I’m a huge fan of The Dresden Files. If you know me at all, you know this already. So it comes as no surprise to anyone involved that I never hesitate to review anything even remotely related to the series. Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files: Down Town is a brand new story and takes place between the novels White Knight and Small Favor.
Harry Dresden is not just a private detective, he’s also Chicago’s only professional wizard. So when the local police call him in, it’s going to be something supernatural, you can bet money on it. Sergeant Karrin Murphy is usually the one asking him to consult on cases, since she’s the one that historically gets the weirder assignments. This particular case is no different, murder and mayhem abound and it’s painfully obvious from the get go.
Harry drags his apprentice Molly along for the ride and through a combination of their talents, they are able to deduce what didn’t wreak havoc on a local pawn shop (and killed the owner in the ugliest of ways). Digging in and doing a little research, Harry is able to finally determine that a rogue spellcaster is behind what has quickly escalated to multiple incidents during the following few days.
Throw in some unlikely allies and a dangerous subterranean area known as Undertown and you’ll see Harry for what he is, an underdog who is just way too stubborn to quit while he’s ahead. Having said that, there’s a whole lot going on in the background. Simultaneously trying to stop an evil mage, protect his friends, and defeat the monster summoned to kill him and everyone else can be quite exhausting. And that’s only part of it, especially when you can’t fully trust everyone who is supposed to be helping you! You won’t believe what this guy goes through just to close a case!
The story is just as enthralling as any of Jim Butcher‘s plots. I’m sure Mark Powers stayed true to the original concept since it still feels like a Dresden tale. The art is spot on; Carlos Gomez brings his A-game to this graphic novel. Of course, you already know that Stjepan Sejic‘s cover is to die for, they always are. As a matter of fact, the whole team does a wondrous job bringing this original work to life through sequential art.
Any fan of The Dresden Files will want this, especially since it contains dozens of extra behind the scenes pages that include sketches and original concept art. I love the fact that these are produced in a hardcover so I know it’ll last until the end of (my) days. You’ll be able to find this at bookstores and local comic shops, folks. I urge you to go get it if you’re a Dresden fan. If you aren’t, then this might be a game changer for you.
i wish i could read a new dresden file novel instead of looking at pictures….
Comment by osaycanuthink — October 23, 2015 @ 5:19 am
Well, for now, this is the closest you’ll get. It looks like it will be early next year before the next book is out (entitled Peace Talks). Sorry, but I’m also fiending for it! Cheers!
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Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press
i wish i could read a new dresden file novel instead of looking at pictures….
Comment by osaycanuthink — October 23, 2015 @ 5:19 am
Well, for now, this is the closest you’ll get. It looks like it will be early next year before the next book is out (entitled Peace Talks). Sorry, but I’m also fiending for it! Cheers!
Comment by Waerloga69 — October 28, 2015 @ 7:28 pm