From Neil Gaiman, the bestselling novelist and creator of the world-renowned comics title The Sandman, comes a mesmerizing tale of the dangers and opportunities of youth, and its endless possibilities. Illustrated by four of comics' most accomplished artists, John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess, and Paul Johnson, The Books of Magic collects all four issues of the original mini-series that introduced the character of Timothy Hunter and set the stage for his continuing adventures. Timothy Hunter could be the most powerful magician in the world, but does he really want to be? Guided through the magical world starting at the begining of time by a group of DC Universe magicians, often refered to as the Trenchcoat Brigade (John Constantine, Phantom Stranger, Mister E, and Doctor Occult), they attempt to aid Timothy in his decision whether or not to embrace his gift. However, by the time Timothy makes a choice, it may have already been made for him!
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About the Author
Neil Gaiman is the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of AMERICAN GODS and CORALINE (illustrated by Dave McKean). His other novels include NEVERWHERE, STARDUST (winner of the American Library Association's Alex Award as one of 2000's top ten adult novels for young adults), the short fiction collection SMOKE AND MIRRORS and the critically acclaimed comic book series THE SANDMAN. He is the author of the children's book THE WOLVES IN THE WALLS (illustrated by Dave McKean). Among his many awards are the Hugo, the Nebula, the World Fantasy Award and the Bram Stoker Award.
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43 of 44 people found the following review helpful
By Andy Smith
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
A 12-year old kid with glasses, with the potential to be a great magician but doesn't realise it yet, who acquires a magic owl? This may sound like Harry Potter, but Timothy Hunter, the hero of 'The Books of Magic', first appeared in comic book form in 1990 - and he definitely isn't public school material.
Timothy is just skateboarding around the estate when he is accosted by four sinister trenchcoated characters and taken on a journey from the beginning to the end of time, with detours through occult corners of America and the hidden land of Faerie. Along the way he meets pretty much every occult-related character who has ever appeared in the 'DC universe'.
This is an unusually deep and rich graphic novel. Roger Zelazny's introduction points out its structural adherence to the "hero's journey" model which Joseph Campbell identified as the heart of all myths. It's funny, charming, and chilling by turns.
As an accessible introduction to "magick" this book rivals Alan Moore's "Promethea" series. Along the way you'll learn with Timothy why you should never give your real name, why it's inadvisable to step off the path once on it, and why you should never accept gifts from the Fair Folk.
The books of magic became a series. This is the only one written by Gaiman, though he acted as a consultant to the later ones. Despite some good ideas, the later books fizzle out rather, partly due to being set in London but written by Americans - British readers will not be surprised that, as usual, they can't do convincing English dialogue and convey little sense of place. But the original is unfaultable, with a last page that makes me catch my breath every time. Just do yourself a favour and buy it!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By M. R. Cox
Format:Paperback
Of the 4 books of magic in this compendium 2 are actually stories with character, plot and action while the other 2 are meditations - 1 about the past, 1 about the future. Neither meditate very deeply and anyone who's read more than a handful of fantasy novels or comics will be able to predict the topics and observations made.
Fortunately the 2 books with stories are both are superb.
One is enlivened by the character of John Constantine, who Gaiman can write at least as well as Moore. Snide jokes, billowing trench coat, sarf landan slang and attempted murder every 10 pages. What's not to like?
The other is kind of a dry run for the "Midsummer Night's Dream" tale from "The Sandman". Faeries. Also known as vicious lying psychopaths. You just can't trust 'em...
Fortunately the 2 books with stories are both are superb.
One is enlivened by the character of John Constantine, who Gaiman can write at least as well as Moore. Snide jokes, billowing trench coat, sarf landan slang and attempted murder every 10 pages. What's not to like?
The other is kind of a dry run for the "Midsummer Night's Dream" tale from "The Sandman". Faeries. Also known as vicious lying psychopaths. You just can't trust 'em...
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By T. J. Bird
Format:Paperback
There may be some similarities between Tim Hunter and Harry Potter, but they are few, and even Neil Gaiman has the good grace to acknowledge that no work of fiction is created in a vacuum and that he and J K Rowling were both drawinfg inspiration form similar sources. Both characters are potentialy powerful magic users with glasses and a pet Owl but that is were the similarities end.
This book is less of a story than it is a journey through magic in the DC Universe. Tim is introduced to three eras of magic and the Faerie kingdoms by four well known magical practitioners of magic from the DC Comics pantheon in order to help him decide whether he wants to commit to a life as a wizard or just lead a mundane life. We are introduced to a series of fantastic and imaginative concepts as to how magic works in the DC universe and to various characters such as Baron Blood and Zattana. This book for me was more about ideas than a rivetting plot and I found myself pausing everyso often to just go over the concepts that were introduced in my head. The artwork is also a reason to pick up this volume as it contains the work of John Bolton, Scott Hampton and Charles Vess, who was wisely chosen to illustate the chapter set in the lands of Faerie.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in fantasy, its not just for comic fans either as you dont need to know anything about the DD Universe to enjoy this read.
This book is less of a story than it is a journey through magic in the DC Universe. Tim is introduced to three eras of magic and the Faerie kingdoms by four well known magical practitioners of magic from the DC Comics pantheon in order to help him decide whether he wants to commit to a life as a wizard or just lead a mundane life. We are introduced to a series of fantastic and imaginative concepts as to how magic works in the DC universe and to various characters such as Baron Blood and Zattana. This book for me was more about ideas than a rivetting plot and I found myself pausing everyso often to just go over the concepts that were introduced in my head. The artwork is also a reason to pick up this volume as it contains the work of John Bolton, Scott Hampton and Charles Vess, who was wisely chosen to illustate the chapter set in the lands of Faerie.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in fantasy, its not just for comic fans either as you dont need to know anything about the DD Universe to enjoy this read.
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Excellent
Nice little trip through the DC universe with Neil Gaiman at the helm. A little dense but ultimately a great read!
Published 2 months ago by Matt210
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Great product. Love it. Believe I have received value for my money. Great work amazon. Very pleased with the purchase. Would definitely recommend this to a friend.
Published 4 months ago by tablehead
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an amazing story
A very good story, crafted by one of the most outstanding creative minds of our mean age and drawn by four different and diverse pencils. Read more
Published 19 months ago by imanalien
5.0 out of 5 stars
The world of magic
Long before J.K. Rowling ever wrote about Harry Potter, there was another owl-toting, bespectacled young wizard with a destiny. Read more
Published on 1 May 2011 by E. A Solinas
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