by Joe Schickman, Reporter
The Principles of Necromancy #1 from Magma Comics is a love letter to the macabre, with elements of tragedy and body horror battling with intrigue and mystery for narrative supremacy. The elegant visual evolution of the opening panels as a dark clad figure emerges from the snow filled oblivion speaks volumes with just twelve words… “I am the first to see him. The stranger from the cold.” Simple and powerful, this comic opens with dramatic storytelling at its best, without overindulging, allowing the reader to ease in with no clue what’s in store. What follows is masterful and immediate world building, supported by immersive artwork which suggests so much more than it displays on the surface.
Official Synopsis:
While brave knights and dangerous monsters wage endless war, business is booming for Dr. Jakob Eyes, a traveling physician whose arcane remedies are the closest thing to magic the world knows. These gruesome miracles are only stepping stones for Dr. Eyes’ ultimate ungodly goal: to overcome death itself. And now, a band of decimated barbarians, desperate to bargain for their lives, may just make the ideal next test subjects…
The phenomenal writing duo of Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing (Outsiders, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek) return to creator-owned comics with this macabre series brought to life by the evocatively horrific art of Eamon Winkle. Each issue features a variant cover by Jana Heidersdorf (Dark Souls)!
Creative Team:
Writers: Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly
Artist: Eamon Winkle
Colorist: Jay Fotos
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Designer: Bobby Curnow
Cover A: Art by Eamon Winkle
Cover B: Art by Jana Heidersdorf
RI Cover: Art by Darick Robertson, Colors by Jay Fotos
In The Principles of Necromancy‘s fantasy world devoid of magic, we are introduced to Doctor Jacob Eyes, AKA The Necromancer. We are effortlessly informed of the ongoing friction between the forest dwelling clans and the City King’s forces as The Necromancer promises those good men who call the forest home aid in their struggle. Boasting honor and confidence, the clan wishes to reclaim their homeland from the City King’s invasive forces. But The Necromancer dismisses their honor as a useless thing, with scientific discovery as his highest and perhaps only noble pursuit. Yet their needs align for the moment, or so it seems.
The clan’s chieftain and sword-father, Blackiron, suffered mortal wounds in the most recent skirmish with the City King’s knights, and his sword-son Kairn would see him healed so they may bring ruin to the city dwellers. The Necromancer agrees to help, but on the condition that the clan commit to follow the doctor’s orders, though he cannot elaborate further. Desperation overwhelms caution and they agree, but the ominous presence of The Necromancer cannot be denied. Things do not go as planned, and the clan finds itself spiraling deeper and deeper into The Necromancer’s grasp, until finally, there is no honor left in the woods any longer, and only one choice remains. A choice devoid of hope….
Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly poetically spin out a riveting tale which compels the reader to turn page after shocking page. Artist Eamon WInkle and colorist Jay Fotos combine their skills to develop a visual landscape that lends gravitas to the story, rooting the reader in otherwise unbelievable events. Letterer Shawn Lee takes his craft to the next level as the varying styles ranging from classic to contemporary shift the context meaningfully. Beautifully laid out, and terrifyingly grotesque, Principles of Necromancy No. 1 fills the reader with ominous dread, but forbids us to put it down. From the striking cover to its unforeseen climax, it is clear that this book pulls no punches, and leaves us not just wanting more, but needing to know what’s coming next.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives The Principles of Necromancy #1 from Magma Comics – 4.5 out of 5 reanimations.
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