lisa K. Weber and script by Kelly Sue Milano, HEX11 is an exciting drama for all sci-fi/fantasy fans.
HEX11: VOLUME ONE collects the first 6-issue story arc of this continuing hit series; the premiere title for independent publisher HexComix. Nominated for the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity, with art by Lisa K. Weber and script by Kelly Sue Milano, HEX11 is an exciting drama for all sci-fi/fantasy fans.
151 pages, ebook
First published February 24, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 7, 2016
A fascinating blend of magic with a sci-fi-esque dystopian setting. Witch in training Eleanor is running an errand for her teacher one evening when she sees a demon attacking someone in an alley. She shouldn’t get involved. But she totally gets involved. Unfortunately for her, the demon is a mercenary and the victim is a smuggler, so things get real complicated real quick.
I like how dangerous the magic in this world – and how cool it looks, not gonna lie! Elanor is impetuous but not to the point of carelessness, so you can still root for her. Her teacher is hilarious. The creepy assassin is pitch perfect. Everyone has interesting hair.
Two volumes have been printed, covering issues 1-12, and issues 13-15 are available digitally. The story has not yet concluded.
In 2023 I re-read issues 1-12, then grabbed 13-15, and enjoyed it all.
I like how dangerous the magic in this world – and how cool it looks, not gonna lie! Elanor is impetuous but not to the point of carelessness, so you can still root for her. Her teacher is hilarious. The creepy assassin is pitch perfect. Everyone has interesting hair.
Two volumes have been printed, covering issues 1-12, and issues 13-15 are available digitally. The story has not yet concluded.
In 2023 I re-read issues 1-12, then grabbed 13-15, and enjoyed it all.
January 27, 2017
I loved loved loved this! I was at first a little apprehensive, it looked like it would lean towards your more standard (standard = boring) Marvel/DC fare. Fortunately, this was not the case.
The art is kinetic, with a real sense of flow to the characters' bodies and facial expressions. The lighting is stark and strong. The action scenes had me gripped, and I had to continually go back and pore over the details.
The story and is very strong as well, set at the meeting point between magic and technology, science and mysticism - always a fun environment to explore.
It was totally worth the outrageous shipping + custom costs - the trials of being a comic lover who lives in South Africa.
The art is kinetic, with a real sense of flow to the characters' bodies and facial expressions. The lighting is stark and strong. The action scenes had me gripped, and I had to continually go back and pore over the details.
The story and is very strong as well, set at the meeting point between magic and technology, science and mysticism - always a fun environment to explore.
It was totally worth the outrageous shipping + custom costs - the trials of being a comic lover who lives in South Africa.
December 1, 2017
I adore the world of Hex11. Its an interesting and visually vibrant take on the concept of techno-magic. Milano and Weber seamlessly blend the arcane into a “world of tomorrow”, asking hard questions of science and society about how far you would go to have a little (or a lot) more power.
It’s ensemble cast is an interesting and sometimes explosive mix of personalities, with each character able to hold their own. Gender parity is huge yay with this series, with female protagonists and a plethora of lady villains none of which fall into the typical “villainess” tropes.
It’s a huge hit, with the exception of a racially balanced cast. Apparently everyone in the world is white except for the 4 POC we meet (1 of which is only there for maybe 3 panels). I doubt this was intentional on the part of the authors but they’ve made all the background characters white making those POC we meet stand out more because diversity just isn’t there. And I find it deeply problematic that Isaac (our sole black man), for all he appears to be incredibly talented, does not speak or do much more than listen to other characters. At least in this volume he has essentially no agency, he never does more than act as a sounding board for others except when he’s being physically powerful/violent (knocking out an intruder etc). Maybe all is revealed later, but if you can sideline him for 6 issues and give more depth to walk-ons, I feel like you have a problem.
Is it visually stunning with a compelling plot and quirky characters? Yes. Do I want more racial diversity rather than white and extra white? An even bigger yes. That last part makes it 3 stars rather than 5.
It’s ensemble cast is an interesting and sometimes explosive mix of personalities, with each character able to hold their own. Gender parity is huge yay with this series, with female protagonists and a plethora of lady villains none of which fall into the typical “villainess” tropes.
It’s a huge hit, with the exception of a racially balanced cast. Apparently everyone in the world is white except for the 4 POC we meet (1 of which is only there for maybe 3 panels). I doubt this was intentional on the part of the authors but they’ve made all the background characters white making those POC we meet stand out more because diversity just isn’t there. And I find it deeply problematic that Isaac (our sole black man), for all he appears to be incredibly talented, does not speak or do much more than listen to other characters. At least in this volume he has essentially no agency, he never does more than act as a sounding board for others except when he’s being physically powerful/violent (knocking out an intruder etc). Maybe all is revealed later, but if you can sideline him for 6 issues and give more depth to walk-ons, I feel like you have a problem.
Is it visually stunning with a compelling plot and quirky characters? Yes. Do I want more racial diversity rather than white and extra white? An even bigger yes. That last part makes it 3 stars rather than 5.
July 30, 2025
2025 reread
It’s been a while since I last red Hex11 and it has list none of its brilliance.
Fantasy meets sci-fi in this dystopian world which sits somewhere between Blade Runner and Spirited Away.
The immediately engaging characters and story is matched by the beautiful, Disney-esque artwork, where every character is brilliantly realised.
Easily one of my favourite titles in a good long while and easily a match for anything being put out by the big two.
It’s been a while since I last red Hex11 and it has list none of its brilliance.
Fantasy meets sci-fi in this dystopian world which sits somewhere between Blade Runner and Spirited Away.
The immediately engaging characters and story is matched by the beautiful, Disney-esque artwork, where every character is brilliantly realised.
Easily one of my favourite titles in a good long while and easily a match for anything being put out by the big two.
June 19, 2018
I started reading this on comixology several months back, and after my subscription lapsed I had forgotten about it. Recently, at Denver Comic Con, I met the lovely ladies behind this comic and was able to pick up the physical copies of vol 1 and 2. (Just by the way they are all awesome and if you ever get a chance to meet them, I highly recommend it).
Re-reading it, I remember why it intrigued me so much. Between the gorgeous and unique artwork, and the character development/plot, I found myself unable to put the books down. Combining tech and magic...the in-depth world around Elenor and the rest of the gang is just so interesting and dark.
This story has everything from Magic... Tech... Demons... Badass little girls... LGBTQ characters...strong female leads... political fanatics trying to rule the lower class... etc. It truly is a book worth picking up and checking out.
In the first volume... we meet our protagonists, Eleanor, Vera, Isaac, and a lot of our anti-heros + all our nasty villains. I love that a lot of the "villains" are women --the immense amount of strength and charisma they have is just fantastic. I wish I could go more into depth, but it would absolutely be a spoiler, and I hate to do that because of how fun it was to discover bits and pieces of these characters through the pages.
Re-reading it, I remember why it intrigued me so much. Between the gorgeous and unique artwork, and the character development/plot, I found myself unable to put the books down. Combining tech and magic...the in-depth world around Elenor and the rest of the gang is just so interesting and dark.
This story has everything from Magic... Tech... Demons... Badass little girls... LGBTQ characters...strong female leads... political fanatics trying to rule the lower class... etc. It truly is a book worth picking up and checking out.
In the first volume... we meet our protagonists, Eleanor, Vera, Isaac, and a lot of our anti-heros + all our nasty villains. I love that a lot of the "villains" are women --the immense amount of strength and charisma they have is just fantastic. I wish I could go more into depth, but it would absolutely be a spoiler, and I hate to do that because of how fun it was to discover bits and pieces of these characters through the pages.
March 23, 2021
Well that's quite a story. It's a near future dystopia with major Shadowrun vibes: magic is back and for the most part, it's being treated as and integrated with technology--with varying levels of success. Corporations have all the power and are represented as the big bads. People get kidnapped off the streets and all manner of other troubles. Add to that the main character just training in her powers, but somehow a chosen one with powers she doesn't even realize--and all manner of quirky allies along the way.
It's not a particularly new story, but it's an enjoyable enough framework. And they even get to hang a lampshade on it somewhat:
All that being said, what really stands out for this story (and what I love about it so far) is the art. This is a story very much made to be a graphic novel. Just look at that magic:
It's magic and technology all wedded together in an aboslutely wonderful way. Another example, this gun:
I have absolutely no idea what's special about that gun or what the magic on it does, but I don't have to. It's a gun and it's magical and it looks awesome.
Not to mention the idea that magic is akin to programming/hacking reality?
Yeah. This book is right up my alley.
I think the biggest negative that I would have for this is one problem many graphic novels have: they don't have nearly as much space to spread out as a novel. Just when things are getting good and Volume 1 is done (and that was a half dozen issues already, I couldn't imagine reading them that way). I can only hope that Volume 2 gets a little more done!
It's not a particularly new story, but it's an enjoyable enough framework. And they even get to hang a lampshade on it somewhat:
All that being said, what really stands out for this story (and what I love about it so far) is the art. This is a story very much made to be a graphic novel. Just look at that magic:
It's magic and technology all wedded together in an aboslutely wonderful way. Another example, this gun:
I have absolutely no idea what's special about that gun or what the magic on it does, but I don't have to. It's a gun and it's magical and it looks awesome.
Not to mention the idea that magic is akin to programming/hacking reality?
Yeah. This book is right up my alley.
I think the biggest negative that I would have for this is one problem many graphic novels have: they don't have nearly as much space to spread out as a novel. Just when things are getting good and Volume 1 is done (and that was a half dozen issues already, I couldn't imagine reading them that way). I can only hope that Volume 2 gets a little more done!
November 24, 2020
This book felt very fresh in a lot of ways. First, the story is a unique combination of dystopian science fiction and fantasy magic. The genres are well blended together. Even though the world may be new, the plot still has universal themes, such as discrimination, privilege, and poverty. The main protagonist and some od the side characters also have interesting arcs.
Second, the art is easily distinguished with vibrant colors and expressive characters. The coloring brings the art to life with bold colors used for backgrounds with bright-light colors used in the foreground. The effect is eye-catching and gives the illusion of a dark world with neon highlights. It does an excellent job at selling a magic and technology filled future.
As a comic, the graphic novel is successful with its layout and paneling. The colors and art elevate the story. However, there are a few detractors. First, the word-to-panel ratio is not great. The story contains too many expositional dumps and long dialogue sequences. Also, for a section in the middle of the book, the layouts are pretty repetitive and the environment/coloring doesn't change. Ultimately, the detractors are not severe enough to hinder the story, its delivery, or the art. I would highly recommend this read.
Second, the art is easily distinguished with vibrant colors and expressive characters. The coloring brings the art to life with bold colors used for backgrounds with bright-light colors used in the foreground. The effect is eye-catching and gives the illusion of a dark world with neon highlights. It does an excellent job at selling a magic and technology filled future.
As a comic, the graphic novel is successful with its layout and paneling. The colors and art elevate the story. However, there are a few detractors. First, the word-to-panel ratio is not great. The story contains too many expositional dumps and long dialogue sequences. Also, for a section in the middle of the book, the layouts are pretty repetitive and the environment/coloring doesn't change. Ultimately, the detractors are not severe enough to hinder the story, its delivery, or the art. I would highly recommend this read.
March 13, 2021
I first picked up an individual issue of this story at a convention, and found myself fascinated with the blend of science fiction and fantasy that creates this story. I finally picked up the book versions, so that I could read the story [so far] straight through. I think that's how it reads best, so that you can maintain all the wonderful strangeness in your mind all the way through. The visual imagery can be very distracting if you don't focus, and I mean that in a good way. Pet cats with dragon wings, spells that materialize circuit drawings, magic as a form of technology, and a host of other things all intertwine with one of the strangest forms of demonology that I've ever encountered.
The novice mage and the wise mentor are both women, which should not be unusual in fantasy, but too often it has been. The mentor is the kind who can say things like "There was a time in my life when I found it easier to liberate myself from morality...I got better." The character development and the artwork both made that line work, in context, trust me.
This is well worth reading, and if you like it, go to their website and look at the merchandise. The creators have put out the strangest and coolest Dragon Kitty stuff.
The novice mage and the wise mentor are both women, which should not be unusual in fantasy, but too often it has been. The mentor is the kind who can say things like "There was a time in my life when I found it easier to liberate myself from morality...I got better." The character development and the artwork both made that line work, in context, trust me.
This is well worth reading, and if you like it, go to their website and look at the merchandise. The creators have put out the strangest and coolest Dragon Kitty stuff.
![Profile Image for Sara [Luccio].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1461754624i/10051000._UY200_CR19,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 13, 2018
I usually read graphic novels or comic books that are in the Marvel or DC universe, but occasionally I pick something indie and try it out. This is one of those rare occasions I decided to read something new. This volume was free on Comixology unlimited and I decided to take a risk and borrow it. I was incredibly impressed with both the story and the artwork. It's a fast paced and quick story with a lot of magic and a crazy cast of characters. The main character is awesome, I'm in love with the banter between her and the demon character, and the world building is detailed enough to be very interesting. I will definitely be reading more.
December 18, 2017
Revised (I don't think I was clear in my initial review): This is a must read! The story is entertaining (and this is coming from someone who rarely reads sci-fi/fantasy), and Lisa K. Weber's artwork is stunning! I'm new to comics, but I prefer to read something where the art inside is similar in style/ quality to the cover art. For me, it's a matter of expectation based on the cover art and consistency of style. No need to worry about that here. Hex11 looks amazing, cover to cover. Also, the artwork and story are on the same level. One doesn't outshine the other. I highly recommend!
January 8, 2019
Vibrant in both the art work and the characters. This is easily going to go into my favourite comics of all time collection (my comixology copy may not be enough), not only is the art stunning but the world of the hex is the kind of mysterious that makes you crave more. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this goes in volume 2! I suspect if you like Monstress you will like this one (though rather than steampunk magic it's more cyberpunk magic). Plus dragon cats. Who doesn't want a dragon cat?
September 6, 2021
This series starts with a catchy premise - in a digital, near-future dystopia, the hottest new technology is magic, and a young witch in training gets caught up in a corporate conspiracy. The artwork is vibrant and clear, and is at its best when showing magic at work. The world is interesting and the characters are well-written with distinct voices. I'm not entirely clear on the deal with the demons. It seems like they are part of the reason that magic is now accessible to humans, and I suppose I'll have to read on to figure that out. Very promising first volume!
January 14, 2022
MY NEW OBSESSION. I got volumes 1 and 2 at LACC and have put off reading them due to work and the holidays. I knew I would fall for theses so fast and needed the time to do so.
I’m… I haven’t been this into a story in a while. I love every character (though Faye is my favorite) this world is brilliant and colorful and the art is gorgeous.
The story is captivating with demons and magic in a sci-if environment, pink haired girls that rip out the hearts of men!
Everything I could ask for.
Onto volume 2 for me… seriously, check these out. Now.
I’m… I haven’t been this into a story in a while. I love every character (though Faye is my favorite) this world is brilliant and colorful and the art is gorgeous.
The story is captivating with demons and magic in a sci-if environment, pink haired girls that rip out the hearts of men!
Everything I could ask for.
Onto volume 2 for me… seriously, check these out. Now.
July 23, 2018
Beautiful art and loved all of the characters. I liked that the main character was a mix of snarky and unsure, passionate and confused. She's got strength and skills, but still a lot to learn. And I love that the other characters call her on it when she's being an idiot or obnoxious. I found the panels easy to follow, which was a huge plus. The dialogue felt spot-on. Really, I have all nice things to say about this first collection. Can't wait to read the next one!
August 30, 2023
Magicpunk
Cyberpunk but with magic (think Shadowrun). Evil megacorp with a power hungry exec wants the thing that will make them unstoppable, but a secretly superpowerful bystander protagonist gets drawn into the mess. Some spare amusing banter and a whimsical Auntie Mame Sorcerer Supreme were highlights, but it felt pretty flat. It also didn't help that I'm almost certain they're going to do a romance subplot with the leads that I can't bail out of fast enough.
Cyberpunk but with magic (think Shadowrun). Evil megacorp with a power hungry exec wants the thing that will make them unstoppable, but a secretly superpowerful bystander protagonist gets drawn into the mess. Some spare amusing banter and a whimsical Auntie Mame Sorcerer Supreme were highlights, but it felt pretty flat. It also didn't help that I'm almost certain they're going to do a romance subplot with the leads that I can't bail out of fast enough.
October 12, 2019
4.5 What I most enjoyed about this was the complexity of the story - several of characters, each with their own agendas that may or may not align with other characters. The art was not a style I typically go for but it was certainly enjoyable and well done. I'm looking forward to reading the next collection.
June 9, 2020
I bought this at phoenix comiccon several years ago and I just read it again. I know it has no bearing on the quality of the comic but the creators were very nice. The art style is beautiful and the magic system is fascinating. I love the characters and am interested to see where the plot goes next!
May 10, 2021
This is a fun story about a futuristic, dystopian magi-tech world. It's the kind of setting we might expect from videogames or tabletop RPGs, and in lesser hands, the entire thing would have felt thin and derivative. But Milano creates a world rich with detail and cast of interesting characters for whom power isn't just a blessing or a curse. It's...complicated.
June 8, 2018
I usually don't read magic-based comics, and I didn't expect much from this one, but I really liked it. The story is good, and the characters have a depth I didn't expect. I didn't expect to want to read further books in the series, but I think I will.
October 29, 2018
Stumbled upon this comic at LA Comic Con. Sci-Fi and supernatural combined? Witches and magic? Female lead and heroine? Gorgeous art? I'm sold! Great addition to the high school library where I work. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
November 11, 2017
I ship Elanor and Osrick so hard. SO HARD!
This comic feels so fresh, great combination of magic and sci-fi. The art is well done, the use of colors is very captivating.
This comic feels so fresh, great combination of magic and sci-fi. The art is well done, the use of colors is very captivating.
June 16, 2018
Amazing art, fun characters, and an interesting story. Definitely for any magic or sci fi fans looking to get into a graphic novel.
August 28, 2018
Super into this, love the atmosphere and characters. Looking forward to seeing where the next volume takes everything with that ending.
January 15, 2019
Hex11 is a refreshing futuristic fantasy. I loved the use and mechanics of the magic, and the amazing character designs as well. I’m looking forward to continuing this series as it progresses!
March 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this - a nice mix of magical world-building and story. I'll have to pick up volume 2 when I can.
March 28, 2019
I absolutely love this series.
February 3, 2021
Interesting take on magic with Demons and other creatures but , i wasn't engaged enough to complete the series.
December 14, 2023
DNF at 31%
September 9, 2020
This was unexpectedly good.
Interesting plot without too much exposition set in a future where magic has been rediscovered. The writer fully embraces a 'show don't tell' philosophy. The story is all the more engaging for the fact you are learning about the world at the same time.
There was an opaqueness to the characters which meant you could not be sure who was good and who was bad. The plot was teased open naturally and as I finished this volume I really wanted to know what came next.
The art is lovely and special mention to the character design which I found very engaging.
Interesting plot without too much exposition set in a future where magic has been rediscovered. The writer fully embraces a 'show don't tell' philosophy. The story is all the more engaging for the fact you are learning about the world at the same time.
There was an opaqueness to the characters which meant you could not be sure who was good and who was bad. The plot was teased open naturally and as I finished this volume I really wanted to know what came next.
The art is lovely and special mention to the character design which I found very engaging.
May 30, 2017
I purchased this book and the subsequent issues that are currently out while I was at PHXCC. I stopped at the table because of the absolutely gorgeous art style. It's cartoony, but smooth, there are vivid colors, and I had to see what it was all about. This bind-up of comic/graphic novel issues follows our main character who is a 'witch'. In this society, magic is a technology that is used in both good and bad ways. I was hooked from page one. There are many different personalities and characters that are woven into the story: from different ethnicities to different sexualities. There is magic (duh!), demons, and adventure. I devoured this bind-up (issues 1-6) as well as the individual issue of 7-9. I am hooked and cannot wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews