Review - All New Soulfire #1 (@AspenComics)

"Feels good to get away, don't it?"

To live in a world filled with magic is a dream for some and a nightmare for others. A lot of that depends on how those with the powers react to those without. In All New Soulfire #1 from Aspen Comics there's a good mix of responses. The issue is written by J.T. Krul, illustrated by Giuseppe Cafaro, colored by Wes Hartman and lettered by Zen.

Following the events of Aspen Universe: Revelations, the world of Soulfire has a new status quo, as magic and technology have intertwined as never before! Meanwhile, Soulfire’s Grace, Malikai and friends now must also discover that things are not as they seem in the year 2211—including new—and old—dangers that seek to eliminate them!

Krul's premise in All New Soulfire #1 is interesting and a slight departure from other books in the Soulfire series in that it offers up a world where magic is more of a publicly accepted way of life. Malikai is still front and center for all the action, but Krul manages to offer up a few new takes on the character in terms of the reactions of those around him. The overarching plot is a little vague by the end of the issue though as it seems Krul is more content to get the reader up to speed on the aforementioned characters first and foremost. Because of this approach, there are plenty of questions by the end of the issue and there's a lot about the actual direction of the story that's missing. There are times when Krul's dialogue feels somewhat basic--for instance, two different characters use the phrase "plucked from the orphanage" and it feels like an odd choice for dialogue.

Cafaro is very familiar with the Soulfire characters and his work in All New Soulfire #1 demonstrates this familiarity. His linework emphasizes the facial features of the characters well as it draws upon the fantasy influences of fairies and pixies.

All New Soulfire #1 is a new take for the franchise that seeks to mix things up a bit. Malikai is still at the center of the universe, but the universe around him is changing in ways that will force him to adapt. Krul's script is straightforward in its approach, moving players into position for events to unfold further in the series. Cafaro's art is familiar to readers of the series and renders the characters effectively. All New Soulfire #1 is definitely worth checking out for fans of the series.

All New Soulfire #1 is available now.