MONOMYTH #1, from Mad Cave Studios on 5/3/23, begins an epic tale of myth and legend… maybe. When a familiar wizard conjures a spell to bring a new fellowship of wizards together, he draws unsuspecting people from the present who have a hint of magic in their bloodline.
The Details
- Written by: David Hazan
- Art by: Cecilia Lo Valvo
- Colors by: Marissa Louise
- Letters by: Lucas Gattoni
- Cover art by: Cecilia Lo Valvo (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: May 3, 2023
Is It Good?
MONOMYTH #1 from David Hazan is curious, in a good way. Borrowing elements from Arthurian legend, the Harry Potter series, and more, MONOMYTH #1 imagines what happens when a powerful wizard calls forth new wizard students from time and space to meet a powerful challenge.
The highlight of Hazan’s story is the eclectic collection of “students” who’re yanked from difficult circumstances by the wizard’s spell. In short order, Hazan pulls together a diverse group who all have troubles of their own and don’t react kindly to having even more trouble hoisted upon them. Hazan quickly builds an empathetic connection with each of the students to get the reader on their side.
The minor down point of this first issue is the lack of clarity and motivation surrounding the wizard’s summons. The first issue gives you nothing surrounding the wizard’s identity (Merlin would be an easy guess, but it could be something else), why the wizard cast a summoning spell, or his intentions for the group. Hazan lays the groundwork to establish the charters, but the plot gets shortchanged in the process.
Cecilia Lo Valoco’s art is solid and a good fit for Hazan’s script. Lo Valvo’s character designs are distinctive, the brief bits of action are suitably dramatic, and Marissa Louise’s coloring is excellent. That said, Lo Valvo’s inks are rough, and the body proportions aren’t always consistent, particularly with the character of Ahmad.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with a brief prologue showing a wizard gathering materials to cast a spell. What follows is a series of quick scenes showing seven strangers in the middle of some kind of fight or conflict across the world today.
Suddenly, each stranger sees a brightly lit vision of the wizard before they are instantly transported to a darkened wood near an ancient castle. The strangers quickly introduce themselves and join forces when they see giant chimeras lumbering through the woods toward their location. The strangers decide refuge in a castle is better than no protection in the open, so they race to the castle gates.
We conclude the issue with an introduction to the house servant, a first test, and an ill-advised, accidental demonstration of power.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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MONOMYTH #1 is a curious start to a new series that mixes elements of Arthurian legend, time travel, and Harry Potter for a tale about seven strangers forced together by a wizard’s spell. The concept is intriguing, and the technical execution of the script is solid, but the inks are weak, and the plot takes a backseat to the world- and character-building.
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