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Black Magick #1-2
Black Magick: The First Book of Shadows
The complete first chapter of the critically acclaimed series from New York Times bestselling creators GREG RUCKA and NICOLA SCOTT, assembled together for the first time!
Rowan Black is awakening to the almost unimaginable power that is her inheritance—a power she neither wants nor is able to refuse. But all power comes at a price, and those who seek to destroy her may not be as dangerous as those who wish to control her. Yet when one’s will can alter reality, the ultimate enemy may be the human heart.
Collects BLACK MAGICK #1-11, plus additional content, artifacts, and backmatter designed by ERIC TRAUTMANN
Rowan Black is awakening to the almost unimaginable power that is her inheritance—a power she neither wants nor is able to refuse. But all power comes at a price, and those who seek to destroy her may not be as dangerous as those who wish to control her. Yet when one’s will can alter reality, the ultimate enemy may be the human heart.
Collects BLACK MAGICK #1-11, plus additional content, artifacts, and backmatter designed by ERIC TRAUTMANN
328 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2019
About the author
Greg Rucka
1,509 books1,937 followersGreg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 17, 2019
Goddamn FINALLY this is out! I've been putting off reading volume 2 of Black Magick until this hardcover came out, and it took a whole year after the paperback dropped — what gives? Doesn't matter, because it's finally here — the first two volumes of the series in a gorgeous oversized hardcover, packed full of extra artwork, scripts, commentary, interviews and all that good world-building material that Rucka loves so much in his creator-owned series. Black Magick is fantastic, a tightly woven tale of witchcraft and the occult with a flavour of police procedural (the good kind). Brilliant characters with complicated relationships and a perfectly paced story that so effortlessly blends genres into something that feels unique and special, all accompanied by Nicola Scott's stunning painted monochrome artwork with just a hint of color to indicate magical elements — really, this book is something to behold. Greg Rucka's written a ton of great comics, but this might just be his best, and with that tantalising cliffhanger ending I absolutely cannot wait for the next volume.
April 30, 2024
the art by Nicola Scott is the main draw: a striking monochromatic color scheme with the occasional splatters of red and purple; expertly-rendered faces; the occasional hallucinatory splash page(s). superb work! the writing by Greg Rucka is nearly as enjoyable. he's a fun writer who is working at a high level with his characters and his narrative. enjoyable mysteries that aren't quite figured out in this volume; a realistic yet enchanted atmosphere; a narrative that centers noir-ish hardboiled detective tropes within a storyline about magic, witches, secret societies, and demons. the only minus (half-star removed! LOL) is the poor characterization of our heroine's cat familiar. I mean really, cat familiars shouldn't talk like the neighborhood butcher. I've had a cat familiar and she was quite subtle and eloquent. stop mischaracterizing cat familiars, Rucka!
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
July 27, 2020
Хто любить детективи? А хто любить містику? А хто - усе навколо відьомське? "Чорна магія" має усе з переліченого, що гармонійно сплетене в одну цікавезну історію, яка шокує майже у кожному випуску.
⠀
Мальопис починається із сцени, де кілька людей у каптурах проводять таємний магічний ритуал у нічному лісі. Але неочікувано у однієї із з цих персон дзвонить телефон, де її викликають на місце злочину. Так ми знайомимося із Рован Блек, яка працює детективкою у місцевій поліції. Ну і, як ви зрозуміли, вона також є відьмою і членом ковену у цій місцині.
⠀
Поєднання таких речей, як відьомська і поліційна справи, уже є не досить легким. Але коли в цю, начебто стабільну ситуацію, додаються древні демонічні сили, які намагаються дістатися до Рован, разом із давнім угрупованням мисливців на відьом, то із усіх боків все починає ламатися.
⠀
Ґреґ Пака створив міцного характеру головну героїню, разом із її хорошими і поганими сторонами. А те, як він розповідає історію Рован, про її теперішнє й минуле, заслуговує окремої похвали. Усе відкривається тоді, коли сюжетно воно найкраще виправдано, чим робить цю історію живою й реалістичною. А флешбеки із минулого, де є деталі, як вона стала відьмою, змушують співчувати Рован.
⠀
Виглядає так, що іншим персонажам бракує уваги, але це зовсім не так. Другорядні персонажі, які перебувають на стороні відьми - цікаві та продумані, починаючи від її найкращого друга Алекса до наймилішого чорного кота Рован (і тут усі фани Сабріни закидали мене камінням). Вороги ж оповиті таємницею та мають жорсткі й переконливі характери. І саме головне, що тут ти узагалі не помічає якоїсь посередньості у них, бо кожного із персонажів ти можеш виділити через його якості і поведінку.
⠀
Це один із тих коміксів, де потрібно виділити художню роботу. Адже австралійська художниця Нікола Скотт змогла довершити задум Ґреґа Ракки своїм графічним стилем. Чорно-білий малюнок з додаванням кольору найбільш драматичних чи важливих моментах, був відмінним вибором.
⠀
Хочу ще! Але тільки ось після перерви у 2 роки виходить нарешті 12 випуск😢
⠀
Мальопис починається із сцени, де кілька людей у каптурах проводять таємний магічний ритуал у нічному лісі. Але неочікувано у однієї із з цих персон дзвонить телефон, де її викликають на місце злочину. Так ми знайомимося із Рован Блек, яка працює детективкою у місцевій поліції. Ну і, як ви зрозуміли, вона також є відьмою і членом ковену у цій місцині.
⠀
Поєднання таких речей, як відьомська і поліційна справи, уже є не досить легким. Але коли в цю, начебто стабільну ситуацію, додаються древні демонічні сили, які намагаються дістатися до Рован, разом із давнім угрупованням мисливців на відьом, то із усіх боків все починає ламатися.
⠀
Ґреґ Пака створив міцного характеру головну героїню, разом із її хорошими і поганими сторонами. А те, як він розповідає історію Рован, про її теперішнє й минуле, заслуговує окремої похвали. Усе відкривається тоді, коли сюжетно воно найкраще виправдано, чим робить цю історію живою й реалістичною. А флешбеки із минулого, де є деталі, як вона стала відьмою, змушують співчувати Рован.
⠀
Виглядає так, що іншим персонажам бракує уваги, але це зовсім не так. Другорядні персонажі, які перебувають на стороні відьми - цікаві та продумані, починаючи від її найкращого друга Алекса до наймилішого чорного кота Рован (і тут усі фани Сабріни закидали мене камінням). Вороги ж оповиті таємницею та мають жорсткі й переконливі характери. І саме головне, що тут ти узагалі не помічає якоїсь посередньості у них, бо кожного із персонажів ти можеш виділити через його якості і поведінку.
⠀
Це один із тих коміксів, де потрібно виділити художню роботу. Адже австралійська художниця Нікола Скотт змогла довершити задум Ґреґа Ракки своїм графічним стилем. Чорно-білий малюнок з додаванням кольору найбільш драматичних чи важливих моментах, був відмінним вибором.
⠀
Хочу ще! Але тільки ось після перерви у 2 роки виходить нарешті 12 випуск😢
August 7, 2020
Really good. The mainly black and white art is very well done. Great story that raises more questions than it answers.
December 23, 2019
Уявіть собі: ліс, повний місяць, магічний ритуал, чоловіки й жінки в одежинах. Раптом телефонує телефон в однієї із відьом. Ритуал перервано, а винуватиця цього раптово рушає на місце злочину, бо вона - детектив. Вже ці дві складові окреслюють характер головної героїні, Рован Блек, яка намагається поєднати професію поліцайки та зовсім не професію, а швидше покликання відьми. А далі починається вельми цікаві речі, адже навколо Рован і її друзів все більше нависають темні хмари. З одного боку маємо давніх мисливців на відьом, а з іншого - не менш давні демонічні сили, які не зрозуміло що хочуть із героїні.
Ґреґ Ракка відомий тим, що спеціалізується на створенні образів "сильних жінок", починаючи від Чудо-Жінки (дуже рекомендую почитати його ран) до модифікованих самураїв у близькому антиутопічному майбутньому. Його жінки впевнені в собі, чітко знають свої сильні й слабкі сторони, а основне - не дадуть себе образити. Така ж Рован, тільки дещо більш харазматична, адже Ракка зумів поєднати у ній риси в нуарних історій та окультних жанрових новел. І це працює блискуче! З першої же сторінки історія поглинає повністю твою увагу, розкриваючи все більше й більше деталей про світ магії та незвіданої сили. Мені сподобався флешбек у минуле Рован, коли її посвятили у відьми. Все це настільки реалістично й переконливо, що не лишає жодного відчуття умовності сюжету. Місцями ж історія просто настільки лякає, що краще її читати вдень. Однак переконаний, що процес читання затягнеться, бо цей комікс неможливо читати шматками - тільки за один присід.
Малюнок Ніколи Скотт, австралійської мисткині, чудово підкреслює бачення Ракка. Візуальний стиль коміксу виконаний у графічних, дещо прозорих тонах, відповідаючи чорно-білій палітрі світу. Проте у найбільш відповідальні моменти (особливо під час магії) Скотт додає яскраві, надзвичайно акценти, що створює просто колосальний ефект. Усе це окутує увагу таємницями, саспенсом і бажанням просто розірвати сторінки в очікуванні наступних пояснень. Тому мені вкрай мало одинадцять номерів в цьому делюксі, бо я не зрозумів, коли вони закінчились. Це той випадок, коли готовий читати сотні номерів, якщо вони будуть написані в такому ж темпі. Проте зараз автор взяв паузу, яка просто нестерпно тисне, зважаючи на відкритий кінець у цьому блискучому коміксі.
Ґреґ Ракка відомий тим, що спеціалізується на створенні образів "сильних жінок", починаючи від Чудо-Жінки (дуже рекомендую почитати його ран) до модифікованих самураїв у близькому антиутопічному майбутньому. Його жінки впевнені в собі, чітко знають свої сильні й слабкі сторони, а основне - не дадуть себе образити. Така ж Рован, тільки дещо більш харазматична, адже Ракка зумів поєднати у ній риси в нуарних історій та окультних жанрових новел. І це працює блискуче! З першої же сторінки історія поглинає повністю твою увагу, розкриваючи все більше й більше деталей про світ магії та незвіданої сили. Мені сподобався флешбек у минуле Рован, коли її посвятили у відьми. Все це настільки реалістично й переконливо, що не лишає жодного відчуття умовності сюжету. Місцями ж історія просто настільки лякає, що краще її читати вдень. Однак переконаний, що процес читання затягнеться, бо цей комікс неможливо читати шматками - тільки за один присід.
Малюнок Ніколи Скотт, австралійської мисткині, чудово підкреслює бачення Ракка. Візуальний стиль коміксу виконаний у графічних, дещо прозорих тонах, відповідаючи чорно-білій палітрі світу. Проте у найбільш відповідальні моменти (особливо під час магії) Скотт додає яскраві, надзвичайно акценти, що створює просто колосальний ефект. Усе це окутує увагу таємницями, саспенсом і бажанням просто розірвати сторінки в очікуванні наступних пояснень. Тому мені вкрай мало одинадцять номерів в цьому делюксі, бо я не зрозумів, коли вони закінчились. Це той випадок, коли готовий читати сотні номерів, якщо вони будуть написані в такому ж темпі. Проте зараз автор взяв паузу, яка просто нестерпно тисне, зважаючи на відкритий кінець у цьому блискучому коміксі.
November 28, 2022
4.5/5
Greg Rucka writes excellent graphic novels. Black Magick is no exception. Quality stuff.
Greg Rucka writes excellent graphic novels. Black Magick is no exception. Quality stuff.
November 30, 2019
I had already read the first half of this collection in paperback, but thought it would be good to re-read those issues before getting to the ones that would be new for me. It's astonishing how little of it was memorable. And the second half felt so slow it actually make me like the first half less than I did before. The bonus text story in the end matter literally put me to sleep multiple times.
The art is still spectacular though.
The art is still spectacular though.
April 27, 2026
You don’t understand how deeply personally tailored this was for me to love and I’m in despair over the fact that this series was never finished
May 20, 2019
I received an early review copy of this book from Image Comics and I began reading it with no prior knowledge of what the series was about. Rowan Black is a witch and a detective, but when the two worlds coincide, things go bad.
The book rides on Nicola Scott's art and the colour team's occasional splashes of colour. The art is truly spectacular and Scott's characters jump right off the page. What I love is how consistently the characters are drawn, which can be hard for artists - Rowan looks like herself from panel to panel, as do most of the other characters. However, Rowan and Alex do look eerily similar from time to time and that could have been avoided had both women not been drawn as regular, conventionally sized women.
My biggest criticism of this book is drawing all women in exactly the same size. You have carte blanche to give women a variety of looks, but most people don't take that opportunity. Also, because this book is about witches, there's a generous smattering of nudity thrown in. Again, not a problem, but when only one kind of female character is seen like this, it erases all others and that's the biggest problem with consumable media. It still annoys me that there was a page-long panel of a nude 13-year-old in there. It's not sexualised, and it is censored in quintessential comic book style, but one has to ask themselves this - would you draw a page like that with a boy in it? There is no good reason to put underage kids in such a state.
The story is interesting, and I liked the procedural part of it. But, since that wasn't the point, a lot of the book explains the witch-craft stuff. I'll admit it's not for me. There's too much navel-gazing in this book to keep me interested, and I skimmed over the lore parts mostly. Some of the personal drama was a bit contrived, but again, that criticism is because I like procedurals.
The end of this book is a bit anti-climactic, especially as I was expecting Rowan and Alex to face their enemy or have more of an understanding of them. Instead, the denouement is a bit more personal.
There are horror elements to this book that stand out (sooooo creepy), but not as much of the police part or the witch part to maintain readers' attentions. Too much emotional drama with the sad-looking female protagonists. I think some people will like it, but the best part is Scott's art. She's amazing.
The book rides on Nicola Scott's art and the colour team's occasional splashes of colour. The art is truly spectacular and Scott's characters jump right off the page. What I love is how consistently the characters are drawn, which can be hard for artists - Rowan looks like herself from panel to panel, as do most of the other characters. However, Rowan and Alex do look eerily similar from time to time and that could have been avoided had both women not been drawn as regular, conventionally sized women.
My biggest criticism of this book is drawing all women in exactly the same size. You have carte blanche to give women a variety of looks, but most people don't take that opportunity. Also, because this book is about witches, there's a generous smattering of nudity thrown in. Again, not a problem, but when only one kind of female character is seen like this, it erases all others and that's the biggest problem with consumable media. It still annoys me that there was a page-long panel of a nude 13-year-old in there. It's not sexualised, and it is censored in quintessential comic book style, but one has to ask themselves this - would you draw a page like that with a boy in it? There is no good reason to put underage kids in such a state.
The story is interesting, and I liked the procedural part of it. But, since that wasn't the point, a lot of the book explains the witch-craft stuff. I'll admit it's not for me. There's too much navel-gazing in this book to keep me interested, and I skimmed over the lore parts mostly. Some of the personal drama was a bit contrived, but again, that criticism is because I like procedurals.
The end of this book is a bit anti-climactic, especially as I was expecting Rowan and Alex to face their enemy or have more of an understanding of them. Instead, the denouement is a bit more personal.
There are horror elements to this book that stand out (sooooo creepy), but not as much of the police part or the witch part to maintain readers' attentions. Too much emotional drama with the sad-looking female protagonists. I think some people will like it, but the best part is Scott's art. She's amazing.
September 23, 2021
(Zero spoiler review) 3.5/5
I actually read this in the trades about a year or so ago when I was first getting in to comics. I actually really liked it, hunting down volume two immediately from the library, although by the time I started this page, I didn't feel I could remember it well enough to give an accurate representation. A few months later, I bought the hardcover and its sat on the shelf ever since, waiting for me to crack it open again and relive the magick. I'm really glad I didn't review it with the dim memory I had of it, as after reading it again, I really don't think I liked it as much the second time.
First off, of the entire creative team here, Rucka's input is clearly the weakest here. Nicola Scott's art is always very good and frequently amazing, with the muted colour palette really helping to set the scene, even if I would have loved to see it in a more vibrant array of colours. Yet Rucka, who cut his teeth with his noir., has diluted what could have been an interesting combination of noir and witchcraft into a c grade cop show, cum Twilight levels of teenage pandering. I remembered this being much better, much darker, much more engaging than it really was. This really does feel watered down, either intentionally or unintentionally to appeal to a younger, somewhat more feminine demographic. Is that a bad thing in and of itself? No, not necessarily, but when a writer is capable of telling a much more mature, polished and engaging story, it comes across as annoying and contrived to see witches getting ever closer to sparkling the way vampires do now. Does every witch tale need to be dark and oppressive, no. But I would expect it to be better than this.
In fairness though, its not terrible by any means. I'll keep reading it. Just dealing with a little bit of bitterness that it wasn't the amazing read that I remember. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
I actually read this in the trades about a year or so ago when I was first getting in to comics. I actually really liked it, hunting down volume two immediately from the library, although by the time I started this page, I didn't feel I could remember it well enough to give an accurate representation. A few months later, I bought the hardcover and its sat on the shelf ever since, waiting for me to crack it open again and relive the magick. I'm really glad I didn't review it with the dim memory I had of it, as after reading it again, I really don't think I liked it as much the second time.
First off, of the entire creative team here, Rucka's input is clearly the weakest here. Nicola Scott's art is always very good and frequently amazing, with the muted colour palette really helping to set the scene, even if I would have loved to see it in a more vibrant array of colours. Yet Rucka, who cut his teeth with his noir., has diluted what could have been an interesting combination of noir and witchcraft into a c grade cop show, cum Twilight levels of teenage pandering. I remembered this being much better, much darker, much more engaging than it really was. This really does feel watered down, either intentionally or unintentionally to appeal to a younger, somewhat more feminine demographic. Is that a bad thing in and of itself? No, not necessarily, but when a writer is capable of telling a much more mature, polished and engaging story, it comes across as annoying and contrived to see witches getting ever closer to sparkling the way vampires do now. Does every witch tale need to be dark and oppressive, no. But I would expect it to be better than this.
In fairness though, its not terrible by any means. I'll keep reading it. Just dealing with a little bit of bitterness that it wasn't the amazing read that I remember. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
October 8, 2019
This was well worth the wait! Rucka always deliver with a strong female protagonist and of course with great supporting characters. Nicola Scotts' art was and forever will be stunning. I love how she captures the character's facial expressions. Superb. It's going to be another lifetime before the next volume is released 😭
March 19, 2023
Komiks přístupnej i nováčkům čtenářům v žánru - řekla bych. Zápletka poměrně jednoduchá, v současnosti mezi námi pořád žijí čarodějnice. Ty stejné, ktere v minulosti potírala inkvizice a upalovala na kůlech. Jen dnes jsou z nich učitelky nebo policajtky. A stejně tak se do současnosti zachovaly zbytky z tradice inkvizitorů a démonů (?).
Hlavní hrdinka, čarodějka, mi byla fakt sympatická. Její policejní parťák je takovej medvídek kříženej s gigachadem a spolu řeší zločin. Dokud teda po čarodějkách nezačne kdosi jít a dosavadní poklidné žití a občasné praktikování neškodných pohanských rituálů nenaruší série vražd. Přátelství i jistoty dostávají trhliny. Začnou se objevovat temné síly a ukazuje se, že lovci čarodějnic nejsou ti stejní, jako se nám snaží namluvit knížky o čarodějnických procesech.
Chytlo mě to tak, že jsem knížku shrnující 12 svazků přečetla v noci asi za dvě hodiny. Jen mě vlastně zakočil otevřený konec, lehké tápání ve tmě, protože komiks moc nevysvětluje z mechanik světa, který přeci jen funguje trochu jinak než ten, co známe. Stejně tak noví aktéři se objevují až poměrně pozdě v příběhu. Sehnala jsem si ale pokračování a vám četbu doporučuju.
Hlavní hrdinka, čarodějka, mi byla fakt sympatická. Její policejní parťák je takovej medvídek kříženej s gigachadem a spolu řeší zločin. Dokud teda po čarodějkách nezačne kdosi jít a dosavadní poklidné žití a občasné praktikování neškodných pohanských rituálů nenaruší série vražd. Přátelství i jistoty dostávají trhliny. Začnou se objevovat temné síly a ukazuje se, že lovci čarodějnic nejsou ti stejní, jako se nám snaží namluvit knížky o čarodějnických procesech.
Chytlo mě to tak, že jsem knížku shrnující 12 svazků přečetla v noci asi za dvě hodiny. Jen mě vlastně zakočil otevřený konec, lehké tápání ve tmě, protože komiks moc nevysvětluje z mechanik světa, který přeci jen funguje trochu jinak než ten, co známe. Stejně tak noví aktéři se objevují až poměrně pozdě v příběhu. Sehnala jsem si ale pokračování a vám četbu doporučuju.
July 21, 2021
i like the technical aspect of the storyline. it's intriguing. nevertheless, and that was not the purpose, many issues are addressed in the book. this isn't for me, i'll confess. this book is too navel-looking to interest me, and i skimmed mainly through the historical sections. some emotional drama has been a bit elaborated out, but again, it's because i like analytical.
the conclusion of this novel is quite anti-climactic, especially as i anticipated rowan and alex to encounter or confront their antagonist. the outcome is a little more personalized instead.
yhere are horrors in this novel, but not so much to retain the readers' interest from the police or witchcraft section. excessive emotional drama with the melancholy feel and look. some might even like it, i think, but scott's art is the finest part. she is great. she is absolutely amazing.
the conclusion of this novel is quite anti-climactic, especially as i anticipated rowan and alex to encounter or confront their antagonist. the outcome is a little more personalized instead.
yhere are horrors in this novel, but not so much to retain the readers' interest from the police or witchcraft section. excessive emotional drama with the melancholy feel and look. some might even like it, i think, but scott's art is the finest part. she is great. she is absolutely amazing.
September 4, 2020
The fact that the remaining 5 issues of Black Magick were never collected in any format suggests that this series never received the attention it deserved. If that is true, then I find that very difficult to accept as this was easily one of my favorite reads this year. One of Rucka's best stories imo. The mix of a crime, mystery and horror just worked really well. And Nicola Scott's sepia-toned art... Truly stunning. Here's hoping this gets adapted for TV one day.
June 24, 2019
Just rating this collection because it's Vols. 1 and 2 combined, each of which I gave 4 stars back when I originally read them. Now get this series going more regularly so we don't have to wait years for subsequent volumes!
June 1, 2019
I loved Vol 1. I’m glad they did a collected edition so I could catch up, and that they will be continuing the series!
January 7, 2020
I adore the artwork in this series.
I have some major issues with some of the 'details' but that is just personal preference on the presentation of 'witches' and 'wicca'.
Age old disputes.
Overall very enjoyable and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I have some major issues with some of the 'details' but that is just personal preference on the presentation of 'witches' and 'wicca'.
Age old disputes.
Overall very enjoyable and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 1, 2019
Really Terrific Witching Story; the Police Procedural, Not So Much
Boy, talk about a Tale of Two Cities. Everything about the witchy side of Rowan Black's life and adventures is suspenseful, well-imagined, and thrilling. Everything on the police side is like an especially bland episode of "Law & Order: SVU".
I get it that having our heroine be a tremendously powerful witch and a police detective, with a foot in each realm, (the fantastical and the prosaic), seems like a good idea. But all of the heart, art, and soul has been devoted to the witching side. On the police side we have a handsome lug partner who doesn't "trust" Rowan anymore, a lot of call-ins to internal affairs, and investigative leg work. Luckily, even after eleven issues you could drop out all of the police department action, consolidate the rest, and still have a ripping volume. So let's talk about that.
This isn't about a pointy hat, a wand, and some mumbled spells. Rowan Black comes from a long line of powerful witches. Her magical world is carefully constructed, and even though lots of it is revealed through flashbacks and bits and pieces it all comes together and makes sense. The same is true for Rowan's family history and even her own life story. By the end of this volume we have a good sense of Rowan Black's world and her personal story, and we have a clear sense that lots more is afoot and will be revealed.
Supporting characters on the witchy side are all solid, from her best witch friend Alex to her foul mouthed cat familiar. Both her traditional opponents, (a gang of Euro-smarm witch hunters), and her as yet still sort of secret mega-opponents are convincing, and the secret as-yet unrevealed bad guys are powerful, cruel, implacable, and worthy foils.
The art sells every important aspect of the story. The black and white, with full color at dramatic high points, was an excellent choice. The characters seem even more convincing and expressive, sometimes, than they actually are, and that feels like the result of consistently strong drawing that lifts the reader right past panels that otherwise might feel weak. Many of the scenes are more like "poses" than realistic renderings, but that adds punch and pace. It helps that many drawings are there just for atmosphere, and the mood setting is much more creative and weirdly imaginative than just adding more tombstones and lightning flashes.
So, this struck me as thoughtful, engaging, and compelling, and left me totally invested in what was going to happen next. Rowan Black may be my newest favorite witch.
This volume collects the eleven single issues of "Black Magick". They were collected before in a two volume set, but this single volume also has a lot of interesting stuff, (variant covers, a short story, author interview, sketch book, etc.), at the end. (Please note that I had a chance to read a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Boy, talk about a Tale of Two Cities. Everything about the witchy side of Rowan Black's life and adventures is suspenseful, well-imagined, and thrilling. Everything on the police side is like an especially bland episode of "Law & Order: SVU".
I get it that having our heroine be a tremendously powerful witch and a police detective, with a foot in each realm, (the fantastical and the prosaic), seems like a good idea. But all of the heart, art, and soul has been devoted to the witching side. On the police side we have a handsome lug partner who doesn't "trust" Rowan anymore, a lot of call-ins to internal affairs, and investigative leg work. Luckily, even after eleven issues you could drop out all of the police department action, consolidate the rest, and still have a ripping volume. So let's talk about that.
This isn't about a pointy hat, a wand, and some mumbled spells. Rowan Black comes from a long line of powerful witches. Her magical world is carefully constructed, and even though lots of it is revealed through flashbacks and bits and pieces it all comes together and makes sense. The same is true for Rowan's family history and even her own life story. By the end of this volume we have a good sense of Rowan Black's world and her personal story, and we have a clear sense that lots more is afoot and will be revealed.
Supporting characters on the witchy side are all solid, from her best witch friend Alex to her foul mouthed cat familiar. Both her traditional opponents, (a gang of Euro-smarm witch hunters), and her as yet still sort of secret mega-opponents are convincing, and the secret as-yet unrevealed bad guys are powerful, cruel, implacable, and worthy foils.
The art sells every important aspect of the story. The black and white, with full color at dramatic high points, was an excellent choice. The characters seem even more convincing and expressive, sometimes, than they actually are, and that feels like the result of consistently strong drawing that lifts the reader right past panels that otherwise might feel weak. Many of the scenes are more like "poses" than realistic renderings, but that adds punch and pace. It helps that many drawings are there just for atmosphere, and the mood setting is much more creative and weirdly imaginative than just adding more tombstones and lightning flashes.
So, this struck me as thoughtful, engaging, and compelling, and left me totally invested in what was going to happen next. Rowan Black may be my newest favorite witch.
This volume collects the eleven single issues of "Black Magick". They were collected before in a two volume set, but this single volume also has a lot of interesting stuff, (variant covers, a short story, author interview, sketch book, etc.), at the end. (Please note that I had a chance to read a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
March 13, 2022
Fazia algum tempo que não lia uma história em quadrinhos tão interessante e bem elaborada como "Black Magick". É difícil definir sobre qual é seu enredo. "Black Magick" combina muito bem elementos da trama noir/detetivesca, com eventos sobrenaturais, mais especificamente, relacionados com a bruxaria, de origem ancestral e mítica. É justamente essa mistura tão peculiar, que torna a série original e envolvente
"Black Magick" começa de forma inusitada. Um ritual de magia no meio de uma floresta é interrompido pelo toque de um celular. Dessa forma, somos a apresentados a protagonista Rowan, que é uma bruxa e também atua como policial. Ela é chamada às pressas para comparecer a uma lanchonete, onde um homem aparentemente louco, sem uma aparente motivação, mantém um grupo de pessoas como reféns. Ele exige que somente Rowan faça a negociação para liberta-los.
A partir daí cria-se um clima de tensão e começa a acontecer uma série de eventos sobrenaturais, alguns deles assustadores que colocam Rowan em meio a uma espécie de conspiração que envolve forças malignas e muito poderosas. A trama tem um bom ritmo e Greg Rucka consegue combinar bem o "realismo" da rotina policial de Rowan, principalmente no que se refere ao processo de investigação de alguns crimes, com o aspecto, digamos assim, "fantástico" e "gótico" do universo da bruxaria, no qual também a protagonista está totalmente inserida.
Há espaço para uma sequencia, no qual um personagem que tem a ver com bruxas rouba a cena, com um diálogo inusitado e muito engraçado.
Mas, além do roteiro bem elaborado o grande destaque de "Black Magick" é arte espetacular de Nichola Smitt. A artista em grande parte da série utiliza um tom sépia, que em algumas cenas, as mais empolgantes e aterrorizantes "explode" em cores berrantes, criando assim grande impacto visual. Também chama a atenção o realismo nas expressões de personagens, principalmente de Rowan, o que dá mais dramaticidade á narrativa de Grucka.
Talvez, o único senão dessa edição é que "Black Magick" termina em aberto, com vários mistérios a serem desvendados. Mas, isso não é um demérito. Muito pelo contrário, o final é tão instigante que faz com o leitor queira conhecer mais sobre o passado de Rowan e outros personagens.
"Black Magick", em sua mistura inusitada de história policial e sobrenatural, é um das séries mais interessantes dos últimos anos. É uma obra que demonstra a força criativa da Imagine dentro do atual cenário da indústria dos quadrinhos.
Obs: a edição tem alguns extras também bem interessantes. Além de esboços, e uma entrevista com Rucka e Smitt sobre o processo de criação da obra, há o enxerto de uma narrativa, que explica alguns eventos da história.
"Black Magick" começa de forma inusitada. Um ritual de magia no meio de uma floresta é interrompido pelo toque de um celular. Dessa forma, somos a apresentados a protagonista Rowan, que é uma bruxa e também atua como policial. Ela é chamada às pressas para comparecer a uma lanchonete, onde um homem aparentemente louco, sem uma aparente motivação, mantém um grupo de pessoas como reféns. Ele exige que somente Rowan faça a negociação para liberta-los.
A partir daí cria-se um clima de tensão e começa a acontecer uma série de eventos sobrenaturais, alguns deles assustadores que colocam Rowan em meio a uma espécie de conspiração que envolve forças malignas e muito poderosas. A trama tem um bom ritmo e Greg Rucka consegue combinar bem o "realismo" da rotina policial de Rowan, principalmente no que se refere ao processo de investigação de alguns crimes, com o aspecto, digamos assim, "fantástico" e "gótico" do universo da bruxaria, no qual também a protagonista está totalmente inserida.
Há espaço para uma sequencia, no qual um personagem que tem a ver com bruxas rouba a cena, com um diálogo inusitado e muito engraçado.
Mas, além do roteiro bem elaborado o grande destaque de "Black Magick" é arte espetacular de Nichola Smitt. A artista em grande parte da série utiliza um tom sépia, que em algumas cenas, as mais empolgantes e aterrorizantes "explode" em cores berrantes, criando assim grande impacto visual. Também chama a atenção o realismo nas expressões de personagens, principalmente de Rowan, o que dá mais dramaticidade á narrativa de Grucka.
Talvez, o único senão dessa edição é que "Black Magick" termina em aberto, com vários mistérios a serem desvendados. Mas, isso não é um demérito. Muito pelo contrário, o final é tão instigante que faz com o leitor queira conhecer mais sobre o passado de Rowan e outros personagens.
"Black Magick", em sua mistura inusitada de história policial e sobrenatural, é um das séries mais interessantes dos últimos anos. É uma obra que demonstra a força criativa da Imagine dentro do atual cenário da indústria dos quadrinhos.
Obs: a edição tem alguns extras também bem interessantes. Além de esboços, e uma entrevista com Rucka e Smitt sobre o processo de criação da obra, há o enxerto de uma narrativa, que explica alguns eventos da história.
October 16, 2019
Lo primero que me impactó de Black Magick fue el arte. Híper realista, con estilo noir a lápiz desnudo y todo a blanco y negro con detalles a color para realzar momentos importantes. El dominio del artista de la narrativa visual es impresionante, pocas veces he visto a alguien así. Tal vez por eso tarden tanto entregar los tomos, parece que desde el 2015 que se estrenó la serie, hasta la fecha, solo han salido dos tomos, y el tercero está por salir en algún momento del 2020.
De la historia yo esperaba un formato más como CSI, donde la detective investiga crímenes relacionados con brujería, no esperaba que en realidad ella fuera inmersa más allá de su elección a eso. Una bruja que además es detective, y los asesinatos que comienzan a suceder están muy relacionados con su identidad de bruja, que además mantiene en secreto de todo.
Mi único problema con la serie es que me quedaron a deber respuestas. La trama del segundo tomo es muy oscura y al concluir, te quedan algunas ideas de lo que está sucediendo, al menos comencé a hacer mis propias teorías. Pero quedé muy decepcionado cuando vi que el tercer tomo no está cerca de salir todavía.
Si mis teorías son acertadas, esta historia promete mucho. La manera en la que utiliza la magia es muy llamativa. Son como súper poderes de cierta manera. También el hecho de que en la ceremonia de iniciación, recuerden sus vidas anteriores, puede ser utilizado para aspectos narrativos muy buenos.
Este tomo, desconozco si los pasta blanda los traen, tiene una especie de narración de un miembro de Aira de hace años. Esta parte es importante porque añade información que no esperaba de esta organización.
Rucka es el amo de la narración Noir sin duda.
De la historia yo esperaba un formato más como CSI, donde la detective investiga crímenes relacionados con brujería, no esperaba que en realidad ella fuera inmersa más allá de su elección a eso. Una bruja que además es detective, y los asesinatos que comienzan a suceder están muy relacionados con su identidad de bruja, que además mantiene en secreto de todo.
Mi único problema con la serie es que me quedaron a deber respuestas. La trama del segundo tomo es muy oscura y al concluir, te quedan algunas ideas de lo que está sucediendo, al menos comencé a hacer mis propias teorías. Pero quedé muy decepcionado cuando vi que el tercer tomo no está cerca de salir todavía.
Si mis teorías son acertadas, esta historia promete mucho. La manera en la que utiliza la magia es muy llamativa. Son como súper poderes de cierta manera. También el hecho de que en la ceremonia de iniciación, recuerden sus vidas anteriores, puede ser utilizado para aspectos narrativos muy buenos.
Este tomo, desconozco si los pasta blanda los traen, tiene una especie de narración de un miembro de Aira de hace años. Esta parte es importante porque añade información que no esperaba de esta organización.
Rucka es el amo de la narración Noir sin duda.
May 23, 2019
This review is about the edition, not so much the story itself.
This hardcover is excellent. I'm picky about formats, *especially* with comics or art books. The book is heavy but manageable covering two trades. The size is great and none of the art disappears into the spine. The book opens easily and is not stiff. The paper is good quality with a nice weight. Nicola Scott's art and Chiara Arena's coloring simply glow off the page and look exquisite. The book itself comes with a nice red ribbon bookmark.
The back of the book contains the diary excerpts relating to a historical backstory with the House of Black all in one place. Plus, there's a fun newspaper article on the town of Portsmouth. It's a nice touch. Lastly, the back of the book contains the variant covers, brief concept sketches, and notes from Nicola and some explanation on Ro's sigil, as well as an interview with Rucka and Scott.
Even though I have the trades and the singles, I'm so happy I have this book. It's a great piece and highly recommended.
One thing I will say relating to the story is that some of Rucka's comments have me nervous for upcoming story lines. Some of Rucka's work is genius, however I feel he has a tendency to go a certain direction that is just frustrating to read as a fan because it feels self sabotage and repetitive (specifically talking about what he did with Wonder Woman back in the day and with some of the new WW storylines). We can only wait and see.
This hardcover is excellent. I'm picky about formats, *especially* with comics or art books. The book is heavy but manageable covering two trades. The size is great and none of the art disappears into the spine. The book opens easily and is not stiff. The paper is good quality with a nice weight. Nicola Scott's art and Chiara Arena's coloring simply glow off the page and look exquisite. The book itself comes with a nice red ribbon bookmark.
The back of the book contains the diary excerpts relating to a historical backstory with the House of Black all in one place. Plus, there's a fun newspaper article on the town of Portsmouth. It's a nice touch. Lastly, the back of the book contains the variant covers, brief concept sketches, and notes from Nicola and some explanation on Ro's sigil, as well as an interview with Rucka and Scott.
Even though I have the trades and the singles, I'm so happy I have this book. It's a great piece and highly recommended.
One thing I will say relating to the story is that some of Rucka's comments have me nervous for upcoming story lines. Some of Rucka's work is genius, however I feel he has a tendency to go a certain direction that is just frustrating to read as a fan because it feels self sabotage and repetitive (specifically talking about what he did with Wonder Woman back in the day and with some of the new WW storylines). We can only wait and see.
August 31, 2024
I had a strong feeling about this one from the start.
First off, I’m a huge fan of Greg Rucka’s writing. His work on "Lazarus" ranks among my favorite series of all time. Secondly, the themes in "Black Magick"—witches, cops, paranormal activity, and noir—are right up my alley. Years ago, I read a couple of issues digitally and enjoyed them, so I was expecting this to be a great read.
And it didn’t disappoint. "Black Magick" is everything I hoped for.
Greg Rucka masterfully weaves together crime and the paranormal into a compelling narrative. Fair warning, though—the story unfolds at a slow, deliberate pace. While there’s plenty of action, the plot focuses heavily on character development and world-building. By the end of this first compilation of 11 issues, it feels like the stage is set for something bigger yet to come. Despite the slower pace, I never felt bored. Quite the opposite, actually—the story is so engaging that I found myself flipping through the pages eagerly to see what would happen next. Rucka’s writing is an absolute pleasure to read.
Nicola Scott’s art direction is equally fantastic. The black, white, and gray tones perfectly set the mood for the series. The attention to detail is exceptional, especially in the portrayal of the main character, Rowan Black. You can tell she gets extra care in every panel, and she shines as the heroine of the story.
Overall, "Black Magick" is an awesome read and a fantastic series.
First off, I’m a huge fan of Greg Rucka’s writing. His work on "Lazarus" ranks among my favorite series of all time. Secondly, the themes in "Black Magick"—witches, cops, paranormal activity, and noir—are right up my alley. Years ago, I read a couple of issues digitally and enjoyed them, so I was expecting this to be a great read.
And it didn’t disappoint. "Black Magick" is everything I hoped for.
Greg Rucka masterfully weaves together crime and the paranormal into a compelling narrative. Fair warning, though—the story unfolds at a slow, deliberate pace. While there’s plenty of action, the plot focuses heavily on character development and world-building. By the end of this first compilation of 11 issues, it feels like the stage is set for something bigger yet to come. Despite the slower pace, I never felt bored. Quite the opposite, actually—the story is so engaging that I found myself flipping through the pages eagerly to see what would happen next. Rucka’s writing is an absolute pleasure to read.
Nicola Scott’s art direction is equally fantastic. The black, white, and gray tones perfectly set the mood for the series. The attention to detail is exceptional, especially in the portrayal of the main character, Rowan Black. You can tell she gets extra care in every panel, and she shines as the heroine of the story.
Overall, "Black Magick" is an awesome read and a fantastic series.
November 21, 2024
I love Greg Rucka, and I liked this a lot, but.. I want more. I have heard more of the story is coming, but it's taking FOREVER. I bought this in smaller trade paperbacks and then somehow accidentally also bought this super fancy hardcover omnibus edition? So the TPBs I'll be giving away (if you're in my area and interested!) probably at my next book swap.
I like the characters so far, but I want things to be less boringly straight. I'm also not really super into the whole "we are soooo OP - basically goddesses endlessly reincarnated" thing that I think is being hinted at. Can't we just get some badass witches in a coven? Does everyone have to be like Mary Sue level amazingly overpowered? We're just getting to know this world - no need to jump the shark right out of the gate.
I don't know - we'll see where things go. I need a lot more actual story before I can say much more.
I like the characters so far, but I want things to be less boringly straight. I'm also not really super into the whole "we are soooo OP - basically goddesses endlessly reincarnated" thing that I think is being hinted at. Can't we just get some badass witches in a coven? Does everyone have to be like Mary Sue level amazingly overpowered? We're just getting to know this world - no need to jump the shark right out of the gate.
I don't know - we'll see where things go. I need a lot more actual story before I can say much more.
June 9, 2020
As is usually the case, Greg Rucka seems to have a knack for writing interesting and popular female characters who are battling the world around them.
Forever Carlyle in Lazarus, Renee Montoya in Gotham Central (which I have yet to read), Wonder Woman several times and now Rowan Black in Black Magick.
But he's actually not the main reason this book is the shit. Nicola Scott's art is out of this world! Her storytelling structure and use of panels and splash pages are inventive and beautiful. She conveys the quieter moments in the book with a deft touch that is more efficient than any dialogue would do.
This is just getting started, but I'm intrigued. A cool premise, cool characters, and some dark shit afoot.
Forever Carlyle in Lazarus, Renee Montoya in Gotham Central (which I have yet to read), Wonder Woman several times and now Rowan Black in Black Magick.
But he's actually not the main reason this book is the shit. Nicola Scott's art is out of this world! Her storytelling structure and use of panels and splash pages are inventive and beautiful. She conveys the quieter moments in the book with a deft touch that is more efficient than any dialogue would do.
This is just getting started, but I'm intrigued. A cool premise, cool characters, and some dark shit afoot.
Read
November 28, 2020one of the best ongoing occult books I've read in a while. Rucka is so skilled at threading his world-building amid a fast-paced, character-centered story. We only begin to get a sense of the dynamics of this world, but what we get is enough because there's crime scene investigations, firefights and Internal affairs meetings to attend.
Very fun, and Scott does really grounds this world. I went into this because of how much I loved her rendering of Wonder Woman in her other Rucka collaboration, and she similarly imbues the characters here with distinct features, and movements. The supernatural and rituals flow so well from the police procedural elements because she treats it all with a similar craftwork. a good Friday evening book.
Very fun, and Scott does really grounds this world. I went into this because of how much I loved her rendering of Wonder Woman in her other Rucka collaboration, and she similarly imbues the characters here with distinct features, and movements. The supernatural and rituals flow so well from the police procedural elements because she treats it all with a similar craftwork. a good Friday evening book.
March 11, 2021
Man, I am happy that I've read this. This modern occult detective story is more in line with Hellboy than with Nameless or Promethea, meaning this is not in itself meant as magical text, grimoire or in any way instructive by the author. Rather it is a nice appropriation of Wicca (and nothing more, this has nothing to do with traditional witchcraft and isn't in the least recreating past practices), using it together with some Dan Brown-ish secret society type conspiracy and a film noir-type police procdural with a cool heroine. The black/grey/white-art is stunning, capturing in a really striking way body movement and facial expression with an impeccable ffeling for proportion and perspective. Really impressive.
July 14, 2020
The art is amazing, 4 stars just because of that. A great mix of realism and stylisation, every page is like a fully polished painting. Not sure about the story, yet. The first arc, collected in this omnibus edition (#1-11), has a cliffhanger at the end, which I'm not a fan of. But it can go either way. So far it managed to keep the balance of being a smart urban fantasy story in a cool setting without too many cringeworthy moments and good pacing.. mostly. I hope the second arc won't ruin that, but it's not going to be easy with so many over the top villains, and the story leaves many things open to possible ruination.. Fingers crossed, though :)
February 15, 2021
First of all, I have to say that the art is very good. It's almost like looking at art sketches, they give me a good feel, and the glimpses of color among all those gray tones is really beautiful. The story is about a group of witches, or wiccans maybe, and the dangers they face. It centers on Rowan Black, who is supposed to be a very powerful witch that's working as a detective.
The story starts with something coming after her, all she knows is that she is being targeted, but it's not until the end that we realize what the enemy really wants.
It's a story I definitely want to see more of, the settings, the pace, and the art is really good.
The story starts with something coming after her, all she knows is that she is being targeted, but it's not until the end that we realize what the enemy really wants.
It's a story I definitely want to see more of, the settings, the pace, and the art is really good.
January 11, 2021
A really interesting start with Nicola Scott at the absolute top of her game. It's engaging but this is all very much set up and feels like things don't really start to kick off until the end. The concept itself isn't too complex but the characters are good and the sparing use of color to represent magic was done really well and helped a lot with tone and emphasis. I'm looking forward to reading more but I'm in no rush.
March 8, 2023
This is a very cool comic book series bound into a hardback. The watercolor artwork is incredible and I got this after hearing an interview of the artist. The story is good, I just find that this kind of story is not my cup of tea - probably the comic book style. It's a bit dark, too, an element of horror. The way that the art is done in black, white and shades of gray, and any magic performed shows up as color is SO COOL.
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