Written by: Ann Nocenti
Art by: Trevor McCarthy
Publisher: DC
Comic authors take note. Klarion #1 is the way to do first issues. What Ann Nocenti has done with a longtime DC character who rarely gets his due is something that many people are going to appreciate; and rightly so.
The main reason this issue works so well is because Nocenti is dedicated to rejuvenating Klarion as a character and her take is a fresh look that fits in greatly with the New 52 era that DC is doing. Nocenti’s take is fresh, fun, and is almost certain to hook comic readers who have been aching for something a bit different. It’s dark but a ton of fun, and this first issue gives us a tremendous amount of setup that has been anticipating the next issue.
Since this is a first issue, and a new run for the Witch Boy, we’re introduced appropriately to his character while still being given a ton to work with to make him unique to the New 52 series. Basically we discover that Klarion has more or less alienated himself from his homeland (presumably after doing something bad) and, after glimpsing some portals that lead to other worlds, he decides to take off to explore these other worlds. Which, of course, brings him to New York. A New York that secretly houses places for those with some ties to the occult and a large focus on some rather strange yet marvelous technology. Klarion also is adept as using magical powers, which is something he doesn’t mind doing whenever the mood strikes him.
Nocenti’s Klarion seems aimless. We don’t really know what he wants or why he decides to stick around and hang out but that’s exactly why this issue works and why the series will be interesting. Nocenti perfectly captures the attitude of a rebellious and curious teenager who sees the world (errr universes?) as a place to play in. It’s fresh and fun and fans of Young Justice or even Teen Titans will probably enjoy this series immensely. Klarion seems eager to cause chaos and confusion, but his first steps in New York also show us that he isn’t necessarily without compassion, even if it may ultimately be for his own fun. He’s an interesting character and I’m a huge fan of characters who are largely neutral (that’s part of why I like Catwoman so much, a character Nocenti also has experience writing for).
Rarely do I find myself so quickly enamored with characters but Klarion manages to fit more character within this first issue than some series do for a whole run. Zell, a cute and bubbly teenage girl, is an absolute delight despite only appearing for a few pages near the end. Rasp, a boy who we find out is related to Rasputin, is one of the first people Klarion meets in New York and he’s perfectly created as a hot-headed teen who seems desperate to exact revenge against people who have hurt him. But instead of seeming like a cheap gimmick, Nocenti manages to capture that kind of naive teen angst/anger that I think almost anyone can identify with.
While the issue ends on an incredible high point, there’s enough hints throughout the issue that will make almost anyone eager to continue to series. Piper, a rather strange woman who runs the Moody Museum, has much to say regarding karma which you can’t help but feel will come into play in a large way later on. And it turns out that the local goth/industrial club is actually run by some rather shady people who may not be human who seem intent on using people’s weaknesses to further their own nefarious agenda. Both sets of people (whom I consider “good” and “evil”) also seem to know more about each character than the character’s themselves know. Piper and Noah (a cook at the Moody Museum) seem to know that Klarion has magical powers, that he’s driven by his own desires, whatever they may be, and that he may be trouble for Zell. And our villains seem to know a ton about Rasp that even Rasp himself might not know about.
Trevor McCarthy’s artwork simply sets the scene and seems a perfect fit for this series. Those familiar with his Batwoman run will feel right at home. The whole comic has a very dark, almost gothic feel to it which is great considering the subject material. It also utilizes bright colors in a wonderful way and any panels using these really pop. The colors tend to be used in regards to any tech, as if to replicate the glow of LED’s and electronics and its a wonderful stylistic choice. Klarion’s skin is also done in a bright blue when he’s not trying to hide from humanity and I really enjoy this look for him. Rather than the lanky, angular look we’ve seen him as previously, McCarthy has drawn him in much more average proportions that make him look much more like a regular kid. All of the pages themselves though are absolutely gorgeous to look at as McCarthy also took great care in designing panels and using any negative space. Page corners contain various eyeballs so that a panel can be rounded, some panels are broken up seemingly by wires which really hammers in the idea of technology, and dark tendrils take the place of normal panel lines to seemingly wrap themselves across pages. It’s a genius and highly artistic attention to detail that does a great job at presenting all of the various themes found with the comic.
Klarion #1 was a remarkable first issue that does a really great job at setting the stage for future issues and does a fantastic job at introducing the character of Klarion to people who most likely don’t know who he is. Only time will tell if Klarion has enough going for it to really be a breakaway comic but this first issue gives us more to anticipate than some comics have given us after 5 issues. If you enjoy dark, character driven stories than this is a definite pick up. I’m rooting for this Witch Boy.
