1st Impressions: CHARISMAGIC # 6

CHARISMAGIC # 6 (Vol. II)

Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Vincenzo Cucca, Mark Roslan, Erick Arciniega & Emilio Lopez
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                It’s the final showdown between Alle, Hector and Serke’s hordes against Sudana, Hank and the others in the Golden Realm. But that is not the only final battle. As Kon fights against Serke as we get a surprising return. And not everyone makes it through this battle.



ART:

                Honestly, every issue of this series with Cucca, Roslan and the others, the better it gets. Great amount of detail. Vibrant color when there needs to be. Different and detailed backgrounds/scenery. This team continues to go all out and does so this issue. There was great panel composition. Great amount of people and beings of different shapes and sizes. The action was kinetic and engrossing. The book really captured its theme well … The theme of magic.
                Really great action with clean line work. This book just was so full of energy and life that I give it up to the art team on this. Stellar job.

WRITING:

                Hernandez does a good job wrapping up this second volume as we get quite a packed finale. Multiple fights happening and lots of good character development for many characters: including Sudana, Hank, Hector and even Kon. Hernandez made this issue extremely high stakes and he delivered well.
                Yet, I will say that there is one problem with this issue … it just needed some more pages. Probably 2 to 4 extra pages would have made this issue perfect. A lot seems to be crammed in. It isn’t too bad and Hernandez does a great job making sure that there is a lot of plot to go but he ties up this miniseries extremely well.
                That aside, Hernandez continue to prove his weight as a great writer … giving us a lot of good character development that built itself up over time. The status quo definitely changed and our main characters are definitely different people now. BUT .. . it all felt like a natural evolution. And, of course, the ending of the book will leave fans clamoring for more. Overall, a good job by Hernandez.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                Besides the somewhat rushed parts within the book, the book is a solid final issue to the second volume. Great character development. Exceptional art. Really good job overall.

RATING:

  I give Charismagic # 6 (Vol . II) an 8.5 … out of 10!

Preview: CHARISMAGIC # 6

CHARISMAGIC #6
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez, Erick
Arciniega - Colors

Be prepared because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to
vanish!

 The wizard Kon faces his greatest challenge, as he must make amends for the
past by battling the combined might of Orlana, Serké and Samsun, with only
the witch Dura by his side. Meanwhile, in the Golden Hall, Hank, Sudana and
Sparkles must make a devastating choice‹to either fight their friends Alle
and Hector, or allow the Realm to be overtaken by their dark magic. And the
fight for Earth worsens, as battle lines are further drawn by the most
unexpected source, and the fate of the very planet will lay in the balance!

CHARISMAGIC #6 is in stores November 6th, 2013!!

1st Impression: CHARISMAGIC # 5

CHARISMAGIC # 5
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Vincenzo Cucca, Mark Roslan, Wes Hartman & Emilio Lopez
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                The amount of “HOLY S#IT!” in this issue are many as this issue is packed! Sha Lux decrees that Sparkles MUST die and things just circle out of control from there.  With last issues big return, Samsun is back but Kon isn’t alone as Serke makes his move.
                Meanwhile, the situation in the Golden Realm is only more complicated as Torgon has made it to the Golden Realm.

ART:
                Cucca and Roslan present to us a very powerful, action packed issue as their pencils and inks bring out very bold panel work. The sharp backgrounds, the kinetic action, the shading … all add up for these two this issue as they give us a very knockout, drag down battles. Cucca uses his pencils to present characters of all shapes and sizes while also giving us a lot of different looks of magic; which only make the issue that much more appealing.  Roslan’s inks are bolder, just adding more energy to the book.
                Hartman and Lopez’s colors absolutely shimmer this issue as every panel is colored to near perfection. Great usage of shades and light as their colors make this seem more like animation slapped into a book in perfect order. A stellar job by the art team.

WRITING:
                PAYOFFS! That is what this issue is full of. So much so, that I can honestly say that it makes me love this series more. Without giving away too many spoilers, Hernandez presents us with an issue where every last thing he built in not only this series, but also The Death Princess miniseries, pays off big time this issue. And it all ties together, extremely well.

                Hernandez continues to give us plenty of human factor in the midst of explosive confrontation and it packs sledgehammers to the face kind of wallop as the multiple battles get really, REALLY personal. Hernandez drives the plot home with both confrontations where all this building is played out very naturally, for readers who have not been following the whole time. For those who pick up this issue as their first Charismagic issue, they may feel a little lost but it well DEFINITELY make them look for previous issues. We get multiple facets of Sudana, Hank, Sha Lux and more. The pacing for the issue is perfect and Hernadez grips you with great story and action.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                Honestly, the best issue of Charismagic (Vol 2) yet. And I am so looking forward to having my hands on the next issue. 

RATING:

                Not even a question. Charismagic # 5 gets a 10 out of 10. BUY IT WEDNESDAY!!!

Preview: Charismagic # 5

CHARISMAGIC #5
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez, Wes Hartman -
Colors / Josh Reed - Lettering



Be prepared because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to
vanish!

The brutal laws of the Golden Realm come crashing down on Hank, Sudana and
Sparkles as they discover they have definitely come to the wrong place to
rescue mankind--and it could cost them their lives! To make matters worse,
the vile beast Torgan, along with Hector and Alle, have picked up the trail
of the group, and will stop at nothing to catch their prey!

Featuring a returning cast of Charismagic¹s favorite characters along with
several new and astonishing faces and creatures of magic, this new volume of
CHARISMAGIC is a perfect jumping-on point for all!

CHARISMAGIC #5 is in stores September 4th, 2013!

1st Impression: CHARISMAGIC- THE DEATH PRINCESS # 3 Review

CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS # 3
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Emilio Lopez & Mirika Andolfo

Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Kon is forced to face off against his friends as Orlana controls them using her powers. Kon then does his best to battle his friends … except one as one friend dies, thanks to Orlana’s actions. Samsun plays a crucial role that leads to a dismal fate for another member of Kon’s group.

                This does lead a character in chains, another character exiled and finally, the rest of the characters moving on to undo Orlana’s damage and directly leads into the current storylines in Charismagic Vol. 2.

ART:
                Lopez does a good job this issue. Nice smooth pencils give the book a nice energy this issue, which is an improvement from the last.  The backgrounds were good this issue as well as panel composition. Lopez works hard to give you dynamic panels this issue and it really works during the final battle between Kon and his friends.  The anime-influenced Lopez gives is both simple in overall composition but detailed enough to really catch your eye.  There is a lot of emotion Lopez conveys this issue between the characters; especially Kon, Samsun and Orlana. You can see it on their faces throughout the issue.

                Also, the colors were majestic and vivid as Lopez and Andolfo bring their A game.  The shading of the characters are well done, allowing to give the right tone of the panel they are used in … mostly to give a sense of mystery or fear. The desert, the ruins … even the dungeon had the right colors and right shading to lure readers eyes in.

                Overall, a good job by the art team.

WRITING:

                Hernandez does a great job this issue in wrapping up this pivotal story of the past. The characters all have resolutions to their stories that will carry over to the second volume of Charismagic. This battle ends up being much more personal than Kon original anticipated.  Even more so for Eshera, Samsun and the others and Hernandez handles  their characterization perfectly. From Eshera’s objections to leaving Orlana alive to Samsun’s confusion to Kon’s overall sense of responsibility, Hernandez gives enough time for all characters to shine … which makes this ending that much more tragic.
                Hernandez certainly paces this issue much better with the last. While a lot does happen this issue as well last, there was a nice flow from one event to the other and did not feel crammed. The plot is tied up in a very realistic, emotionally gripping ending. The resolution didn’t feel like they were coming out of nowhere and Hernandez makes sure there is enough left over to link to the current volume of Charismagic while still making sure this story stand on its own. It deepened the mythology of Charismagic while also giving background to characters we’ve come to know in the other Charismagic books. Kudos to Hernandez for a strong finish to this miniseries.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                While issue # 2 was okay, I did enjoy this issue better. There was a better flow and the stakes certainly were high enough.  Hernandez gave us really great character work and a very emotionally gripping end while Lopez and Andolfo gave us strong, vivid art that definitely worked this issue.

RATING:
                I liked this book  … more than I thought I would. I give Charismagic: The Death Princess # 3 a 9 … out of 10. Pick it up Today!

Preview: CHARISMAGIC - THE DEATH PRINCESS # 3

CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS #3
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Emilio Lopez ­ Art

The final battle for Earth will decide the fate of not only all magical beings‹but also mankind as well! The powerful Kon and his collective group of magical entities wage war on Orlana and her thundering army, as they must defeat the Death Princess at all costs, or risk losing everything! Created and written by Aspen¹s own Vince Hernandez, with stunning art by Emilio Lopez and Jocelyn Dunn, don¹t miss out on the final issue of CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS! CHARISMAGIC: THE DEATH PRINCESS #3 is in stores August 14th, 2013!

1st Impression: CHARISMAGIC # 4 Review

CHARISMAGIC # 4
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Vincenzo Cucca, Mark Roslan, Emilio Lopez & Wes Hartman
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Hank learns more about the Golden Realm as he, Sparkles and Sudana travel with Haven in order to gain help against Serke. Serke and Torgon, in the meantime, torment Kenny as he finds Hector and Alle siding with Serke.

                In the Golden Realm, Sudana is reunited with an old friend as an unknown evil seems to be travelling within another member of the cast. And finally … one character leaves while another character from Charismagic lore returns.

ART:

                Cucca continues to amaze and astonish as he delivers a solid issue. Dynamic backgrounds that draw the eyes are topped with well-proportioned and varied looking characters. Each character looks how they want to be perceived. Serke, Torgon and Alle look imposing and horrifying, Sudana looks majestic and strong, Hank looks thoughtful yet independent … all really good traits of these characters that are shown to readers through the art … not just the dialogue. Roslan’s inks continue to really touch up and make Cucca’s pencils that much more spectacular with good shading all around. Lopez and Hartman’s colors bring that extra shine to each and every panel in the book.

                There is one thing I did notice this issue that was not seen in the other issues. Hector and Alle were missing the glowing eyes that they had during the first 3 issues. I am not entirely sure as to why they do not now. Is it a style choice or does it have to do with them dealing with the powers they now possess. I am not entirely sure. It does make what happens this issue that much more gruesome when one character dies … and Hector and Alle get to watch.

                Overall, the character designs are amazing. The art is vivid and gets better and better. A spectacular job.

WRITING:
                This issue delivered in more ways than one this issue and Hernandez made sure that this continued to be a roller coaster of a ride. Hernandez continue to add to the lore of Charismagic with the characters of the Golden Realm while still being able to develop Hank, Sparkles and some of the other characters. Haven, Darflex & Sha help breath life into the Golden Realm as definitely something different from Earth.

     Hernandez hits you where it hurts this issue with one characters untimely departure to the surprises during the final pages of the issue. Hernandez keeps a heft pace where there is set ups and pay offs that work for the plot and is paced extremely well. Ups and downs, Hernandez truly makes the story feel like a rollercoaster right that works just right for the issue. Hank continues his progression as a hero alongside Sudana, who is the seasoned veteran. Yet, Hank is showing more promise this issue as he takes in the Golden Realm but does not act inept. Hector’s struggle with what he becomes continues to be on display this issue as Hernandez makes sure to see Hector showing more reluctance … but does not stop the atrocity committed this issue.

                With strong development and interesting characters, Hernandez shines again with Charismagic.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                This issue was near perfection. Great characters. Wonderous backgrounds. Great set ups to dynamic and impactful pay offs. Exceptional art. It was the best issue of Charismagic yet. My slight gripe is the whole Hector and Alle no longer having glowing eyes this issue. That did dumbfound me. Otherwise, one of the best comics on shelves now.

RATING:
                Charismagic #4 continues to astound and spellbound me to its pages. Thanks to the creative team.  I give Charismagic #4 a 9.5 out of 10. Near Perfect. BUY IT NOW!

                

Preview: CHARISMAGIC # 4

CHARISMAGIC #4
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez, Wes Hartman -
Colors

Be prepared because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to
vanish!

Hank and the group arrive in the Golden Realm and soak in the awe-inspiring
wonders of its futuristic landscape. However, the locals are not so
welcoming, and the group quickly finds itself under the threat of the
realm's commanding and mesmerizing authority. Meanwhile, back on Earth,
Hank's agent Kenny makes his own startling discovery, as the dark forces of
magic reveal their true nature, in horrific fashion!

Featuring a returning cast of Charismagic's favorite characters along with
several new and astonishing faces and creatures of magic, this new volume of
CHARISMAGIC is a perfect jumping-on point for all!

CHARISMAGIC #4 is in stores in August 7th.

Preview: CHARISMAGIC # 3

CHARISMAGIC #3
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez, Wes Hartman -
Colors

Be prepared because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to
vanish!

The group reunites at the House of Illusions and finally unlocks the secrets
of the mysterious wooden box that nearly cost Hank and Kenny their lives.
Yet, the true reveal of its power quickly becomes evident, as the group
enters an entirely new realm‹one that will take them to new heights beyond
their wildest imagination. However, their trail is not hard to follow,
especially for Torgan, the magical lion made of fire!

Featuring a returning cast of Charismagic¹s favorite characters along with
several new and astonishing faces and creatures of magic, this new volume of
CHARISMAGIC is a perfect jumping-on point for all!

CHARISMAGIC #3 is in stores July 3rd, 2013!

Charismagic (Vol 2) # 2 Review

CHARISMAGIC  (Vol 2.) # 2
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Vincenzo Cucca, Mark Roslan & Emilio Lopez
Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            This issue picks up with Hector and Alle inside the San Marina Nuclear Power plant to use its power to summon a powerful magical beast … a lion known as Torgan. Torgan is tasked by Hector, Alle and Serke to search for 2 very different things.

            Meanwhile, with all the chaos in the world, Sudana and Sparkles split up from Hank and Kenny, who must looking for something mystical … in a graveyard. Sudana and Sparkles end up in an old theater with …GIANT SPIDERS!!! 

            A surprise alliance is spoke of and as Kenny  and Hank talk about how magic makes Hank different from a normal human … we end with them getting a horrifying face to face with Torgan.


ART:

            Cucca and Roslan deliver their A game again in this issue. The backgrounds were detailed and distinctive. Sudana was beautiful and looked powerful. Alle looks even more threatening then she did last issue. Emotion is convey superbly though Cucca’s & Roslan’s art. Things that are magical are majestic while the mudane looks good but just that … mundane.

            This issue amped up the kinds of people and things we see and Cucca and Roslan deliever it with class and style. Clean lines. Great detail without being overly detailed. Lopez’s colors seal the deal with beautiful vivid colors when needed. Lopez obviously knew this issue had a darker tone and a sense of ominous as his colors really puts that on display, going for slightly darker shades but not being too dark.

             A really strong showing that will captivate your eyes through many panels throughout the issue. Well done by the artistic team. 

 

WRITING:

            Hernandez loves what he does in this book and you can tell. Quiet moments are impactful and don’t feel forced. There is a lot of humanity this issue that make you think about the nature of magic compared to the nature of regular humans. It was also great from Hernandez to touch on that throughout the issue without being overly preachy or over doing it through Hector, Hank and Kenny.

            The main plot itself is gripping and interesting. With Serke, Alle and Hector making their moves against Earth, Sudana, Hank and company are doing all they can to fight back the invading demons. And while the plot has been done to death, Hernandez breathes new life into it with how the characters are going about their actions and the sheer variety of characters we see.

            We see Haven this issue which was a surprise to me to be a fairy. A male fairy at that. Not something you see all the time. And the dialogue feels very real, especially the conversations Hank and Kenny have this issue about how Hank feels about having magic. There was a great authenticity to the exchanges. 

            The overall pacing was great. Alle is turning into one grade A bitch of a villainess while we see Hector still wanting to keep his humanity, making him even more compelling. Hernandez lays down enough ground work this issue to allow for so many things to come. And the cliffhanger was perfect. Really great job by Hernandez.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

             Great art. Strong, believable and consistent writing. Entertaining exchanges. Great assortment of characters. Wonderous beings amist the mundane and blending that well. A great issue all around.


RATING:

            I give Charismagic (Vol 2.) # 2 a 9 out of 10. Really great issue. Get it when it comes out June 5^th … or if you are at Phoenix Comic Con, this weekend from the guys over at Aspen. 

Preview: Charismagic # 2

CHARISMAGIC #2
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez - Colors

Be prepared because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to
vanish!

The group makes a sober discovery in Los Angeles, as Hank¹s agent and best
friend Kenny painfully realizes the differences between humans and magical
beings could kill him--and put an end to their quest to end Serké¹s
invasion. However, their problems are much larger in scale than they are
aware of, as the dark shaman has summoned his deadliest servant of
chaos‹Torgan, the magical lion demon of flame and rage!

Featuring a returning cast of Charismagic¹s favorite characters along with
several new and astonishing faces and creatures of magic, this new volume of
CHARISMAGIC is a perfect jumping-on point for all!

CHARISMAGIC #2 is in stores June 5th, 2013!

Charismagic # 1 (Vol. 2) Review

CHARISMAGIC # 1 (Vol. 2)
Written by Vince Hernandez
Art by Vincenzo Cucca, Mark Roslan & Emilio Lopez
Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We open to South Central LA where things look normal till out of no where, demons from The Void arrive, ripping through gang bangers like sliced salami. Sudana wakes up screaming from her vision, only to find out that it is true. Hank tries to console her but she definitely feels that Samsun is plotting is way back to Earth while getting help on Earth.

            Meanwhile, we find that the people are helping him are Hector and Allie, who are related to Hank. Sudana talks to Kon over the phone as to figure out what to do as she reveals that she knows about Hector and Allie but has not told Hank about their involvement yet.

            What is worse is that after the call, Hank, Sudana, Sparkles (the cat) and their friend Kenny step out of the casino .. . for a GIANT SNAKE to attack. As this is all going down, we get a horrific ending and look to Allie & Hector’s plan as they drive to …

ART:

            Cucca does some really smart and beautiful panel work here. The normal every day and the mystical are smashed together and looking uncomfortable together, which really helps the book. The characters look very defined and different, none looking the same. Cucca and Roslan really flesh out the types of things you can see in this first issue with demonic creatures, gang bangers, mystics and more. The backgrounds look good and there is great use of panels and shots throughout the book that keep the book visually interesting.

            Some artists, I find, do not draw animals well but Sparkles, the mystical simemese cat, was rendered beautifully. Roslan’s strong inks really set things apart and help Lopez blow your minds with wonderous colors. The tone, coloring and impact of each scene was made better through Lopez’s colors. This art team works and works extremely well. I look forward to seeing what else they’ll throw at me next issue and beyond.


WRITING:

            This issue was extremely entertaining. There was characterizations, depth, plots and a nice look into the world of Charismagic. While there is a sense of people reading the first volume would feel better informed, Hernandez reintroduces the characters well in this issue. He does not insult readers intelligence. The gangstas in South Central sound like gangstas in South Central. Kudos on making sure of getting the slang and wording right.
 

            I love Sudana already for the multi-faceted character that she is in this one issue. You see her deal with her duty to protect the world. You see her wanting to spare pain to Hank. You see her kind of leading things along. I like what we know of Hank already. I love Sprinkles! And Hernandez does this with ease. Readers may not know about the characters but you get the feeling that you will get told as the series goes along.  We get an idea of what the bad guys are up to without being brow beaten with the idea.

            We get just a touch of background of the last series but it does not over dominate … which makes this issue stand as a new # 1. The pacing of the issue was handled well.  Nothing felt that it dragged or went on too long.  Great work from Hernandez.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Charismagic # 1 was a fun, intriguing, gripping first issue. We get interesting and complex characters. A plot that will connect with the main characters in an emotional level. We have a lot of interesting and epic situations that come out of no where but make sense because it is magic. Fantasy art and strong dialogue. This title is a win-win in my book.


RATING:

            I’m pretty damn blown away right now. So much so that I give Charismagic # 1 (Vol. 2) a 9.5 … out of 10. Great job. BUY IT WHEN IT COMES OUT MAY 1^st!!

Preview: Aspen's Charismagic # 1

CHARISMAGIC #1
Vince Hernandez ­ Story / Vincenzo Cucca ­ Art / Emilio Lopez - Colors

CHARISMAGIC returns as Aspen¹s newest 10 for 10¹ debut!

Magician Hank Medley thought he had everything figured out. After saving the
world from an ancient, ruinous evil, with the help of a Druid named Sudana
and his magical talking cat Sparkles, Hank discovers the true nature of dark
magic has arrived in his own realm‹our world! Now, the trio must attempt to
put an end to catastrophic events that will threaten to tear Earth apart
under the weight of such a menace. Featuring a returning cast of
Charismagic¹s favorite characters along with several new and astonishing
faces and creatures of magic, this new volume of CHARISMAGIC is a perfect
jumping-on point for all!

Joined by the sensational artwork of Vincenzo Cucca, CHARISMAGIC creator
Vince Hernandez and colorist Emilio Lopez are ready to take you on an
amazing ride in this newest volume of the acclaimed hit series. Be prepared
because everything you thought you knew about magic is about to vanish!

CHARISMAGIC #1 is in stores May 1st, 2013!