Mark Millar probably doesn't sleep much. On top of being the producer for multiple movies and TV shows, he keeps himself busy by creating new properties regularly through Millarwold. Now, Millar is back for another round of The Magic Order, working alongside Stuart Immonen and Sunny Gho. Published by Image Comics, The Magic Order 2 is a massive step forward for the spell-wielding franchise. It is filled with all of the trademark over-the-top action and spectacle that fans have come to know and love from Millarworld, with a massive mystery at play that could make this Millar's most ambitious series yet.
The Magic Order 2 #1 opens on Victor Korne, a father with delusions of grandeur. As a descendent of the great sorcerer Soren Korne, Victor feels like he should be doing more with his life, and sets out to shake up the world's magical status quo. The story then catches up with the Moonstone family, as Regan and Cordelia celebrate the birthday of their young niece, Rosie. Unfortunately, their moment of joy is interrupted by the sudden appearance of the Magic Order's London Chapter, who have come with a warning -- Victor is assembling his own twisted Magic Order and they're going to bring back "the good old days" of dark magic.
The final issue of The Magic Order subverted expectations by revealing Cordelia and Regan as the story's true heroes. Millar gives them both a chance to rise to the occasion in The Magic Order 2. Cordelia is the perpetual screw-up who gets put in charge after her mischievous ways prove useful. However, she now has to confront the reality of that choice. Meanwhile, Regan gets to show that he's more than his anger, balancing his duties as Rosie's guardian with his obligations to the Magic Order. It's exciting to finally see what an average day looks like in the Magic Order. They're basically guardians against all the things that go bump in the night, which means that Millar can concoct some crazy concepts for the cast to solve.
Drawing The Magic Order 2 is legendary comic book artist Stuart Immonen. Immonen creates a palpable sense of tension in quiet moments -- like the introduction of Victor Korne and his family. Later, he unleashes a visual assault when Regan and the Magic Order take on an "imaginary friend." The creature is surrounded by bodies and has an open cavity where it should have a face, making it less of an idyllic playmate and more of a nightmarish hellspawn. The halls of Moonstone Castle are lush with details like doors that hang in the middle of the walls, rabbits in formal wear, and ageless caretakers. Colorist Sunny Gho does a great job enhancing these scenes, utilizing a vibrant palette that adds a sense of realism to the proceedings. He also knows how to set the mood effectively, transitioning the bright, joyous colors of Rosie's party into muddied, muted tones when danger arrives.
Like other Millarworld titles, The Magic Order 2 has its fair share of violent moments. Even though some of these won't be to everybody's liking, Millar's ideas are unique enough that even his harshest critic will have fun. There is a sense of creativity to the action that helps keep it from becoming gratuitous -- even when people have their bodies ripped in half.
Overall, The Magic Order 2 is a white-hot start to the second volume of Millarworld's supernatural series. The work of Millar, Immonen and Gho is truly captivating and the intriguing cast of characters is worth investing in further. With a Netflix adaptation already in the works, The Magic Order 2 is an enticing entry in Millar's mystical saga.
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