A little of this, a little of that.
Creative Staff:
Story: Rafer Roberts
Art: Kristen Gudsnuk
What They Say:
Sage’s life has been turned upside down by a mystical amulet she recently obtained, that may bring about the end of the world as she knows it. But when the goblin thief’s life is ransomed for the amulet, Sage and a team of friends must figure out a way to save him and themselves while protecting the greater good.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
I had a lot of fun with the first issue of Modern Fantasy with how it was playing a fantasy world that had modernized. Rafer Roberts was looking to try and be realistic in certain ways with how the characters would act and react to things and that went a long way in avoiding some of the usual cliches that are annoying. It was also a whole lot of fun because Kristen Gudsnuk really nailed the look for it. While it may be more reminiscent in modern terms of what you’d expect out of a webcomic this is more akin to a lot of things we used to get on the indie market side back in the 80’s where it would take chances and find a style that really does work well for it. I love the combination of talents here and the result is definitely enjoyable.
This issue provides us with some backstory for the amulet that was lifted and being sought once again that showcases just how dangerous it is. Going back a few “ages” and the path of the device is good old fashioned fantasy material but the discovery in the modern times is fun and then looping it back to what Fentax did brings it comically full circle. The problem is that Sage and the rest aren’t sure what to do while Lizard Wizard just doesn’t care as he intends to give it back to the criminals in order to get Fentax back in his arms. That it’s such a destructive device doesn’t really enter into his mind and it’s only toward the end here when we find out that they’re just middlemen that the scale of the danger really comes to light, especially a few days ahead of when it can be utilized.
The actual trade is one that has some good stuff to it with it happening at a power plant that works in both electric and unicorn energy. Just seeing how that works is incredibly sad and chilling, though I love the way Roberts works in some good workplace frustrations. Going with a two-prong approach to the trade to get Fentax back goes about as badly as expected but the enjoyment comes from the character dynamics, such as Gondra borrowing her mother’s hammer or Sage trying to make sure her suggestions to the elf of the group doesn’t come across as kinda racist in a way. He’s struggling with being an actor that’s easily typecast and this along with other little dialogue subplots help to really humanize these smaller moments and make them engaging. It’s the kind of stuff that while it may feel out of place at times is the kind of thing that actually does come up.
In Summary:
Modern Fantasy has a lot going for it and this issue hits up on a lot of the humor and stylings that I had wanted for a while. It’s filled a modern take on the kinds of things I used to get reading Dragon magazine back in the 80’s and some indie comics that played to this kind of concept. It’s a good ensemble piece that brings in some serious material along the way and touches on a lot of really weird and comical pieces along the way that just make me grin. Rafer and Gudsnuk are hitting all the right notes here and it’s leaving me really happy with each issue and looking forward to more.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: 15+
Released By: Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: July 25th, 2018
MSRP: $3.99
