Charmed Vol. 4

Charmed Comic Series #4

by Paul Ruditis

In only one decade they have experienced so much love and loss, joy and sorrow, failure and success. But time marches on and new challenges will be met as Phoebe is haunted by her past, Piper must deal with the present, and Paige is forced to cope with the future. See how Season 9 comes to a close! Collecting Charmed issues #20-24.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, Witches, Supernatural, Graphic Novels Comics

143 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2012

About the author

Paul Ruditis also writes under the name P.J. Ruditis.

I was born and raised in Philadelphia where I lived a typical childhood with a far more interesting fantasy life. I mean, how many other eight year olds were sticking their Star Wars action figures in Ziploc bags filled with water and putting them in the freezer to recreate the ice planet of Hoth? (Really? That many? Never mind.)

After college, I moved to Los Angeles and was very lucky to get a job as a page at Paramount Pictures only months after I got into town. I worked as a tour guide and usher, and I performed temp office work around the lot.
Eventually, I took a position working in the studio's licensing department where I quickly worked my way up to middle management.

After a while, one of my friends in the publishing industry offered me the opportunity to write a Buffy, The Vampire Slayer short story for a collection she was editing. Well, when I heard how little money I could make as a writer, I immediately quit my job to try it full time. (Stupid, I know, but it kind of worked for me.)

I started out by writing books based on such wonderful TV shows as Star Trek, Roswell, and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. I have since written over 30 books based some of the best shows on TV, adding The West Wing, Alias, and Prison Break to that ever growing list.

While I continue to work on these media tie-ins, I have also been focused more on my own original fiction, including my teen series DRAMA! and the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy Love, Hollywood Style.

- Abridged Bio - Official Website.

Reviews

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huh, that was a massive change of pace from a sitcom to a la avengers! Also, Cole is one ambitious Slytherin — good for him 😎

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Raquel (Rocki) · Rating 3 out of 5]

so things have gone wrong very quickly the world is topsy turvy and what once was magical is not and vice versa. I liked that there was more Prue because of course I missed her but things were not explained how they got to that moment and I just felt it could have been more flushed out. I wont lie though I do still want more.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this

[Victoria Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on My Books Are Me

4.5 Stars

Another fantastic instalment in the Charmed comic series that's filled with beautiful artwork, fast-paced stories and our favourite characters.

This volume takes place six months after Paige and Henry adopt Henry Jnr. The world has fallen into chaos as the magical community, including the Charmed Ones, become powerless, while the everyday humans become very powerful, using their magic for evil. The Charmed Ones are on the run for the government, this time for NOT having powers (talk about a crazy turn of events) and they are desperate to find out how the reverse Rennek's master plan. Just when they escape the wrath of the now-magical community, they have to face Rennek in a monstrous battle, where it seems like the Charmed Ones may fail at protecting themselves, and reuniting the realms.

It is so great to have the story of the Charmed Ones continued, and this volume did not fail at bringing yet another interesting story that sees the sisters nearly lose it all, but save the entire world at the last moment. I have to admit, I was a bit lost at the beginning of the story, as I had forgotten about what had happened in the previous volume, but once I had my head around everything that was happening, I really enjoyed the story.

I really enjoyed the return of some of our favourite characters, my favourite being Daryl - I missed having him around to help the sisters! With this volume being the conclusion of season 9, it was a really great close to these stories, and it really felt like a season finale. Even to the point where the final scene sees the door to the manor close like it does in every season final.

I am really excited to see what is in store for season 10, especially now that two characters seemed to have returned permanently, so I can't wait to see how everything will play out. I just love Charmed so much!

If you are a fan of Charmed, then you NEED to get these graphic novel/comic bind-ups RIGHT NOW! They are a perfect continuation of the season and season 9 has been truly magical and it has been great to be back with the Halliwell's again.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was so crazy. I loved it, though. Really didn't know what Rennek's plan would entail but it was epic seeing magic completely shifted in the Charmed world. I will say the end felt a bit anticlimactic. Rennek was defeated a bit quickly. I think I just wanted more mostly because of the background we got on Rennek and Leo and the charmed one's powers were so much stronger in the nexus. Excited to go on to the tenth season comics now that I've completed season 9.

[Hayley B Halliwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!!!!!!!!

Talk about an ending!!! That was great. All much action and progression! I was on the edge of my seat. And,of course, I'm wanting more. These graphic iterations of my all-time favorite show are giving me life! While my budget isn't ready for the next season, i most definitely am! Can't wait to pick it up!!!!

[Anniken Haga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I will admit I did not see this coming, but I did like it.
This volume was a good ending to the season. I like how it managed to involve so many of the little things through out the season, and I liked how it twisted and turned.
It almost made the whole Prue-thing ok as well.

I am actually in a mood to buy and read season 10 as well at this point, but think it'll have to wait a little while, as I have a lot of other stuff to read before getting my hands on any more.

But, in the end, this comic wasn't as bad as I feared. It had the feeling of the show, all the characters we came to know and love/hate were introduced one way or another, and I loved most of those ''filler'' episodes that were based in episodes from the show. Like the one with Cal Green. That episode is maybe my fav episode in season 2, and I loved seeing how it played out!

[Thomas Wenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

BIG SPOILERS!

While the concept of a magic switch worldwide was appealing and to see how mortals. Who have no idea of the consequences of magic abuse it was a great storyline. It felt rushed.

It was cool to see old faces again like Tyler. Who I so wished stayed on the show for a little while. The sisters fighting together was great and we got a little more insight into how magic ties the heavens, earth and underworld together.

We learned a little bit more of pre-Charmed, Whitelighter Leo.

What really let this down, however, was Leo ongoing becoming some form of an angel and trying to become mortal again. Either keep him mortal or keep him magical.

As for the Elders, they weren't really present. Which I wasn't too bothered by. What annoyed me was how they get to dictate if Cole should move on from Limbo, if he's earned it. That decision should be made by the Angel of Death!

[Amanda [darjeeling_and_jade] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mini review time! It's strange; as much as I enjoyed this overall I feel kind of like it was a little too strange. Charmed has always had elements of strangeness to it, but the final chapter in this volume was a little too much "the world is magic so we can get away with anything" to me. I also feel like this volume had too many jumps--the end of a chapter would leave the sisters in one place, but when the next chapter began I felt lost because too much time had passed. I had a problem with things advancing and not being shown to the reader.

I'll have to see what happens in season 10 of the series!

[aikaterine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, at first, reading this installment was fully disorienting, as no explanation was offered immediately and I kept wondering if I had skipped an issue or something. However, I soon realized that a lot of time had passed... again.

Why is that a theme in this graphic novel? Like every volume takes place months after the previous one, and some issues are even weeks apart.

Oh, and of course I need to talk about the artwork. Why does it keep changing every volume, and sometimes even every issue?

Anyway, I just love being back in the Charmed universe, and of course I'll dive into Season 10 asap.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the beginning of this story, loved getting dropped off right in a world of Charmed that was crazy and different and a mystery that we had to unravel as readers, but it went downhill from there. The first part was the best, setting up the world the Charmed ones were in now, but as we went along and tried to learn why the world was like that or how to stop it, it made less and less sense. I had trouble following EVERYTHING. I had to re-read the last part twice and I still don't understand how they got to where they did.

[Alyxandra Bryndzia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Charmed graphic novels but this one was not my favorite. For one, I did not like the art work.. It wasn't realistic enough or look like the girls as in past issues. I also felt like there were gaps in the story. Maybe I missed some stuff but I felt like a lot of time was jumped with little explanation. The other volumes didn't feel like this. Hope Season 10 is like early Season 9.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was confused because I didn't understand what was going on at the beginning, but they explained the situation as the story went on. Another solid arc for this series. The story is so good even though the art work could be nicer.

[Michael Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

last of this dumb series

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a big fan of the plotline here, but the art is hands down the best among the season 9 comics. Paige in that red sweater, especially, is drawn recognizably and gorgeously.

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slight dip in quality here, but it's still a great conclusion to the season.

[Alessandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

The power of three will set you free

[Shayde Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely, the weakest of the season 9 comics! Nonetheless, Volume 4 was a good season finale..

[Eadrinor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was a disappointment. As others have said, the story was a mess. All magic has transferred to normal people leaving Henry, Daryl and Elise to do the fighting alongside fake Prue.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe gives birth to Parker in the beginning of the book. The whole world has gone crazy. Everyone has magical powers, except the Charmed Ones. They have to protect themselves before they get in any kind of danger. The whole magical community has lost their powers too and they are vulnerable but some wanna help the Charmed Ones to find a way out of this mess. For now, they suspect that Rennek mind be behind all this. While the world is gone crazy, the Halliwell sisters help out ex-magical beings in the Knox Academy School. They are trying to remove Leo’s wings, but it doesn’t work. The world is in chaos, everyone uses their powers for personal gain, but some people like Daryll are there to help the sisters figure things out. Prue is protecting a demon since she has all the Charmed Ones powers inside her. She gets trapped in the between with Cole and it has gotten quite crowded in there. He helps her get out to help her sisters with some information that he has. The person that can help them is a dead Seer. The girls prepare for battle, while Leo is going back to memory lane to find out what he already knows about Rennek. There’s a sort of magical dome thats spreading out and creating magical people. The Charmed Ones get their powers back just in time to defeat Rennek and whatever else is coming after them. At the end, everything looks normal… but they’re house has ended up in the middle of nowhere. I can’t wait to find out what happens next in Season 10!!!!

[Jovy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS ENDING!!! This is better than the tv series finale!

Everyone got their happy ending - Billy is finishing her studies...Leo is back to being human...Piper has her restaurant...Phoebe with happy family and shared her secret with Elise... Coop still a Cupid and met some of his human relatives...Henry experienced how it is to have power and found out that he's Paige's strength...Paige has twins and an adopted son...Darryl enjoyed his temporary powers and able to see his friends again especially Prue... The Elders and Angels of Destiny promised not to meddle in people's lives...Prue is forever "back" technically but on a different realm, with her own powers that is not part of the power of three...Cole is also back with Prue, he will be able to transport her from where they are to other realms, maybe they'll fall in love (I hope)...Prue and Cole are living in the Halliwell manor in their realm!

[Saria · Rating 2 out of 5]

It might be me, but this felt less like Charmed than the other 3 volumes. It might be the fact that Prue's not much like... Prue. Also, the battle that takes place is just rushed.
It also might be that the drawings look less like the sisters than those in the previous volumes.
I don't know.
I realize this is a comic after all, but still, I had to say that.
However, this by no means dampened my excitement over finally going back to the Halliwell Manor and kick demon ass with the girls.
I have some mixed feelings about the ending, though... I can't say for sure if it's more good or bad.
I mean, again, I haven't been able to connect with this Prue, at all. And that's saying something since I didn't even like the real Prue much lol.
I'm waiting to get my hands on Season 10, before I decide for sure.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover: I really enjoyed the cover on this one. Seeing all the sisters with the symbol in the background.

Things that I liked: I loved that this is a graphic novel and therefore is a quick read. The plot line seemed like something that would be within the show if they were to make this into a show. I liked how they set it up all the conflict and then the sisters had to figure out a way to vanquish the demon or evil at hand. I was surprised to see Prue made an appearance somewhat (you will have to read to find out).

Things that I didn't like: I have no problems with this one except that it was too short. I hope they make more.

Overall: I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars. I would highly recommend for those who loved the TV show Charmed.

[Ruben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul ruditis puts an end to this amazing 9 season of a story that still keeps to amaze me.

The ninth season has been a blow of fresh air for the whole series. In this volume season 9 comes to an end, the charmed ones will face the biggest battle they´ve faced with the future of both humans and magicals at stake.

[Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

It kinda had a bad start with a detective story (we've already seen this before in the TV series) but then the next arc was quite interesting, the power of three is missing, it's up to all the magical creatures and the Charmed Ones to figure out how to get their power back and stop the Dark Lighter Renneck from destroying the world.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charmed bias is still in effect, and although not as good as the previous three volumes, still fun. Since these are so much better quality than the books, I was a little thrown aback by a panel screw up of Piper calling for “Piper and Phoebe” when Paige should have been speaking/in the panel, but references like Gideon and the return of Daryl more than make up for it.

[Jennie Cha · Rating 2 out of 5]

And ok read, the drawing weren't as great and the plot does seem to be jumpy and out of place. Although some explanations were really nice and interesting.
For example, disappointed to see Prue as a blond and someone else than herself. But again a good explanation about it.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

the drawings weren't that great and the plot line wasn't as good.
Disappointed.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zenescope does a great job of continuing the tales of the charmed ones in this conclusion to "season 9."