DC’s Misfits of Magic review

Adoptive sister and brother Rikki and Ross are off to summer camp – but not one of the usual ones. Nope, the results of self-styled mystic detective Rikki’s investigations mean they’ve been enrolled in magic camp at the local library by their guardians, a bunch of mysterious monks.

Running the show is camp counselor Zatanna, who explains that ‘all of us magic types have a story to tell’.

New friends include laidback Danny Cassidy.

Mysterious June Moone, sometimes the Enchantress.

And deadpan Deadkid.

They’re meant to be learning to craft the likes of spirit jars, fairy feeders and papier mache cauldrons, which spells BORING. Besides, there’s something weird going on that demands investigation…

Matthew Dow Smith’s kids’ graphic novel is a delight, its young versions of well-loved DC characters thoroughly engaging. Smith’s script is as economical as his pleasingly direct illustrations, quickly sketching in personalities and plugging them into the plot.

While their surname is never given, older readers – much older – will recognise Rikki and Ross as this DC Universe’s version of Rose Psychic and Doctor Richard Occult. Oddly, while Rikki takes a starring role, Ross (who, visually, could be her twin) is sidelined.

I wonder if he’s solving another mystery with his own magical pals and we’ll find out in a sequel. Certainly the characters in this smart, pacey, amusing adventure deserve a second outing, and if that doesn’t show the other side of summer, perhaps we’ll see what Rikki, Danny and co get up to at Christmas… oh dear, it sounds like I’m trying to nick editor Kristy Quinn’s job!

The only tweak I’d make to proceedings is the Boston Brand design, the skull head – presumably inspired by Kelley Jones’ interpretation rather than the traditional Neal Adams visage – makes him look like a take on Mr Bones. That is not going to make one iota of difference to the children discovering DC’s spooky side for the first time through this book – Deadkid looks fun.

So if you know a small person who enjoys colourful, imagination-expanding comics, buy them a copy of DC’s Misfits of Magic. They’ll love it, and chances are you will too.