Mage: The Hero Defined, Volume IV

by Matt Wagner

This story follows the continuing adventures of the reborn Pendragon, Kevin Matchstick, who wields the powerful, magic baseball bat, Excalibur. Allying himself with reborn heroes of myth, Hercules (Kirby Hero) and Hermes (Joe Phat), Kevin must uncover the heroic nature in himself ...and, perhaps, all of us. The final volume finds Kevin and his courageous comrades trapped in the sinister and colorless underworld of Dzoxck, unawares that the Pale Incanter has, in fact, engineered their predicament. From his lair of concealment, their embittered nemesis guides the trio's path towards a fateful encounter with his dark and mysterious golem. Watch the conclusion of this exciting adventure unfold as secrets are revealed, friendships put to the test and, once again, the path of The Pendragon's destiny called into question. Come discover the color of magic.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 1999

About the author

Matt Wagner is an American comic book writer and artist. In addition to his creator-owned series' Mage and Grendel, he has also worked on comics featuring The Demon and Batman as well as such titles as Sandman Mystery Theatre and Trinity, a DC Comics limited series featuring Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I jumped from 1 to 4, because that's what I found. I'll have to go back and fill in the gaps later.

An interesting story and some unexpected turns of events. I like how he's combining several mythologies even within one character. It opens up to many more possibilities. I was able to stay with it without to many gaps in the story. Think I might just move forward from this point.

Oh and the evil minions on skateboards remind me of the hockey kids from Dogma. I know I've heard some things about Kevin Smith being inspired by Mage. I wonder if this has been brought up.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Friends like these…

Friends ditch you in the end. Kevin started off on his crusade to fight, and yet he got distracted. Trying to fix every little problem. Only his pals ended up turning on him. Wally Ut had proven he’s the World-mage after all. Kevin is down to what he is. Should’ve listened. Well, we see what happens next.

[Lavell]

Artwork: Excellent.Story: Excellent. I am sad to see it end and not have the other books. It was fun to read.