Madame Xanadu #22
When this series first started I predicted it would last ten or eleven issues before being cancelled. Don’t get me wrong, I think Madame Xanadu is a wonderful character and I have enjoyed many of her previous appearances but I just did not see how she could carry her own ongoing series. Well, I’m happy to admit I was dead wrong. Madame Xanadu is now on issue number twenty-two and each and every one of them has been a winner.
Before I go any farther, let me say that if you are looking for your typical superhero action/adventure story then this series is not for you. Yes, it’s true that even though this series is published under the Vertigo banner it is still firmly set is a very recognizable DC universe. I mean we have already seen the Phantom Stranger, Sandman and the Martian Manhunter. Also, a number of other well known characters such as the Spectre, Dr. Fate and The Demon Etrigan have been mentioned or alluded to. There is also a pretty fair amount of action as well but the action and the exploits of the characters I just mentioned are all more subdued. You just are not going to get Wolverine fighting a dozen ninjas or Superman slugging it out with Darkseid in this series. SPOILER WARNING The action in this issue is much more typical, Martian Manhunter in his guise of detective John Jones, is helping Madame Xanadu battle her evil sister Morgana and her cult of misguided followers. END SPOILER WARNING In this issue, like the series overall, writer Matt Wagner delivers a gem. The evils Madame Xanadu confronts are monstrous but by keeping the action subdued and the conflicts on a more personal level Matt Wagner is able to strike just the right cord.
While, a new reader could jump into the series with this issue and still be able to both understand what is going on and enjoy it. I still advise against doing that. The reason, I advise against it, is because why miss any of this excellent series. Start with the first trade paperback, a real bargain at $12.99 for the entire first storyline, which was ten issues long. That works out to be just a little over a dollar an issue. After that, move on to the second trade and then start picking up the single issues. If you don’t want to follow my advice and you just want to start with this issue I think you will be short changing yourself but you still will not be disappointed. SPOILER WARNING Be sure and keep your eyes open for Madame Xanadu’s confusion over detective Jones’ many abilities. Since she can detect magically abilities and she does not sense any in him she just can’t fathom how he can do all the things he does. END SPOILER WARNING In the end, all I can say is I’ve never been happier to be so wrong about anything. If Madame Xanadu continues to be this good I see know reason why this series could not continue for years to come.
Keith Forney