The stakes raise in Tim’s battle against himself.
Creative Staff:
Story: Kat Howard
Art: Tom Fowler
Colors: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Todd Klein
What They Say:
Tim’s doppelgänger has proven to be a surprisingly seductive ally…but he’ll do anything it takes to stay here in our world! With Tim’s troubles mounting, he has to ask himself: What if he just gave his older self what he wants?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
The Books of Magic series hasn’t felt like it’s been as strong as it is with this arc. Kat Howard has been telling solid tales that have gotten us to know Tim at this stage and explore what he’s going through, how he’s being watched after, and the connections that keep him grounded. But it’s here that it feels like the stakes are real and choices are finally being made. Tom Fowler’s work has made it thoroughly engaging from the start and this installment with all its wintry scenes really upped the look of it in a really strong and distinctive way. Especially with the color design that Marissa Louise brings to it, letting Fowler’s details really shine through.
Tim’s time dealing with his doppelganger in this other world has him at wit’s end how to deal with it. Especially since it just wants the book but he can’t be sure just how much power he’d be giving it. Thankfully, we see him asking the book the right question about the future and it reveals just how badly things will go if Tim returns to the real world. And that’s all he needs in order to stay and figure out a way to fight it out. This comes as both Cecilia and Rose have opened a door to bring him back but his rejection forces them to pack up and head to this other place themselves. I’ve really come to enjoy the dynamic between the two women in how they interact but also just in the dealings with Tim. Rose has really grown close to him and is very protective, which is harming her long-term view of what’s best for him.
The reveals within the other world as Tim has holed up there to fight and survive are intriguing. Cecilia’s discovery that the doppelganger is actually some sort of dreamstuff as opposed to a true and real version from the future upends a few things. As does learning that this isn’t the real Tim either but an awake version of his dream-self in this other place. That makes everything complicated in a way that leaves a lot of uncertainties as to how to handle everything. Especially since the doppelganger is not going to just go away easily. Seeing how Tim has set himself up here with some crude but solid ideas so that he can know if his doppelganger is anywhere near him impresses Cecilia and that feels like a win in itself. There are some good movements toward the end as everyone starts to feel like they have a role and are putting it into play, hoping that it’ll guard against the immediate threat.
In Summary:
Books of Magic feels like it’s at this point where things matter. That’s not to say they didn’t before but what it’s dong now is something where there’s some forward progress and that at the end of the arc things should not be the same. Tim’s always needed forward movement but the game has been to provide just enough without really changing anything. I keep hoping we’re closer and closer to real change and Kat Howard’s giving me more of that hope with this storyline. I really like what’s going on here and I’m loving what Fowler and Louise bring to the visual side of it even if it’s light on magic overall. It’s got a neat feeling and the entire wintry world looks fantastic. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: 17+
Released By: DC Comics via ComiXology
Release Date: February 26th, 2020
MSRP: $3.99
