THE MAGIC ORDER (VOL. 5) #2, by Dark Horse Comics on 10/30/24, threatens to break Cordelia’s mind when she awakes in an unfamiliar life with an unfamiliar name, and magic isn’t real.
Credits:
- Writer: Mark Millar
- Artist: Matteo Buffagni
- Colorist: Giovanna Niro
- Letterer: Clem Robins
- Cover Artist: Matteo Buffagni (cover A)
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
- Release Date: October 30, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THE MAGIC ORDER (VOL. 5) #2:
First Impressions:
The Magic Order (Vol. 5) #2 has one major flaw that threatens an otherwise excellent comic – it ends too quickly. Mark Millar shows a unique mastery in building out worlds, characters, and situations that draw you in, so the downside, if you can call it that, is that the issue ends by leaving you wanting more.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left The Order in The Magic Order (Vol. 5) #1, Cordelia visited a mother who appeared to be the victim of a serial child kidnapper, an entity who stole her first child and her second child recently. Cordelia’s investigation led to a trailer in the middle of nowhere, but the trail turned out to be a trap. When Cordelia woke from an ambush, her world was seemingly turned upside down.
In The Magic Order (Vol. 5) #2, Cordelia isn’t Cordelia. Her world and everyone in it tells her she’s recovering from a drug overdose, and her real name is Caroline. What follows is a series of reality-splitting jumps as Cordelia fights for survival against the Irios assassins while she holds tight to an illusory reality.
Characters trapped in illusions can be a hit-or-miss proposition, particularly if they linger too long. Here, Mark Millar plays it right by not letting the “Is it real or not?” question linger too long. Once Cordelia figures out she’s in an illusion, the momentum shifts to a fight to escape, which keeps the reader hooked.
Cordelia does indeed escape, but not by her own power. Before the Irios assassins can kill Cordelia, Clyde shows up to clean house. The magical fight is deadly, so it’s clear Clyde is more powerful than your average wizard.
In the previous review, we questioned if the Clyde character mentioned in the last issue was Clyde Wyncham Jr., who Mark Millar invented at Marvel Comics. We were wrong, but now we know Millar has an affinity for characters named ‘Clyde.’
Later, The Magic Order meets at their headquarters to discuss the situation. Clyde answers The Order’s questions about his demonic infestations and reasons for helping. The issue ends with Clyde relaying a distressing bit of information.
Overall, The Magic Order (Vol. 5) #2 is a briskly-paced, action-packed, and thoroughly entertaining comic. Mark Millar captures an engaging mix of magic and grounded drama, and the ending will have you so engrossed that it will catch you by surprise.
Artwork and Presentation:
Matteo Buffagni’s art style is the right choice for a series that’s grounded and semi-realistic while incorporating magical elements that feel right for the situation. On paper, assassins with butterflies on their faces may sound silly, but Bugffagni not only makes it seem serious but threatening.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Volume five of The Magic Order is so far filled as the final volume in the series, which appears to be capped with the death of a certain character. It is possible the series could return in a new form if demand is high, but as of this writing, the series will formally end in early 2025.
Final Thoughts:
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THE MAGIC ORDER (VOL. 5) #2 is a fast-paced thriller that masterfully incorporates a gritty thriller with believable whimsy. Mark Millar’s engaging script keeps you hooked from start to finish, and Matteo Buffagni’s art style is a perfect match for the material.
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