Status Updates From The Magic Order, Vol. 4

Notes:
(1) Well, that was disappointing! The last two issues sunk this from 4 to 3 stars.
- The last run ended with so much promise, but this didn't build on that. Seemingly, the whole point was to conclusively reset the series in the quickest, grisliest way possible.
(2) If it weren't for the art I'd have rated this much lower.
- It's a very pretty book, I'll give it that.

Notes:
(1) This magical coup d'état is driven by personal greed. In effect, it's more like a hostile takeover than anything.
- A corporate transition from an international non-profit to a for-profit business.
(2) With Millar, I'm wonder whether we'll ever get conventional death scenes, rather than everyone exploding into goo or, if we're lucky, just crumpled like a tin can.

Notes:
(1) Issue #1 was a bit rough. But like a sputtering engine it eventually got going.
- Not to spoil anything, but it essentially mirrored the plot of the first series, except that it takes place over the span of one issue.
(2) I went from irritated to satisfied with the end of issue #2.
- It's been a while, and I forgot trapping people in paperback novels was a thing.

Notes:
(1) I'll often jump from trades straight into uncollected singles. However, when I started reading this series the fourth run was almost done, and with a month's wait until the final issue, it'd be like sprinting head-first into a brick wall.
- I can wait months between issues, but that's way too much momentum to put the brakes on.
- Hence, waiting to read the trade.