THE MAGIC ORDER (VOL. 5) #6 – New Comic Review

THE MAGIC ORDER (VOL. 5) #6, by Dark Horse Comics on 7/9/25, promises a magical smackdown, but does it deliver or just fizzle out?

Credits:

• Writer: Mark Millar
• Artist: Matteo Buffagni
• Colorist: Giovanna Niro, Laura Ciondolini
• Letterer: Clem Robins
• Cover Artist: Matteo Buffagni (cover A)
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Release Date: July 9, 2025
• Comic Rating: Mature (language, gore)
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of THE MAGIC ORDER (VOL. 5) #6:

First Impressions:

Stepping into The Magic Order (Vol. 5) #6 felt like being thrown into a magical mosh pit already in full swing. The opening is chaotic, with characters immediately yelling about power levels and impending doom, leaving you to piece together the stakes on the fly. It’s a high-octane start, but a bit disorienting if you haven’t been keeping up with the previous issues.

Recap:

In the previous issue, The Magic Order (Vol. 5) #5, the stakes were incredibly high. Cordelia Moonstone, burdened by a sixty-minute spell that robbed her of her magical abilities, found herself in a desperate battle against Samuel Mott. Mott, empowered by the Dark Lords, revealed that good magic was almost useless against him, making Cordelia’s situation dire. The comic ended with a dramatic cliffhanger, as Cordelia’s father, Leonard Moonstone, rallied all the Moonstones and their associates from across time to join the fight, setting the stage for an epic confrontation.

Plot Analysis:

The issue picks up right in the thick of it, with Cordelia Moonstone confronting Samuel Mott. Mott, powered by “The Bell” and the Dark Lords, mocks Cordelia’s weakened state, claiming her good magic is useless against him. However, Cordelia’s apprentices’ sixty-minute spell wears off, restoring her powers, and she prepares to “fry this son of a bitch”. The conflict escalates rapidly as Mott, dismissive of the Magic Order’s reduced state, warns that the Dark Lords are on their way. Amidst the magical brawl, Gabriel tries to organize his bachelor party at the Abington Hotel, only to be interrupted by Cordelia’s frantic arrival, leading to a comedic confrontation with Uncle Randolph about intertemporal communication policies that could destroy the hotel.

As Mott gloats, revealing his masters have plotted for billions of years and that Cordelia’s attempts are futile, he explains that his presence is making the air “sick” and that much worse entities are approaching. He taunts Cordelia, blaming her for using black magic to raise the dead, stating that it created a far worse problem and that she was never meant to exist. Mott proclaims that the only way to defeat him is with black magic from the Orichalcum, daring her to use it.

Suddenly, Leonard Moonstone, Cordelia’s father, arrives with an army of Moonstones and their associates from across all eras, having put out a message to every member of their ancient organization. They have only twenty minutes before they are sent back to their individual time zones, and Mott continues to insist that good magic is ineffective against him, urging Cordelia to use black magic again. Cordelia and Gabriel argue about the consequences of using black magic again, with Gabriel fearing it will only bring something worse.

In a pivotal moment, Clyde has an epiphany: is past struggles and the “monsters inside him” from a truck crash were all part of a larger plan, allowing him to now command these demons against Mott. With newfound resolve, Cordelia directs her allies to focus their wands on hers, intending to unleash every ounce of magic at their disposal to defeat the Dark Gods that Mott claimed were coming.

Story

The story in The Magic Order (Vol. 5) #6 throws you into a whirlwind of magic, family drama, and cosmic threats. It’s clear that this issue is the climax of a larger arc, with a lot of the emotional weight relying on prior knowledge of the characters and their struggles. The pacing is incredibly fast, almost breakneck, as the main conflict unfolds and new, massive magical threats emerge. While the rapid escalation keeps you on your toes, it sometimes sacrifices clear exposition for high-octane action. The dialogue is sharp and often witty, especially in the lighter moments, but also carries the weight of the dire situation. The resolution, while powerful, feels a little too convenient, leaning on a sudden realization by Clyde that wraps up a massive threat perhaps too neatly, especially given the “billions of years” of plotting mentioned earlier.

Art

Matteo Buffagni’s art, with Giovanna Niro’s colors, is a dynamic force throughout this issue. The action sequences are visually stunning, with spells and magical energy practically leaping off the page. The character expressions are particularly strong, conveying the fear, determination, and occasional exasperation of the cast. The paneling is effective in guiding the eye through the chaos, and the scale of the magical attacks is truly impressive. However, there are moments where the art feels a little rushed, particularly in some of the background details or when many characters are on screen at once. Despite this, the vibrant colors and energetic lines consistently deliver on the promise of a magical epic.

Characters

Cordelia Moonstone is undeniably the star of the show here, carrying the weight of the world (literally) on her shoulders. Her arc from despair to empowered leader is central, even if the turning point feels a bit abrupt. Samuel Mott makes for a suitably sneering and taunting villain, though his motivations beyond generic “Dark Lords” remain a bit vague for a final confrontation. The brief appearances of characters like Gabriel and Uncle Randolph, while offering some much-needed comic relief, also serve as a reminder of the broader Moonstone family, emphasizing the legacy and collective power of the Magic Order. It’s a testament to Millar’s writing that even with a vast cast, a few key players manage to stand out and propel the narrative forward.

Positives

This issue is a whirlwind of pure, unadulterated magical mayhem, delivering on the promise of an epic conclusion with massive magical confrontations. The creative team masterfully blends high-stakes action with genuinely funny moments, like Gabriel’s interrupted bachelor party, which provide much-needed breathers from the intense magical combat. The art is consistently vibrant and expressive, making every magical blast and character reaction feel impactful and alive, while effectively conveying the sheer scale of the conflict. The comic successfully brings together a vast lineage of Moonstone wizards, creating a powerful visual of unity and collective strength against overwhelming odds, culminating in a satisfying and powerful display of the Magic Order’s might.

Negatives

The primary drawback of this issue is its relentless pace, which leaves little room for exposition or emotional resonance beyond surface-level reactions. Key plot points, like Clyde’s sudden realization that allows him to weaponize internal demons, feel unearned and come across as a convenient plot device rather than a natural character development. Furthermore, the antagonist, Samuel Mott, despite his menacing presence, largely remains a one-dimensional villain, serving primarily as a mouthpiece for the larger, unseen threat of the Dark Lords, which are themselves too abstract to feel truly terrifying. The comic also struggles with effectively communicating the full scope of the cosmic threats, often relying on vague descriptions rather than truly illustrating their power or impact, leaving the reader to fill in too many blanks.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

(Click this link 👇 to order this comic)

THE MAGIC ORDER (VOL. 5) #6 , despite its narrative shortcuts, is a visually dynamic and action-packed conclusion that delivers on the “magic-meets-mayhem” promise. While the rapid-fire plot might leave you wanting a bit more depth, the sheer spectacle of the magical battle and the witty dialogue make it a fun, if not entirely fulfilling, ride. It’s a solid enough landing for this arc, but you’ll need to trust in the unseen powers more than the plot mechanics.

---

---

---

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.