IDW Smoke & Mirrors

My friend Jon Armstrong consulted on this comic for IDW. It’s written by Mike Costa and beautifully illustrated by Ryan Browne. I don’t usually review things, but Jon was kind enough to send me the first issue. I’m blown away.

There’s the old Clarke saying, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” and this title takes that to an extreme. In the universe of Smoke and Mirrors technology literally IS magic, in the classical Harry Potter sense. You have a nod to the late Steve Jobs in a zealous CEO who introduces new magic-powered devices to the world, really showcasing how this world is different, but the same, from our own.

The protagonist is Terry Ward, an illusionist from our reality who has to now fight for survival using his wits and a box of tricks.

I love the pulp feel with the philosophical overtones. Really well done guys. I’m hooked!