Back from vacation and finally ready to spotlight Witchman.
Honestly if any of you have noticed ads like this:
Or this:
And most recently this:
It’s because I joined the Awin Affiliate Program. My plan was to spotlight this Witchman’s Etsy page. Partly because the creator R.C. Young left Amazon and I wanted to spotlight Indie comics only on Etsy. But of course, Etsy rejected me; probably because I didn’t have anything to sell. It’s why I’m scared to go onto DriveThru’s affiliate program, I might need to have a comic to sell. But the only one I’ve got is currently under contract. So why am I still doing this? Because I spent $100 on these books and never got bored! If I have to throw my affiliates around so be it. This website doesn’t pay for itself!
Witchman Please?
So anyway, Witchman is according to its creator RC Young a superhero fantasy series. In that magic, elves, and especially goblins exist in a medieval fantasy world. Or at least out of the way of mundane people hence a secret identity. The title character Rowen is on a quest to slay deadly goblins who have the power to turn humans into them. But why are they doing things like kidnapping babies? Last I checked Goblins aren’t changelings. The only thing Rowen has to worry about is how to kill them permanently.
Goblin Mechanics
You see goblins in most settings might not be huge threats, but in this series, they’re worse than demons. Enough to scare Rowen’s ice throwing demoness landlord. But it’s probably not because of the grunts that are more or less drones, but the lead goblins. There’s one for each of the Seven Deadly Sins and it’s not just in the names. They have the ability to instill in people each of their vices. E.g. the orange one makes people want to eat so bad they’re willing to hurt others for a bite. Of course the goblins aren’t necessarily immune to their own effects. If not for their thick skin and agility, they would’ve been caught off guard.
Which is why these goblins use potions to get new bodies from humans. The goblins don’t just possess them, the potions force these bodies into a goblin’s form. If a spell isn’t applied to dispel the goblin from the mind, the goblin completely takes over. The few that can get rid of the goblin soul but still have their form are called Switches. From what the Pride goblin Vanity says, he’s been looking for mages to add to these lead goblins. Of course he has help, but that’s spoiler territory.
Magic Of The Commune
I know magic is considered a great power, but there’s a reason why the goblins want forest dwelling wizard bodies. The magic any of the mages possess is powerful enough on its own. Rowen for example is able to sense fire and practically apply in the best ways. It’s why he’s able to work so well as a blacksmith despite having no training. And that’s just the practical side, there are loads of other magical uses. It’s just that some of them require extra help.
The wizards of Cadabra all have magic that is empowered by the seasons: Plants for Spring, Fire for Fall. When autumn came around, Rowen finally got the power he needed to give most of the goblins what for. All at that the same time no less. But here’s the thing, whoever’s season it is applies to politics as well. Depending on the season, the corresponding wizard leads the council. It’s just that before Rowen could show the goblins what he could do, the spring witch Abra found a way to artificially extend her season. Through her elf concubines and harnessing their magic as trees. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The Witchman
Let’s go over Rowen himself. On the surface there really isn’t much to say about him. At least not beyond his striking red hair and blonde eyebrows. In contrast is his personality, he’s quiet and mostly keeps to himself. I mean his only friend in the commune is a tree; not even a magic one, just a regular tree. This actually plays well into why Rowen was sent to deal with the goblins.
You see the people of the Cadabra commune want to stay hidden. Having someone who doesn’t speak about himself so much is the perfect cover. To say nothing of Rowen’s prowess with fire magic along with his knowledge of applying magic. Like when he saves a Pixie but doesn’t indulge in wish granting, knowing that there are twists. He’s not particularly greedy and pays attention to others’ needs; not stealing an axe at his cover job out of respect for the smith’s situation. Against the Avarice goblin, he stands the best chance.
So?
The point is Rowen’s an introvert. He never wants to make things hard for anybody else but his social skills aren’t much of a strength. In fact the commune went along with Abra nominating him because he’s just around. Mind you, they don’t hate or dislike him, but they’re practically indifferent to Rowen. He’s not the most exciting or the most ambitious hero, just somebody doing his job. Heck that proves to be a challenge for Rowen. Rowen feels like his situation is over his head, especially as another wizard had the same job and couldn’t make progress. Rowen would’ve been happier staying at his home minding business. It’s why the Sloth goblin could influence him so easily unlike the greed one.
But part of what makes Rowen heroic is his sense of responsibility. While still under the sluggish influence, he managed to fight it off when people are in danger. Plus he saved a Pixie even though he knew it would be a bother. Because Rowen believes in doing the right thing, even if it is a burden.
Of course, this sense of responsibility and lack of social skills can slow Rowen down a bit. It’s not that he doesn’t want to ask for help (when he can), Rowen doesn’t often know how. Sure he wants to handle his quest without getting in people’s way, but he gets overwhelmed. Thankfully he is making friends along the way.
Witchman’s Coven
Witchman has plenty of layers about introversion. Rowen’s demon landlady Moonie acts all stuck-up and frightening but the pixie points out that this is a front. She’s actually quite lonely after the last wizard she met abandoned her. So Moonie doesn’t have many social skills from being cooped up in a tower.
Next we have that Pixie; she also acts haughty and mischievous. But unlike Moonie it’s because she actually wants contact with others. Even if the way she speaks with others is grating.
Then there’s Derrick, the apprentice blacksmith whose life gets turned upside-down. He’s the most extroverted cast member and it shows. He has the perfect mundane life: a guaranteed career, a loving family, and on love’s doorstep. But then the goblins showed up and he became a Switch. With nothing else to live for, he becomes Rowen’s helper against the goblins. If anything he’s the perfect foil to everybody, trying to make the best out of his situation than just let problems sort themselves out.
Art of Witchman
RC Young’s art is probably the biggest highlight of Witchman. It feels vibrant with facial language and the panel work is genuinely interesting. For me the biggest thing that stood out is the two page spreads. They not only have way more detailed art, but they’ve got stylized lettering for big dramatic moments. It’s not only visually impressive, it marks big plot transitions.
One of my personal favorite moments was the action between Witchman and the goblins on a ship. The many panels with simple actions and images like clashing axes, give the impression of a struggle.
These were all from the hardcover books. RC Young actually has this series and another one on Webtoon. The simple transitions and infinite canvas look twice as smooth.
Overall
Witchman is way more than just its surface. On my first read through of the series, it wasn’t the most exciting. At the same time, it’s never boring, the worst thing a comic can be. And I think I know why. It’s not just magic system, it’s not just how goblins operate, it’s not just the art; it’s the passion and love going into it. Young was concerned about rereleasing Witchman until her husband backed her up. Personally I’m glad he did, because hindsight showed just how good it is.
Rowen might look and act very simple, but he’s a very memorable character compared to the rest. He explores the nuances of introversion without beating it over readers’ heads. I’m so used to seeing this trait being a vehicle for awkward jokes that I didn’t realize how fresh the experience was. Rereading everything with this in mind is a way better experience.
The only other barrier is the steep prices. I was at a convention for a fairer price and the trades were still pretty expensive. Personally, I recommend going onto Webtoon to find what to like and then buying the physical stuff.
Overall Witchman gets a rating of 8.5/10. Thanks for coming to the end and as always, remember to look between the panels.