Welcome to a land of magic, heroes, and the evil that seeks to vanquish them all. Welcome to the world of Monomyth. Mad Cave’s latest in a line of intelligent and visually stunning titles they are bringing to the comic populace. Written by Nottingham’s David Hazan and illustrated by talented artist Cecilia Lo Valvo.
The Time is Near
A grand wizard is coming to the end of his time. What once was great power has slowly diminished over the years and he knows that his time is near. However, he remembers when he used his magic to bring forth a king who was once an orphan. Now, he must use the last of his magic to seek a possible replacement for himself. It was his intention to find just one. But instead, his spell chose seven. Selected throughout the different realms (or in this case different parts of the mortal realm) and each dealing with their own demons.
The Seven Chosen
Julia, Kerra, Kole, Vivienne, Vadim, Ahmad, and Beto. Each was dealing with their own issues when they were taken (chosen). And in truth, not all of them would be defined as a nice person. But now, they have each made their way to the wizard’s castle. not knowing what had brought them there or where they were. Although not all of them were strangers. Kerra and Kole were twins. While Vivienne and Ahmad knew each other, intimately.
The First Trial
All of which was nice, but it didn’t explain where they were and why they were transported here. That’s where Homunculus comes in. Humble assistant to the magicians that have lived in the castle. Not that the seven “guests” cared. All they wanted to know was how to get out and get home. To Homunculus, that was a silly question. The way out is always through…or in this particular case, up. The first test for the “chosen” wizards. Whether they wanted to take part or not. Especially when Homunculus disappeared, and all the other exits were locked. It was either go up or stand still.
The situation wasn’t made any easier when the staircases started switching landing places. If it’s good enough for Hogwarts, its good enough for any spooky magical castle. The fact that it was pouring rain inside didn’t help matters. In fact, Julia almost fell due to the combination of wet surfaces and unstable stairwells. Fortunately for her, Kerra was there to save her. Continuing with a newfound respect for the situation they reached the top to find Homunculus there to greet them.
Questions but No Answers
Needless to say, the group wasn’t thrilled to be subjected to this little trial. Nonplussed by their aggravation, Homunculus offered them their prizes for arriving. A different magical implement for each of them. This offering didn’t cease the incessant number of questions they had for the mysterious Homunculus. Hitting him with the five W’s. “Who are you?” “Where are we?” and totally forgoing the other W’s to land on what! “What ARE You?” “What do you want with us?” “What did you mean, by Chosen?” and “What the hell is this all about!?” All very logical questions.
Magic WAS Real
But it was Beto who was the most belligerent about the situation. Although, it came as no surprise. He was just as hostile when they first met him, not initially offering his name. He demanded answers from Homunculus, evening threatening to shoot him, although he had no firearm. Perhaps he believed if magic was real, he could magically convert a stick into a pistol. His theory was incorrect, although his audacity amused Homunculus. He was quick to let Beto know that it was not time for Homunculus to die. Not yet. But Beto would know the error of his ways. Since he relied on bullets, he would have access to all the bullets he wanted. Beto doubled over, bleeding from his mouth as he regurgitated a pile of bullets onto the floor. All his fellow chosen ones could do was watch. But Beto wasn’t wrong. Magic WAS real.
Thoughts
Writer David Hazan borrowed a little from the Arthur Legend in setting up this tale. Referring to the Wizard who discovers an orphan who would be King. But he then mixes it with some supernatural spice and a whisper of Harry Potter homage with the changing staircase. But to make things more unpredictable, Hazan adds in some dark influences to pepper the pot. Because while regurgitating slugs might make for a gross but humorous moment in Harry Potter’s world, spitting up blood and bullets is a much unsettling sight to see. Just ask the other six chosen wizards.
A Good Story Starts with Questions
Right at the start there are a plethora of questions to be resolved. Some of which were asked by the chosen after they received their magical implements. But that is just the tip of the magical iceberg. Each of these chosen have a story to tell. Stories that no doubt play a part in why they were chosen, and how their stories will play out. Indeed, a new chapter is about to be revealed. Who better than David Hazan and talented artist Cecilia Lo Valvo to tell it? If Issue #1 is any indication, it will be a dark, magical journey, I’m ready to tag along on.
Mad Cave Studios Monomyth, Issue #1 by David Hazan, Cecilia Lo Valvo, Marissa Louise, and Lucas Gattoni releases its first issue May 3rd. You can check it out on Mad Caves Subscription site.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
