Michael D Hamersky On Comics Reviews: LUCID  Volume One   Michael McMillian & Anna Wieszczyk From Archaia Entertainment!     -

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3420:

The hardcover book being reviewed today is a compilation of the comic books published by Archaia Entertainment in a series that I have not yet reviewed here in this Blog.

That is because I found it hard to pick up the series in mid-stream when I received issue #3 for possible review first.

This is a mini-series that is best to up as a hard copy compilation, especially since there are additional pages in this Black Label format by Archaia Enterainment.

Before I start writing 'My Take' on this compilation... Here's the publisher's promo blurb at Amazon:

Lucid is an action-packed, pop-fantasy series that draws inspiration from the spy genre, Arthurian legend, and 21st-century folklore! Dark forces are conspiring to prevent humankind from reaching its true potential. Thankfully, as newly appointed "Protector of the Realm," Agent Matthew Dee uses his skills as a covert spy and Combat Mage to ensure America's freedom from the grip of evil.

Here's the publisher's promo blurb that was mailed to me along with the book:

Welcome to the world of LUCID, the action-packed pop-fantasy that draws inspireationf rom the spy genre, Arthurian Legend, and 21st-century folklore!  Dark forces areconspiring to prevent humankind from reaching its true potential. Thankfully, as newly appointed "Protector of the Realm", Agent Matthew Dee uses his skills as a covert spy and Combat Mage to ensure America's freedom from the grip of evol.  Written by "True Blood" actor Michael McMillian and illustrated by newcomer Anna Wieszczyk, LUCID is Archaia's first title pulbished in association with Zachary Quinto ("heroes" , "Star Trek") and his company, Before the Door.

So... When I received the hard cover to this series, I wondered if it would be easier going for me to read when starting at the beginning...

It was, but the story is still somewhat complicated, in that there are 'magic sigils' that are used throughout the pages.  I didn't realized until reaching the end of the HC compilation that the 'magic sigils' were explained at the back of the book, within the extra pages printed...

The storyline was one that could draw you into the realm the series presented, but I found it was the art that held my attention more.

The series was written and created by Michael McMillian, whom you probably recognize as an actor first, (True Blood).  Anna Wieszczyk was the illustrator. Shawn DePasquale was the letterer.  

In addition to the 'magic sigils' presented at the back of the book, there was the 'Sketchbook' - illustrations by Anna, with notes by Michael.  Nice two page presentation of how the two main characters evolved to final publication.

I'm not for sure who the colorist was for this series, but the colors are noteworthy in adding to the art and storyline. Indeed, it was the colors that tied everything together for me in the reading of this hard cover.

The foreword by Alan Ball was a from a guy who himself says... "Now I know next to nothing boaut comics. I come from a theater background... Michael has taught me that comics, like TV are a collaborative effort.  Michael and his illustrator Anna Wieszczyk have used their words and images to build a world with its own rules, its own magic, and its own life".

Which I found to be true.  The world presented in this total package of the four comic books being published together in one hard cover format is one that could bring in those looking for a 'new world' to become immersed in. Which is why the 'ending' in this volume is left open to new adventures...

I have an interest in 'Camelot', so the usage of this theme in the series was one that caught my attention.  Yet the four comic book issues seemed to tie up pretty quick at the end, maybe a little too quickly...

My review rating for this Hardcover Book is a VERY FINE  / VERY FINE PLUS (VF/VF+) 8.25 out of a possible 10.0 comic book grading scale. 

This hardcover book goes on sale:  THIS Wednesday, May 25th at your LCBS - and June 7th wherever books are sold. 

Retail Price $19.95 - Page count: 112 pages

Format: hardcover book with dust jacket, 6.625" x 10.25", full color.

T+13 Readers (contains material suitable for teen readers ages 13 and above).

If you don't buy at your LCBS... Here is a link so that YOU can purchase the Hardcover Book online:      Lucid - Purchase Online.

Here is the Facebook Fan Page for Archaia Entertainment, which I suggest YOU 'like' also to keep up with what this publisher is presenting next.

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