PopCultHQ received a review copy of Mage: The Hero Denied #2 from Image Comics. Available September 13th, 2017, the creative team for this series features writing and art from Matt Wagner, colors by Brennan Wagner, and lettering from Dave Lanphear.
<PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review: MAGE: THE HERO DENIED #1 from Image Comics>
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
MAGE: THE HERO DENIED #2 (of 15)
Writer: Matt Wagner
Artist: Matt Wagner
Colorist: Brennan Wagner
Letterer: Dave Lanphear
Cover Artist: Matt Wagner
In Shops: September 13, 2017
SRP: $3.99
Legendary creator MATT WAGNER continues the hotly anticipated third and final volume of his epic fantasy trilogy with MAGE: THE HERO DENIED. Years after readers last saw him, everyman hero Kevin Matchstick has all but abandoned his role as the reincarnated Pendragon, wielder of the mystical weapon Excalibur. But when dark forces reunite to threaten those he loves, he finds he must once again unleash the ancient power that he alone can command. Yet drawing Excalibur brings additional risks by further exposing him to his gathering enemies. Can Kevin stave off the supernatural dangers that pursue him…or will it cost him everything he holds dear?
MAGE: THE HERO DENIED is a 15-issue limited series climaxing in a double-sized finale. The new series skips a scheduled release next month in order to make way for the second of two volumes that newly repackage the classic first book of the MAGE trilogy, THE HERO DISCOVERED. THE HERO DENIED will continue with issue three in November. Considered by many to be creator MATT WAGNER’s masterpiece, MAGE has been a perennial favorite with old and new readers alike for nearly three decades.
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
Mage: The Hero Denied #2
Writing:
Matt Wagner’s second issue of Mage: The Hero Denied is a great part two, both in terms of writing and art. For the writing, he takes things up several steps as Kevin realizes the danger of exposing himself the way he did the previous issue. This in turn leads to plot tension, both on the homefront and in the camp of his enemies. Where things will go for the story, who can say?
Art:
With regards to Matt’s art, that remains stupendous and even takes a new turn. There is action galore again, along with art that adds a new dimension to both the villains and Kevin and his family. However, more questions come about from reading this issue and seeing the art, questions that can only be answered by reading on.
Brennan Wagner does a spectacular job again as colorist. There are new figures introduced within the pages, which means new colors that will give them shape and depth alongside the art and story. Any new readers will find themselves utterly in love with his colors both in this issue, the previous issue and continuing on in the series.
Dave Lanphear’s lettering goes above and beyond this time around. Readers will appreciate the different tones that are conveyed through Dave’s lettering, for Kevin, for his family, for his enemies. There’s a lot going on dialogue-wise in this issue and it’s all thanks to Dave.
PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:
Kevin’s cover is all but blown as magical threats are practically at the door. Enemies of darkness are marshaling their power and ready to send even more opponents to test Kevin’s power and abilities. But he’s got an ace up his sleeve that will surprise readers when they pick up this second issue. Whether or not that ace can help protect his loved ones will remain to be seen.
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
5 Out of 5 Stars
MAGE: THE HERO DENIED #2 can be purchased on ComiXology
and available at your local comic shop and online retailers on September 13th, 2017!
Be sure to follow the creative team!
Writer- Matt Wagner
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Colorist – Brennan Wagner
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Letterer – Dave Lanphear
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Publisher – Image Comics
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