Lead Feature Written by Ron Marz. Art by Brandon Peterson; John Dell; Rob Stull; Mark Farmer; Andrew Crossley; Troy Peteri & Dave Lamphear.
Back-Up Feature Written by Ron Marz. Art by Fabrizio Fiorentino; Drew Geraci; Jason Lambert; & Troy Peteri.
Cover Art by Brandon Peterson; John Dell; & Andrew Crossley.
SUMMARY:
Published by CrossGen Comics for September 2001, the untitled lead feature depicts the mystical Jazzrat nightclub on the planet Ciress. Seen in non-speaking background cameos: among others, there’s Dr. Fate; Gandalf; Doctor Strange & Clea; the Phantom Stranger; Scarlet Witch; Zatanna Zatara; Etrigan the Demon; Bat-Mite; the Spectre; the Titans’ Raven; the House of Mystery’s Cain & Abel; Timothy “Tim” Hunter (or it’s possibly Harry Potter); and the Seven Dwarfs.
Giselle approaches artist Thierry to make amends. Together, with their cartoony pets, they explore the abandoned Sanctum of Masters, which is now Giselle’s home. Thierry shares his stunning portrait of Giselle with her. The pets, meanwhile, make an ominous discovery
Elsewhere, Giselle’s sister, Genevieve, makes a covert pact with the six other Guild Masters. Genevieve’s six-page back-up feature is entitled “Reconstruction.” Seeking a means of rebuilding the Nouveau Cathedral, she intends to make an ominous bargain with the Chief Architect of the Construction.
REVIEW:
Capably supported by high-caliber artwork, writer Ron Marz good-naturedly conjures up an entertaining tale that doesn’t resort to profanities; scantily-clad women; or even fight scenes. Besides the fun in-joke re: the background cameos, the artists throw in another amusing gag as to Thierry’s other portraits. Impressively, Mystic # 15 doesn’t do anything remarkable, but, as light reading, it’s an enjoyable experience.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a full-page series summary on the front inside cover. In addition to a two-page spread promoting new CrossGen issues, there is a single-page “Misspellings” letters-and-answers column. A full-page cover reveal of Mystic # 16 is included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
