VERY FINE/NEAR MINT Written by Matt Wagner
Art and cover by Amy Reeder Hadley
Variant cover by Wagner Legendary creator Matt Wagner (MAGE, GRENDEL, SUPERMAN/BATMAN/WONDER WOMAN: TRINITY) and rising star artist Amy Reeder Hadley present Vertigo’s newest ongoing fantasy epic. Centuries long and around the globe her tale winds before the ageless fortuneteller arrives in modern era New York. Her powers of sight can change the course of human events, but how does the seer see herself? Wagner and Hadley answer with painstakingly elegant story and breathtakingly innovative art that is sure to make Madame Xanadu a classic!
Issue #1 opens into a medieval kingdom beset by intrigue and foul sorcery. A fair sylph with magic of her own is thrown into the world of war and men — where she encounters a dark stranger who knows not only her past, but her most intimate future as well.
BONUS REVIEW by GARY OWENS
I’ve been a fan of this character for a long time, ever since I read the one shot (look it up!). The artist, Amy Reeder Hadley, is incredible; I would have bought it for the cover alone. And with Matt Wagner, of Mage fame, penning it? A sure thing. Unfortunately, the potential falls short of reality. First, there's the unnecessary tie-ins with the larger DC universe, which doesn’t fit with the fantasy stuff, and, second, the story jumps in two spots, just so it will hit the mark on the last panel. And too much external conflict. Love the character, love Matt’s writing and Amy’s drawings, but I hope it slows down. Slow it down, please: I’ve waited a long time. Let me enjoy the character.
