Written by Paul Ruditis
Art by Derek Baron; Dan Haberkorn; Carol Wood; Dave Hoover; & David Seidman
Cover Art ‘A” by Al Rio & Jose Cano. Cover Art ‘B’ by David Seidman
SUMMARY:
Released in June 2010 by Zenescope Entertainment Inc., this 29-page prologue (also known as The Sourcebook) is a Charmed overview setting up a comic book sequel. Written in the archaic text style of the show’s “Book of Shadows,” the central Halliwell characters and pertinent magical spells are introduced. A series glossary and yearly summaries of the show’s eight seasons are also offered. The issue ends with a four-page sneak preview of Charmed # 1, as Piper Halliwell and her three young children encounter some monstrous mischief in the family kitchen. Zenescope’s adaptation is effectively ‘Season 9,’ set eighteen months after the TV series finale.
REVIEW:
Though this issue is mostly text, Charmed # 0 is an excellent briefing. The four-page series preview demonstrates that Issue # 1 is reasonably well-illustrated and makes a good faith effort recreating the original TV series’ ambiance. Further, this resource (including artist David Seidman’s stylish Cover B incorporating head shots of actresses Holly Marie Combs; Alyssa Milano; and Rose McGowan) makes a nice keepsake for loyal fans. In the text, cast photos include Shannen Doherty; Julian McMahon; Finola Hughes; and Kaley Cuoco, along with a series of classy sketched renditions of various characters and scenes. The only downside for younger fans is Zenescope’s sleazy back cover advertisement for its website depicting a scantily-clad sorceress.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Both covers appear as thumbnail images on the inside front cover. The fifteen TV episodes from which text for the ‘Book of Shadows’ are also identified on the same page.
BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING: 8 Stars
