Unlocking the Mysteries of Kell's Potent Shade of Magic

Kell, the main character in the book "A Darker Shade of Magic" by V.E. Schwab, possesses a rare and powerful ability known as Antari magic. This magic allows him to travel between different parallel versions of London, each with its own distinct level of magic. In the story, there are four parallel Londons. Grey London is the version without magic and is similar to our own world.

KG: It’s just like, part of the colors that are being painted, yeah. What can LGBTQ creators do to maximize their representation on the industry?

I hear Netflix brass continue to be high on The Magic Order IP; upon release, the comic became the highest selling new comic-book launch in almost 20 years, with additional volumes coming soon. The biggest change I did was on Madame Albany leather vinyl thing again , and changing the main couple to an interracial couple I hate that term by the way.

Grey London is the version without magic and is similar to our own world. Red London is a vibrant and thriving city abundant with magic where Kell belongs. White London is a brutal and harsh place where magic is fought over and used to maintain power.

Tag: The Magic Order

My name is Chris Allo and I want to welcome you to our ongoing Geeks Out Creator Spotlight. We’re going to be focusing on all of the fantastic LGBTQ+ creators that inhabit the wonderful universe of comic books and graphic storytelling. This feature will be a place where we get to know some of the brightest and most talented queers who put out comics. I will be talking with writers, artists, colorists, letterers, editors and publishers. I want the world out there to know that Queer creators are out there, crafting quality work, telling stories that matter and are a force that won’t be ignored. I hope you enjoy the spotlight.

Fist up is one of the superstars of the comic industry, Olivier Coipel. Coipel has worked for both Marvel and DC. He has worked with some of the biggest writers in the industry. He rebooted the Legion in Legion Lost with Abnett and Lanning and with Brian Bendis he depicted the decimation of the mutants in “House of M.” With Jeff Johns he helped to set up the Avengers for the modern age. He visually re-invigorated the God of Thunder, Thor with, J. Michael Staczynski, and depicted the Unworthy Thor with Matt Fraction. And most recentlyy he co created a new mythos of magicians and crafted some new rules for magic with Mark Millar on the “Magic Order” for Image/Neflix. Hope you enjoy the interview…

Geeks OUT: You started in animation? How was that experience? Any specific projects you worked on?

Olivier Coipel: Yep! Started first doing Animation as an assistant, first for Amblimation in London, for a movie called Balto, then moved to LA to work on The Prince of Egypt and The road to El Dorado for Dreamworks. That was an exciting experience for a lot of reasons, many on a personal level, but also meeting and working with so many talented artists.

GO: How did you transition from animation to comics? Did you have an interest or love in comics?

OC: My first love was drawing, then comics. Working in animation wasn’t really a goal. As a kid-slash-teenager, what I was dreaming about was doing comics. Superhero comics. I was reading them, drawing them… when the opportunity came, it felt logical for me to leave animation to work in comics. At the time when I was working in LA. I was going to San Diego Comic Con. So at some point I prepared a portfolio with some personal drawings and a few pages featuring the X-men to show it to some editors and got the job!

GO: Are there any specific pages, covers or pieces of art that you are really proud of or that you love? I know you did that huge piece of all the Asgardians for Marvel. That is one of my favorite pieces.

OC: Thank you! That was quite a piece I‘m very happy with. Difficult for me to go back and try to remember, it as always related to the feeling, the struggle you had while creating that page-slash-cover… usually I can only think of the recent ones. I’d say the covers for the Magic Order #2 and #5, but I’m also happy with my first issue of Spider-verse… some of my first legion pages because I remember what I went through in my head at that time. And of course some of the Thor pages.

GO: One of your most recent comics projects, The Magic Order, written by Mark Millar, is currently being developed for a series at Netflix. How did you end up connecting with Mark on for this project?

OC: With Mark, it has been a long time (that) we were talking of collaborating on a project. But right after my exclusive contract at Marvel ended I contacted him to check if he was available. I was surprised to get a quick answer! He had that new thing going on with NETFLIX, and told me about The Magic Circle (as it was called at that time) that he had in mind and wanted to develop. They already had a character bible, but told me to change or tweak whatever detail and character I wanted. The biggest change I did was on Madame Albany (leather/vinyl thing again), and changing the main couple to an “interracial” couple (I hate that term by the way).

GO: When it comes to comics, you’ve primarily done work for hire projects at the big two but now you’ve done co-creator owned projects with Millar on the Magic Order. Are you going to continue on more creator owned comics in the future, or is there a chance we’ll be seeing your work on some more mainstream characters you haven’t had the opportunity to draw yet?

OC: I still wanna do creator owned project as well as working again with the “classic” editors at Marvel, DC, Valiant, etc. The market has evolved, and we can do both. My love for some of the superheros I grew up with is still the same.

GO: How has being LGBTQ informed your work?

OC: It doesn’t. Well I don’t think it does It’s not something I keep thinking about while drawing stories; Of course I love drawing male bodies. Spiderman swinging around, legs up (laughs). But I also love drawing female bodies, animals, birds…anything that has organic shape. Maybe in that sense it did. Although I did once in a while, in my career, squeeze (in) a few clues here and there, but just like a game.

GO: As someone who has worked in mainstream comics, what do you think the future of LGBTQ representation looks like there?

OC: I would hope that it wouldn’t be a thing to get a LGBTQ character the main role in a story, but there is still a long way to that. But I wanna see things positively. Things are moving forward, slowly, but moving.

GO: What can LGBTQ creators do to maximize our representation in the industry?

OC: I’m not very comfortable with that question, as I have to admit personally, as a POC, I feel concerned about the representation of POC as much as their sexuality. I can’t focus only on one aspect without thinking about the other. But to answer your question, visibility is the key. Putting more characters in there, you don’t need to play the drums or anything when you have one single character who‘s revealed as being LGBTQ. But just by putting more of “us” out there.

GO: Who is your favorite existing LGBTQ character? Why?

OC: Again I didn’t really care about that aspect back then. My favorite characters didn’t really have sexuality. At least I wasn’t thinking about that aspect. Even today, would I feel different to one fictional character because he’s been revealed as LGBTQ character? Depends on how it is written. One character that comes in mind is Midnighter. Just a badass character, and I guess the leather thing (laughs).

GO: Any hints as to what you might be working on now that The Magic Order is done?

OC: Nope, not yet. There’s a few possibilities, but none have been decided yet. Doing covers for now.

Chris Allo twenty year career in comics and former Talent Manager for Marvel. Avid X-Men fan and proponent for all comic creators

And finally, there is Black London, a mysterious and destroyed world that has been cut off from the others due to its overwhelming and dangerous magic. Kell's magic is unique even among the Antari. While most Antari can only travel between the Londons, Kell possesses the ability to manipulate and control magic itself. He can use his blood to create new spells, heal wounds, and even change the color of items. This makes his shade of magic far more potent than any other Antari. However, Kell's power comes with a price. In order to use his magic, he must draw upon the magical artifacts known as tokens. These tokens act as vessels for his power and without them, he is unable to fully tap into his abilities. Kell must be careful with his magic, as using too much or abusing its power can have dire consequences. Throughout the story, Kell's power and shade of magic become both a blessing and a curse. It sets him apart from others and makes him a target for those who desire his abilities. Kell's journey involves navigating the dangers and political games of the different Londons, all while attempting to protect himself and those he cares about from the dark forces that seek to control his power. In conclusion, Kell's more potent shade of magic sets him apart and makes him a powerful and unique character in the world of "A Darker Shade of Magic". His abilities allow him to travel between worlds and manipulate magic, but also make him a target for those who desire his power. Kell's journey involves embracing and mastering his abilities, all while navigating a dangerous and treacherous world..

Reviews for "Kell's More Potent Shade of Magic: A Catalyst for Conflict and Adventure"

1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "Kell with a more potent shade of magic" because I had enjoyed the first book in the series. However, I found this installment to be quite disappointing. The pacing felt off, with long stretches of slow-moving plot and then sudden bursts of action that felt rushed. Additionally, I felt that the character development was lacking. Kell, who was such a complex and interesting character in the first book, felt one-dimensional and predictable in this one. Overall, I was let down by this sequel and don't think it lived up to the hype.

2. John - 3/5 - While "Kell with a more potent shade of magic" had its moments, I found it to be a bit underwhelming compared to the first book in the series. The story felt scattered and disjointed, with multiple subplots that didn't always come together in a satisfying way. I also felt that the world-building, which was so rich and immersive in the first book, was somewhat lacking in this one. The magic system felt underdeveloped, and I didn't feel as connected to the different London's as I did before. Overall, it was an okay read, but it didn't capture my attention like the first book did.

3. Emily - 2/5 - As a fan of the first book in the series, I had high hopes for "Kell with a more potent shade of magic," but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The plot felt repetitive and predictable, with many elements feeling like they were simply rehashed from the first book. The pacing was also an issue for me, with long stretches of slow-moving story and then sudden bursts of action that felt forced. I also found it hard to connect with the characters in this installment. Overall, I was disappointed and felt that this book didn't bring anything new or exciting to the series.

Understanding the Consequences of Kell's Potent Shade of Magic