Review: The Necromancer’s Map, Vol. 1 by Andrea Fort and Michael Christopher Heron

Rating: 7.9/10

Synposis

A brand new story set in the Songs for the Dead universe that is perfect jumping on point for new and returning readers! A must-read for fans of Dungeons & Dragons and fantasy roll-playing games.

A Songs For The Dead story: Bethany, the necromancer with a heart of gold, and Elissar, her prone-to-brawling companion, are off to find the Covenant—a sanctuary for Bethany’s otherwise reviled magic. Unfortunately, their map makes no sense. Seeking the help of a young wizard named Jonas, whose knowledge may unravel the map’s secrets,

Bethany and Elissar discover a mysterious illness plaguing The Foggard temple, home to the ancient order of mages. Double-unfortunately, Bethany and Elissar are not on the best of terms following the recent and violent encounter at Boulder’s Envy.

Review

This is a fabulous debut from authors Fort and Heron in introducing a new world of fantasy. I like the drawings, but felt as if it it could have had some digital enhancing. The style of this comic veers towards a more classic 90’s feel. I prefer some of the newer versions, but you know as they say, old is gold isn’t it?

This is my first introduction of The Songs of the Dead Universe. And I would be delighted in reading more! If I had to compare, I would compare this to the Dragon Prince. Jonas is under a sickness that threatens to consume him from the inside and finding a cure for it is seeming to be impossible. Bethany is hunting for a Covenant in which they may find answers to the questions they seek. It is hard enough to summarise the story in all detail, as it rather explains  more succinctly in the comic by itself.

I did feel that we needed more of Elissar’s background and what made her become undead. I felt as if she was a fascinating character that needed more expansion. I also felt Bethany was sometimes a little too reactive, in that she consumed the information around her, but she did not act as she should have. Even though she may have a heart of gold, I felt as if she needed more cunning needed.

I say this is quite a good debut. I know the sequel will be awesome. I cannot wait to read more. Fantastic work.