Reader's Diary #2111- Daniel Barnes (writer), D. J. Kirkland (artist): The Black Mage

Daniel Barnes and D.J. Kirkland's The Black Mage begins much like Harry Potter with a boy headed off to magic school for the first time. Only it's the deep south of the US, and he's the first black student to attend (or so he thinks).

Obviously racism is a major theme of the book and the villains are none other the Klu Klux Klan.

At first I thought I was going to enjoy the story but not the art. It's very Japanese manga influenced (with some Jeff Smith leanings as well) which, though I enjoy that kind of art, wasn't sure if it would have the gravitas to match the important commentary. In hindsight though I think it provided better balance. Yes, it reflects on social issues but it's also a fast-paced, magical adventure story and that's needed as well.

I hope they turn this into an ongoing series!