Review: BOOKS OF MAGIC #13
[Editor’s Note: This Review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Kat Howard
Artist: Tom Fowler, Craig Taillefer
Colors: Jordan Boyd
Letters: Todd Klein
Reviewer: Tony Farina
Summary
Books of Magic #13 finds young Tim Hunter reeling from the fact that his Mum was not his Mum and his Dad is a hot mess of magical curses. He invents the coolest glasses in the world that allows him to see magic. He sets out to save his Dad.
Meanwhile, one of Dr. Rose’s associates called Celia, posing as counselor, makes Ellie and offer. She is clearly confused and scared. Does she believe in magic? She does. Does she still trust Tim? She does not. Oh the drama. Of course, Celia is really there to threaten Dr. Rose for letting things get so out of hand. The kids are the pawns. Maybe being magic isn’t that great.
Positives
Kat Howard is at the top of her game. Each month I am overwhelmed with joy each month when I get to unwrap my copy of Books of Magic. Lucky number 13 filled me with just such joy. I think that Tim Hunter has always been the most sympathetic member of the Sandman Universe and in Howard’s capable and magical hands, he has continued to be. This issue is so full of hope and longing. He just wants his Dad back and he is so desperate. We can not help but root for him.
Tom Fowler and Craig Taillefer, along with colorist Jordan Boyd really make Books of Magic one of the most beautiful books in The Sandman Universe. Tim makes his magic glasses and we get a chance to see what spells look like and how magic is all around us. What a brilliant point of view to give the readers. We even get to see them when his Dad puts them on. It is nice to be reminded that there are still some people who don’t really believe in magic, but who will make things up to explain away what they are seeing. Delightful.
That last page is a positive without a doubt.
Negatives
This is really that much of a dig because it adds for beautiful storytelling, but man, how much does it suck that Ellie doesn’t trust Tim? I mean, why would she, but still. UG. Gut punches keep coming for that guy even though he doesn’t even know yet.
Verdict
Here is hoping that the next year we spend with Tim is just as wonderful as the past year. If Books of Magic #13 is any indication of the trajectory, it most certainly will be.
