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Mar 04, 2010 Web Exclusive By Jeremy Nisen

Where to start with Mysterius the Unfathomable? I suppose it should be the creators, who were able to combine so many wonderful elements into this story that it must have been their clarity, vision, and cohesion that created this standout tome.

In the character of Mysterius, Jeff Parker has created a protagonist for the ages: a greedy, underhanded, slightly bumbling yet surprisingly competent magician whose self-interest is oddly endearing and infuriating all at once. And Tom Fowler has created a visual for Mysterius that perfectly captures that essence. In fact, the exaggerated visuals throughout the trade play wonderfully to this wild, comedic, smart, and at times pulse-pounding romp.

The whole world is full of compelling people. Our point-of-view character into Mysterius’ world is an ex-journalist turned magician’s reluctant personal assistant, rechristened Delfi by her new boss. But she and Mysterius are given comrades, rivals, and antagonists that are at least as well developed as they are. As Mysterius pursues the almighty dollar, situations escalate from mere ill-conceived séances into grand adventure.

I’ll allude in brief to demonic Seussian analogs, pursuits of elder gods, and a savage lampooning of the Burning Man celebration, but stop right there as not to spoil the particulars.

Read this book. Parker and Fowler have done nothing less than create one of the more compelling comic story worlds in a decade; a very possible literary successor to John Constantine (of Hellblazer) if the comic-reading audience will give this trade a chance. (www.dccomics.com/wildstorm)

Author rating: 8/10