Working Class Wizards #1 - Band of Bards
W: Nick Goodwin & Chuck Satterlee
A: Jeremy Megert
C: Nicholas Michael
L: Tom Orzewchowski
Thoughts…
As I made my way through the Band of Bards list of titles this was one of the ones that stood out and one I put at the top of my list to go back to. There is a good mix of comedy and mystery in this first issue, there is a good balance of both throughout. This issue does a great job of bringing you into the world and has a really evolved backstory to the whole setting, you can tell some thought has gone into the crafting of the whole thing to give the story some real depth.
I liked this first issue, it has a dark comedy tone to it right from the start. You could split this comic into 3 parts really, the light hearted humour filled story with Dave’s first encounter with the strange new world that he has just become a part of, this is where a lot of the humour is found, especially from the Taco loving Wizard Kestler. Then there is the origin of the world part of the issue, this is where you can tell that there has been some real effort put into rounding out the setting so there is a solid footing to work from going forward. This is all done in a double page spread but feels like you've been given a whole tome of knowledge after you have read them, but done in such a concise way that you are not left feeling bogged down. The third part brings in the horror elements more fully into focus, from here we find out more about the type of “person” that will undoubtedly become the villain of the piece. All of this comes together to make a really great first issue, that will get its hooks in you for sure.
There is something about the art style here that fits the era, while it is not the same 70’s style the colours and tones give it a real feel of the time it is set in. I would think as things continue and we get to see more monsters and battles the artist and colourist will be able to really get going and let loose with their creativity. I am looking forward to seeing what wonderful horrors they can come up with.
This comes out on 28th Feb then over the next couple of months there are double sized issues in March and April. I think this series might pass people by, which would be a real shame as it is a great read and one that deserves to be on more people's pull list. Bands of Bards are still in their early day’s comic industry wise but titles like this will really put them on the map for sure. If you see this in your LCS check it out you won’t be disappointed. I would give this an 8 out of 10, and will definitely be following the series as it continues.
Solicitation…
Monsters, Wizards, Barbarians and Heavy Metal set in Chicago of 1976!
A heavy metal guitarist in 1970s Chicago hasn’t made the big time with his songs of magic, wizards & elves. Let’s see how he does with the real thing. High stakes action & adventure set to the tune of classic heavy metal and the best of pulp sci-fi/fantasy.
