With the first issue of Image Comics’ new series Curse Words, Charles Soule and Ryan Browne are out to make us rethink our notions of wizards. Rather, they show us just what might happen if a classic wizard—big white beard, flowing robes, magic staff, etc—took up residency in New York City. Would he fall into the temptations of the bright lights and big city? Well, to quote the mighty Alicia Keys, “There’s nothing you can’t do … These streets will make you feel brand new.” Surely that siren song would affect even the evilest of wizards.
Charles Soule does a great job building the character we come to know as Wizord. He’s an angry, cynical fellow who is drawn to the spotlight and filled with delusions of grandeur, awed by how awesome he is. These characteristics let him fit in perfectly in NYC, where he quickly becomes a celebrity “wizard-for-hire.” The story of Wizord arriving in, and falling in love with, our world is overall fantastic and tons of fun.
The real star of the show here, the reason you’ll be adding Curse Words to your pull list, is Ryan Browne. His art sells the hell out of this issue. Curse Words #1 is insanely gorgeous. There’s so much energy on these pages, so much life. Browne’s detailed line work is so exciting and vibrant, the characters seem like they’re about to leap off of the page and cast a spell that’ll turn you into a Top 10 Platinum selling R&B artist. The level of kinetic energy on the pages of Curse Words #1 is insane.
Curse Words #1 from Image Comics
The colors in this comic are also a big selling point, especially when magic comes into play. Browne, working with Jordan Boyd and Michael Parkinson, delivers a bright world of pinks, soft blues, and glowing purples. Curse Words practically glows.
After reading the first issue of Curse Words, we’re hooked. Charles Soule and Ryan Browne have a winner on their hands, no doubt. Though some of the humor is a little dated already, as jokes about popular music poke fun at the early 2000s, these are minor complaints. We’re onboard for the adventures of Wizord, his Koala Bear familiar, and his sweet, sweet beard. Harry Potter can suck it, Wizord is the magic user we need.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Images: Image Comics
Benjamin Bailey writes for the Nerdist and can be found on Twitter talking about Godzilla, comic books, and hardcore music.
