What do you think?
Rate this book
The Castoffs #1-4
The Castoffs, V.1: Mage Against the Machine
It's Mage against the Machine! Magic vs technology in Roar's newest graphic novel. When three apprentice mages are sent to help a neighboring guild, they reignite a decades-old war with a robot army that has destroyed the world.
119 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2017
4 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Reed
42 books27 followersMK Reed is the writer of Americus, The Cute Girl Network, Palefire, and Science Comics: Dinosaurs. She draws a web-comic adaptation of Irish mythology, About a Bull. MK lives with her very tall husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 15, 2021
If you disregard the chaotic mess that was the prologue, this was a relatively adequate introduction to a fantasy world that was an unoriginal blend of magic and machinery.
The trio were not a good team. Charris was rude the entire time, Trinh was too meek and Ursa was sneaky. Still, their combination of magic abilities were interesting to see together. The action was pretty much non-existent until the end and the pacing was all off, making the resolution rushed. There was potential, but quite frankly not much and so I probably won’t bother to continue reading this series, although in all likelihood it probably gets better from here on out...
The trio were not a good team. Charris was rude the entire time, Trinh was too meek and Ursa was sneaky. Still, their combination of magic abilities were interesting to see together. The action was pretty much non-existent until the end and the pacing was all off, making the resolution rushed. There was potential, but quite frankly not much and so I probably won’t bother to continue reading this series, although in all likelihood it probably gets better from here on out...
December 11, 2017
*** Note: I received ARC of this book from the publishers, in exchange of an honest review. I am glad I got a chance to read this book. ***
Honestly this is my first comic and as first timer, I liked it. I thought it will be just okay bur as I read, I liked it. This was different experience than picture book where graphic said the story itself and I would love to read more in this genre.
This was a graphic novel about mage vs machines, magic vs technology. It was about three diverse trio on mission with different powers, about trust building, working in team, and never underestimate other.
Characters-
Ursa was fun loving, jolly minded with healing power. But there was more about this character, she had hidden talent that was revealed later.
Trinh was timid and amenable with invisibility and destruction power. Destruction was more like happening with her all the time and less of power.
Charris was only in group who was fighter and had travelling experience. She had attitude problem and less amenable with her 2 companion but over the time she learned to work with them.
What I liked-
I loved the concept of magic vs technology and magicians vs human inventions and lesson at the end of the book. The greed of humans for power that destroyed everything. Post-apocalyptic world was created very thoughtfully and with thorough detail in just few pages. I loved the way it was explained during the campfire night of three brave apprentice.
I loved characters in the book and their gradual development in the story. Most likable about them was they were diverse female characters, coming from 3 different background of guild and their powers was most fascinating.
The art was very beautiful and colorful, I loved that solo figures of main characters. Action scenes in the beginning and climax was thrilling and interesting, at some point it was confusing though where exactly- the beginning. Suspense of the book was great and it was fun to read bickering between the characters.
It ended with cliffhanger and this series very long. If I got chance I sure would love to continue the series.
why not 5 stars-
It was sad that I couldn’t know more about the characters / mages fought machines in the beginning. The fight was confusing without much intro of those characters. Rest was good.
Overall, fun interesting, fast paced, action pack dystopian, science-fiction, post-apocalyptic comic that everyone would love to read.
Honestly this is my first comic and as first timer, I liked it. I thought it will be just okay bur as I read, I liked it. This was different experience than picture book where graphic said the story itself and I would love to read more in this genre.
This was a graphic novel about mage vs machines, magic vs technology. It was about three diverse trio on mission with different powers, about trust building, working in team, and never underestimate other.
Characters-
Ursa was fun loving, jolly minded with healing power. But there was more about this character, she had hidden talent that was revealed later.
Trinh was timid and amenable with invisibility and destruction power. Destruction was more like happening with her all the time and less of power.
Charris was only in group who was fighter and had travelling experience. She had attitude problem and less amenable with her 2 companion but over the time she learned to work with them.
What I liked-
I loved the concept of magic vs technology and magicians vs human inventions and lesson at the end of the book. The greed of humans for power that destroyed everything. Post-apocalyptic world was created very thoughtfully and with thorough detail in just few pages. I loved the way it was explained during the campfire night of three brave apprentice.
I loved characters in the book and their gradual development in the story. Most likable about them was they were diverse female characters, coming from 3 different background of guild and their powers was most fascinating.
The art was very beautiful and colorful, I loved that solo figures of main characters. Action scenes in the beginning and climax was thrilling and interesting, at some point it was confusing though where exactly- the beginning. Suspense of the book was great and it was fun to read bickering between the characters.
It ended with cliffhanger and this series very long. If I got chance I sure would love to continue the series.
why not 5 stars-
It was sad that I couldn’t know more about the characters / mages fought machines in the beginning. The fight was confusing without much intro of those characters. Rest was good.
Overall, fun interesting, fast paced, action pack dystopian, science-fiction, post-apocalyptic comic that everyone would love to read.
August 30, 2021
A few rough parts with the drama in the group. The prologue was had an awful lot of characters to keep track of and very few of them have been relevant so far. But I like the characters and their powers as well as the world history. I would keep reading this series.
February 6, 2017
I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Three ill-suited companions uncover a far-reaching intrigue when sent on a simple errand.
This opening volume of The Castoffs seems like it will be a welcome addition to the collection of graphic novels being released that feature strong female protagonists and characters from diverse backgrounds. The story opens on a historical battle between mages and "surrogates" - machines that were created to assist humanity but have caused chaos and carnage. Our three protagonists, Charris, Ursa and Thrinh, are from a later period in history, when the use of technology has been largely abandoned and mages are free - mostly - to use their skills. The three young women are chosen to fulfill what seems to be a simple delivery job, but on arriving at their destination it becomes apparent that there is much more afoot than the trivial errand on which they were sent.
Cue the discovery of a resurgence of surrogate use and the difficult decisions that follow: do the girls attempt to put down the uprising alone or return to the Guild for help? Can the three get along for long enough to obtain a result? And what skills are some of the girls hiding and why?
After a start that didn't exactly draw me in, I warmed to the characters and became absorbed in the intrigue unfolding before them. The bickering between the girls was by turns amusing and irritating, but by the end of the book most of that had been put aside in favour of interesting reveals and kick-ass magic skills. I think this will greatly appeal to readers of graphic novels aimed at the YA market, as well as those who just love a good story featuring magic versus technology. The diverse female protagonists will also be a drawcard for those specifically seeking out wide representation in their reads.
Overall, this was a promising, action-packed start to the series and I am interested to see where some of the cliffhanger plot points go from here.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Three ill-suited companions uncover a far-reaching intrigue when sent on a simple errand.
This opening volume of The Castoffs seems like it will be a welcome addition to the collection of graphic novels being released that feature strong female protagonists and characters from diverse backgrounds. The story opens on a historical battle between mages and "surrogates" - machines that were created to assist humanity but have caused chaos and carnage. Our three protagonists, Charris, Ursa and Thrinh, are from a later period in history, when the use of technology has been largely abandoned and mages are free - mostly - to use their skills. The three young women are chosen to fulfill what seems to be a simple delivery job, but on arriving at their destination it becomes apparent that there is much more afoot than the trivial errand on which they were sent.
Cue the discovery of a resurgence of surrogate use and the difficult decisions that follow: do the girls attempt to put down the uprising alone or return to the Guild for help? Can the three get along for long enough to obtain a result? And what skills are some of the girls hiding and why?
After a start that didn't exactly draw me in, I warmed to the characters and became absorbed in the intrigue unfolding before them. The bickering between the girls was by turns amusing and irritating, but by the end of the book most of that had been put aside in favour of interesting reveals and kick-ass magic skills. I think this will greatly appeal to readers of graphic novels aimed at the YA market, as well as those who just love a good story featuring magic versus technology. The diverse female protagonists will also be a drawcard for those specifically seeking out wide representation in their reads.
Overall, this was a promising, action-packed start to the series and I am interested to see where some of the cliffhanger plot points go from here.
February 26, 2017
I received the digital copy from NetGalley as an exchange for honest review.
The first few pages are as promising as the shape of dragon fruit, but when you peel the skin and eat it, it's tasteless. Actually, that's what I think about the taste of every dragon fruit.
Ew.
Complex diversity and badass females against the machine? Mage? Sign me thehell up!
But then,
High expectation would be written under the RIP of my grave. Seriously, what the heck?
How is this book supposed to be pro feminist when they cannot even cooperate? The characters keep arguing over dumb stuffs and I swear to God the three of them are equally ignorant.
I'm going to tell it in a simple way: Three females of apprentice (their names are Trish, Cherise--or Cherry?--and the other one I completely forgot) are sent by a woman named Lada who holds the authority of where they live at to a mission. They're going to a village which the villagers are suddenly disappear.
After the engrossing opening which the character are straight fighting with the machine, this graphic novel is no enticing. We'll be served with annoying protagonists (How the hell someone is being labeled as protagonist meanwhile their action is the total opposite? Is it because they defeat the real enemy? Sigh.) and good graphic but not so pleasing.
I like the simplicity of the animation but it almost makes me confused because at some panels,
From the pdf I received, the first few pages are not colored. NOT COLORED. I'm just.,.,.,okay.......
So, I think that's my reason of why I took longer time to finish this one.
The first few pages are as promising as the shape of dragon fruit, but when you peel the skin and eat it, it's tasteless. Actually, that's what I think about the taste of every dragon fruit.
Ew.
Complex diversity and badass females against the machine? Mage? Sign me the
But then,
High expectation would be written under the RIP of my grave.
How is this book supposed to be pro feminist when they cannot even cooperate? The characters keep arguing over dumb stuffs and I swear to God the three of them are equally ignorant.
I'm going to tell it in a simple way: Three females of apprentice (their names are Trish, Cherise--or Cherry?--and the other one I completely forgot) are sent by a woman named Lada who holds the authority of where they live at to a mission. They're going to a village which the villagers are suddenly disappear.
After the engrossing opening which the character are straight fighting with the machine, this graphic novel is no enticing. We'll be served with annoying protagonists (How the hell someone is being labeled as protagonist meanwhile their action is the total opposite? Is it because they defeat the real enemy? Sigh.) and good graphic but not so pleasing.
I like the simplicity of the animation but it almost makes me confused because at some panels,
From the pdf I received, the first few pages are not colored. NOT COLORED. I'm just.,.,.,okay.......
So, I think that's my reason of why I took longer time to finish this one.
July 28, 2023
Mage Against the Machine features two very different stories: a prologue that introduces a fascinating world of mages versus technology and a longer story about a trio of young mages off to investigate strange disappearances in a nearby town. Of course, the second story takes place in the setting of the first, but after you read the action-packed prologue, the following 100 pages seem rather dull in comparison.
Following the characters and their gradual development is pleasant enough - they bicker at first, but come together at the end. They also have unique mage skills, which are interesting to dissect. Their story is just so slow, though, compared to the initial battle scene. Even the climax is meh by comparison and it's another battle! It also doesn't help that the prologue art seemed much more skillful and complex than the art in the rest of the book. Overall, a strong start followed by a weak, long denouement. I hope future volumes pick up where the prologue left off.
Following the characters and their gradual development is pleasant enough - they bicker at first, but come together at the end. They also have unique mage skills, which are interesting to dissect. Their story is just so slow, though, compared to the initial battle scene. Even the climax is meh by comparison and it's another battle! It also doesn't help that the prologue art seemed much more skillful and complex than the art in the rest of the book. Overall, a strong start followed by a weak, long denouement. I hope future volumes pick up where the prologue left off.
October 1, 2017
Twenty years after the war between magic and machines was fought to an uneasy standstill, three apprentice mages are sent to investigate mysterious memory loss afflicting a town. Charris, Trinh and Ursa each have powers that could come in handy, but they don't know, like, or trust each other, which makes their journey all the more dangerous.
I really love the character designs of the mages. The art is a little too clumsy for me, though. I couldn't always tell what was going on, particularly in action scenes like the prologue and climax.
I really love the character designs of the mages. The art is a little too clumsy for me, though. I couldn't always tell what was going on, particularly in action scenes like the prologue and climax.
November 15, 2017
Three apprentice mages are sent on a routine trip to deliver medicinal potions to a neighboring city, but the townspeople are in trouble and only these three uniquely talented magicians can save the people. Saving them without starting another war with the machines might be difficult though.
I liked all three of the girl mages in this book! They have secrets and hidden talents, and a whole lot of snark and conflict in their group, but eventually they learn to trust and respect each other through their perilous journey.
I enjoyed the colorful artwork and interesting plot! I want to keep reading this graphic novel series!
I liked all three of the girl mages in this book! They have secrets and hidden talents, and a whole lot of snark and conflict in their group, but eventually they learn to trust and respect each other through their perilous journey.
I enjoyed the colorful artwork and interesting plot! I want to keep reading this graphic novel series!
June 4, 2017
The Castoffs started interesting enough where it did get me interested enough to keep reading but at about the half way I just really lost interest the characters aren't that interesting and one of them I found pretty annoying. After struggling a bit through it I finally finished and I was left very uninterested in reading more.
As for the art I dug it it was a little rough around the edges but still good.
As for the art I dug it it was a little rough around the edges but still good.
November 16, 2017
Great art, but a messy story. There's an interesting combo of magic and technology, but not enough world building to really draw me into the universe and the world. Writing this review a few weeks after I read the book, I can barely remember the plot or the characters. Probably a fun, fast read for YA, but it has a lot of work to do before it's a decent series.
September 17, 2021
I got this on a whim, I wasn't even sure what it was about but it was a free borrow from my library and I was on a graphic novel borrowing spree... In the end this might have been my favourite of the five or so graphic novels I read throughout August.
Happy Accident.
Happy Accident.
October 11, 2025
3.5 rounded up
all three of the main characters are all kinda mean to each other for essentially the whole story, and they don’t ask enough questions when confronted with strange things like that mage????
Evil is my favorite character
all three of the main characters are all kinda mean to each other for essentially the whole story, and they don’t ask enough questions when confronted with strange things like that mage????
Evil is my favorite character
May 10, 2018
Well colour me delighted and EXTREMELY interested in what comes next.
September 13, 2021
I enjoyed the girl power in this one and the story was quite unique. Nice art and colouring. I will likely pick up the next volume.
August 1, 2017
A fun graphic novel. I really liked the artwork. The story threw you into the middle of quite a story and I'm interested to read more!
March 29, 2017
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Well, you want an honest opinion? -0.5 stars for the fact the first 24 pages are BRIGHT YELLOW. Ouch.
0.5 since once again (not the first time I read comics/graphic novels) you get thrown into the action without any effing clue on what is going on. Ohh, there battling? People are dying and reviving? Someone just flew away? A whole city is decimated? Whut? Whut? Whut? Not a good start people. Not a good start. I don't mind getting into the action, but please, PLEASE explain what is going on. Oh and then we time skip? Or time forward? God, I have no clue. It seems to be a time skip back before our group got together for realsies. It would have been nice if that would have been mentioned when it happened. Something like x weeks/months before.
Also why didn't they notice it when their fish got eaten?
Now that I completely finished it... I am still utterly confused by a lot of things. For one, what did those BRIGHT YELLOW 24 pages have to do with the story, is that something that will come back in the later volumes? Or is it just some kind of mysterious dream sequence that people oh so like?
I also didn't like the "healer" girl. If only she had been honest about a few things, well, OK, maybe the biggest two would be about her healing, and about her other power. Why did she think it was such a bright idea to use that on her team member? What did she think would happen when she was found out? *sighs*
I think out of the whole crew I liked the ghost girl the most. She was fun, interesting, and really helped out a lot even though she didn't look like it.
The warrior girl? Meh. She was pretty OK, but I didn't like how she reacted at times, like she was so much better than anyone.
The art was really good though, I love the style and I love how the characters were drawn. Definitely one of my favourite parts of the book. :P
But yeah, confusing story, weird start, there is still a lot of work to do with the layout/format (as there were unfinished things everywhere), but pretty OK characters, interesting idea (seems a mix of robots vs magic), great art.
So in total I will be rating this one 3.5 stars.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
Well, you want an honest opinion? -0.5 stars for the fact the first 24 pages are BRIGHT YELLOW. Ouch.
0.5 since once again (not the first time I read comics/graphic novels) you get thrown into the action without any effing clue on what is going on. Ohh, there battling? People are dying and reviving? Someone just flew away? A whole city is decimated? Whut? Whut? Whut? Not a good start people. Not a good start. I don't mind getting into the action, but please, PLEASE explain what is going on. Oh and then we time skip? Or time forward? God, I have no clue. It seems to be a time skip back before our group got together for realsies. It would have been nice if that would have been mentioned when it happened. Something like x weeks/months before.
Also why didn't they notice it when their fish got eaten?
Now that I completely finished it... I am still utterly confused by a lot of things. For one, what did those BRIGHT YELLOW 24 pages have to do with the story, is that something that will come back in the later volumes? Or is it just some kind of mysterious dream sequence that people oh so like?
I also didn't like the "healer" girl. If only she had been honest about a few things, well, OK, maybe the biggest two would be about her healing, and about her other power. Why did she think it was such a bright idea to use that on her team member? What did she think would happen when she was found out? *sighs*
I think out of the whole crew I liked the ghost girl the most. She was fun, interesting, and really helped out a lot even though she didn't look like it.
The warrior girl? Meh. She was pretty OK, but I didn't like how she reacted at times, like she was so much better than anyone.
The art was really good though, I love the style and I love how the characters were drawn. Definitely one of my favourite parts of the book. :P
But yeah, confusing story, weird start, there is still a lot of work to do with the layout/format (as there were unfinished things everywhere), but pretty OK characters, interesting idea (seems a mix of robots vs magic), great art.
So in total I will be rating this one 3.5 stars.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
August 4, 2017
Oh, no.
I feel bad giving this as low of a rating as I did. Not only is their wonderful diversity (and I don't think the women not getting along makes it anti-feminist, guys, what the fuck - women can dislike each other, you know), but it's drawn by a comic artist I really admire. Molly Ostertag is the creator of Strong Female Protagonist, which is a webcomic everyone should go out and read right now, because it's amazing. Astounding.
So, so much better than this was.
The worldbuilding hints at something I'd be interested in; the characters are, individually, pretty neat. The way magic is handled could be cool. I like the fancy bag of holding. Buuuuuuut I didn't care a little bit about the story, the pacing was terrible, and the dialogue was not very good; this isn't written by Ostertag, just drawn, and it shows. It's lacking everything I enjoyed about SFP. There's no depth. It wasn't bad, exactly - it was just... forgettable. If it improves in the next volume, this could be a great series, but as it is now, I wouldn't spend my money on it.
What I'm saying is, hey, Ostertag! Take over writing this - it'll be great!
I feel bad giving this as low of a rating as I did. Not only is their wonderful diversity (and I don't think the women not getting along makes it anti-feminist, guys, what the fuck - women can dislike each other, you know), but it's drawn by a comic artist I really admire. Molly Ostertag is the creator of Strong Female Protagonist, which is a webcomic everyone should go out and read right now, because it's amazing. Astounding.
So, so much better than this was.
The worldbuilding hints at something I'd be interested in; the characters are, individually, pretty neat. The way magic is handled could be cool. I like the fancy bag of holding. Buuuuuuut I didn't care a little bit about the story, the pacing was terrible, and the dialogue was not very good; this isn't written by Ostertag, just drawn, and it shows. It's lacking everything I enjoyed about SFP. There's no depth. It wasn't bad, exactly - it was just... forgettable. If it improves in the next volume, this could be a great series, but as it is now, I wouldn't spend my money on it.
What I'm saying is, hey, Ostertag! Take over writing this - it'll be great!
September 26, 2017
A neat SF/fantasy blend, featuring magic and killer robots.
September 4, 2017
*I received a copy of this graphic novel from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.*
I received a copy of The Castoffs Vol. 1: Mage Against the Machine by MK Reed and Brian Smith from the publisher quite unexpectedly. This is a fun, engaging graphic novel with great characters who grow immensely throughout the story.
The graphic novel opens during a battle. Mages with varying magical powers are locked in battle with large robot-like things. And there seems to be no winner in this battle. The rest of the story takes place twenty years later. Characters have grown older, the main character of chapter one now teaching young mages. Not too far away strange things start happening, the townspeople start experiencing memory loss, losing hours at a time. Three students are sent to the city, but what they find isn’t exactly what they expected.
This is a fun graphic novel with lots of energy and spirit, the sort of story that you just enjoy. While not genre defining, it was tons of fun with a great cast of characters I came to love.
The first chapter is, in essence, a flashback. Characters introduced are, by and large, not included in the rest of the volume. Those which are included are older now, no longer fighting but teaching the younger generation. Despite this disconnect with the characters of the first chapter and the characters of the rest of the work, I think this method worked in the graphic novel’s favor. A great deal of world building is dealt with quickly and efficiently. The pacing doesn’t slow later within the volume, instead allowing the story to take its natural course. By the time we are introduced to the ‘true’ main characters, we have a firm grasp of the world, some of its politic, and the sort of magic being used.
The majority of the story follows three students of magic who are sent on a mission to a village not so far away from their place of learning on a mission. Strange happening have been going on in this town, the local doctor reporting multiple people coming to him complaining of memory loss. Whole hours are vanishing at a time, something which is rather abnormal and almost certainly magical in nature. Three students, none of them friends, are tasked with visiting this town to learn more and provide assistance.
The main characters were all rather likable. Charris, Trihn, and Ursa are some of the better teenage characters I’ve read about recently. Each one felt their age. They were not too whiny or felt younger than their years. Nor were they much more mature than their circumstances and age would dictate. As the trio sets out on their journey, contention arises. Secrets are kept and rivalries are born. Despite seeming as standard fare and pretty par for the course, this contention is quite believable, fitting the character’s abilities, personalities and motivations very well. Human fears and the history we see earlier in the volume plays into this, as does the tenseness of the situation the girls find themselves in. All of the various complications between the characters are wrapped up, if not neatly then understandably. Each character grows throughout the text, learning from their flaws.
The art is bright and colorful. Battle scenes are exciting, with movement drawing the eye across the page. Quieter scenes tend to have less background. In particular, dialogue scenes which occur while traveling to or from the main character’s destination have very sparsely detailed backgrounds to having no background at all except a large swath of color. Upon my initial read through I found I didn’t notice this at all, in part because the dialogue flows very well and my attention was more focused on their facial expressions. I only noticed this upon a second a skimming. While it doesn’t detract from the story at all, perhaps adding to the direction of focus on the character’s themselves, it is still interesting to note.
The magical abilities of the girls are quite varied, some of which aren’t as readily seen in protagonists or main characters as others. Powers very often seen in antagonists or else who’s faults are oft warned against in genre literature are show in a grayer light. The pros and cons are both visible, and create an interesting dialogue.
This graphic novel was a fun story of magic and technology. With a great starting off point, there is plenty of potential further volumes. This is a series I am definitely looking forward to continuing with.
This review originally found on Looking Glass Reads.
I received a copy of The Castoffs Vol. 1: Mage Against the Machine by MK Reed and Brian Smith from the publisher quite unexpectedly. This is a fun, engaging graphic novel with great characters who grow immensely throughout the story.
The graphic novel opens during a battle. Mages with varying magical powers are locked in battle with large robot-like things. And there seems to be no winner in this battle. The rest of the story takes place twenty years later. Characters have grown older, the main character of chapter one now teaching young mages. Not too far away strange things start happening, the townspeople start experiencing memory loss, losing hours at a time. Three students are sent to the city, but what they find isn’t exactly what they expected.
This is a fun graphic novel with lots of energy and spirit, the sort of story that you just enjoy. While not genre defining, it was tons of fun with a great cast of characters I came to love.
The first chapter is, in essence, a flashback. Characters introduced are, by and large, not included in the rest of the volume. Those which are included are older now, no longer fighting but teaching the younger generation. Despite this disconnect with the characters of the first chapter and the characters of the rest of the work, I think this method worked in the graphic novel’s favor. A great deal of world building is dealt with quickly and efficiently. The pacing doesn’t slow later within the volume, instead allowing the story to take its natural course. By the time we are introduced to the ‘true’ main characters, we have a firm grasp of the world, some of its politic, and the sort of magic being used.
The majority of the story follows three students of magic who are sent on a mission to a village not so far away from their place of learning on a mission. Strange happening have been going on in this town, the local doctor reporting multiple people coming to him complaining of memory loss. Whole hours are vanishing at a time, something which is rather abnormal and almost certainly magical in nature. Three students, none of them friends, are tasked with visiting this town to learn more and provide assistance.
The main characters were all rather likable. Charris, Trihn, and Ursa are some of the better teenage characters I’ve read about recently. Each one felt their age. They were not too whiny or felt younger than their years. Nor were they much more mature than their circumstances and age would dictate. As the trio sets out on their journey, contention arises. Secrets are kept and rivalries are born. Despite seeming as standard fare and pretty par for the course, this contention is quite believable, fitting the character’s abilities, personalities and motivations very well. Human fears and the history we see earlier in the volume plays into this, as does the tenseness of the situation the girls find themselves in. All of the various complications between the characters are wrapped up, if not neatly then understandably. Each character grows throughout the text, learning from their flaws.
The art is bright and colorful. Battle scenes are exciting, with movement drawing the eye across the page. Quieter scenes tend to have less background. In particular, dialogue scenes which occur while traveling to or from the main character’s destination have very sparsely detailed backgrounds to having no background at all except a large swath of color. Upon my initial read through I found I didn’t notice this at all, in part because the dialogue flows very well and my attention was more focused on their facial expressions. I only noticed this upon a second a skimming. While it doesn’t detract from the story at all, perhaps adding to the direction of focus on the character’s themselves, it is still interesting to note.
The magical abilities of the girls are quite varied, some of which aren’t as readily seen in protagonists or main characters as others. Powers very often seen in antagonists or else who’s faults are oft warned against in genre literature are show in a grayer light. The pros and cons are both visible, and create an interesting dialogue.
This graphic novel was a fun story of magic and technology. With a great starting off point, there is plenty of potential further volumes. This is a series I am definitely looking forward to continuing with.
This review originally found on Looking Glass Reads.
February 21, 2017
Clever subtitle.
All black and yellow to start as a group of semi-super fighters take on killer bots destroying what looks to be a European town. Soon enough it switches to a full color fantasy where a healer in a far-off land asks for help when people are losing their memories. She sends three students to help, with the warrior always bickering, the scout too insecure to say anything, and the healer surreptitiously controlling the warrior with her inside voice. When they’ve figured out why they were chosen for this mission they quit their bickering and go all Wonder Twins—or Triplets, in this case—powers, activate!
There’s some good stuff, like the history lesson around the campfire, and more importantly some sly humor; “Why am I getting licked?” Wrong potion, happens all the time. My favorite part was “You have your dad’s eyes.” Talk about an easy distraction, like “Luke, I am your father.” But I’m not a fan of all that squabbling, so that even when they got it through their heads to work together I was already disliking them too much.
All black and yellow to start as a group of semi-super fighters take on killer bots destroying what looks to be a European town. Soon enough it switches to a full color fantasy where a healer in a far-off land asks for help when people are losing their memories. She sends three students to help, with the warrior always bickering, the scout too insecure to say anything, and the healer surreptitiously controlling the warrior with her inside voice. When they’ve figured out why they were chosen for this mission they quit their bickering and go all Wonder Twins—or Triplets, in this case—powers, activate!
There’s some good stuff, like the history lesson around the campfire, and more importantly some sly humor; “Why am I getting licked?” Wrong potion, happens all the time. My favorite part was “You have your dad’s eyes.” Talk about an easy distraction, like “Luke, I am your father.” But I’m not a fan of all that squabbling, so that even when they got it through their heads to work together I was already disliking them too much.
May 21, 2017
To read this entire review, visit my book blog, So Few Books, at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2017/...!
The first several pages of this graphic novel are totally confusing and disorienting... [T]he story begins in the midst of a great battle with a bunch of protagonists that we don’t know... I didn’t have a clue what was going on or who was doing what.
...The three main individuals of the tale - Charris, Trinh and Ursa – all have very different appearances, personalities and abilities. All of which help make them distinguishable characters. But none of them is exactly what they seem when the story begins...
The ending is rather confusing, and is definitely a cliff-hanger. However, I am sure that more will be revealed in later editions of the series, and I can’t wait to read them to see how the characters and their story unfold.
I received an eGalley copy of this title from NetGalley and have willingly provided an honest review.
The first several pages of this graphic novel are totally confusing and disorienting... [T]he story begins in the midst of a great battle with a bunch of protagonists that we don’t know... I didn’t have a clue what was going on or who was doing what.
...The three main individuals of the tale - Charris, Trinh and Ursa – all have very different appearances, personalities and abilities. All of which help make them distinguishable characters. But none of them is exactly what they seem when the story begins...
The ending is rather confusing, and is definitely a cliff-hanger. However, I am sure that more will be revealed in later editions of the series, and I can’t wait to read them to see how the characters and their story unfold.
I received an eGalley copy of this title from NetGalley and have willingly provided an honest review.
August 20, 2017
'The Castoffs, Volume 1' by MK Reed and Brian Smith with art by Molly Ostertag was a bit confusing to me, but since my review copy had 25 missing pages, I'll assume maybe that's where some of the missing narrative went.
25 years have passed since the mages fought the giant robots and the mages have won. Now the remains of the giant hulking machines can still be found lying around. Into this world, we are introduced to a trio of young mages who are sent on a mission to a town named Clifton where people are forgetting things. The three are very different and they need to learn to get along.
It's a good enough young reader story. There is a cover blurb comparing it to Lumberjanes, and I guess I can see that comparison as far as audience goes. The art is good and the coloring works very well. It's a big world that seems barely tapped even though this is a complete story.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge/Roar, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
25 years have passed since the mages fought the giant robots and the mages have won. Now the remains of the giant hulking machines can still be found lying around. Into this world, we are introduced to a trio of young mages who are sent on a mission to a town named Clifton where people are forgetting things. The three are very different and they need to learn to get along.
It's a good enough young reader story. There is a cover blurb comparing it to Lumberjanes, and I guess I can see that comparison as far as audience goes. The art is good and the coloring works very well. It's a big world that seems barely tapped even though this is a complete story.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge/Roar, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
November 14, 2017
Actual rating - 2.5 stars. I like the IDEA behind this graphic novel -- a world that has been destroyed because "normal" people were so afraid of mages that they decided to build giant machines to try to be just as powerful as the mages were. They did this as a way of sort of taking back the power and putting themselves on equal footing with the mages, but the machines became too powerful. They destroyed life as people knew it, and mages were all but destroyed from the earth. They had to remove themselves to the very outskirts of reality and make lives for themselves there.
As I said, I like the idea behind the story in theory. In practice... it is less good. The idea was great; the execution leaves something to be desired. The opening of the story is really jumbled and unclear. Once you finally get the idea of what is going on, it is a little better, but the story is very trite and does not have a lot of detail. I think it would be a good story for kids... maybe pre-teens? As an adult, however, it wasn't that great for me.
As I said, I like the idea behind the story in theory. In practice... it is less good. The idea was great; the execution leaves something to be desired. The opening of the story is really jumbled and unclear. Once you finally get the idea of what is going on, it is a little better, but the story is very trite and does not have a lot of detail. I think it would be a good story for kids... maybe pre-teens? As an adult, however, it wasn't that great for me.
November 14, 2017
This comic certainly had the potential to be amazing. Strong female characters, diversity, mage vs. machines, an X-Men feel. But, it didn't hook me. First off, the first 30ish pages were beyond confusing. I didn't know who was who (still don't, since we only see one of those characters again), what was going on, and for a couple pages there, I thought I was supposed to be seeing things from a certain character POV. It was messy.
Plus, I didn't like any of the characters. The three main girls, Charris, Ursa, and Trinah, all really annoyed me. They were sent on a mission by the head mage women (or so I think she's the head mage women) to take potions to this doctor because his patients were getting sick and forgetting hours at a time. They argued the entire trip over ridiculous things. It drove me crazy.
As much as I didn't like the writing, I love the artwork. It was vibrant and just really cool. I may read the next volume to see if the writing improves... We shall see...
Plus, I didn't like any of the characters. The three main girls, Charris, Ursa, and Trinah, all really annoyed me. They were sent on a mission by the head mage women (or so I think she's the head mage women) to take potions to this doctor because his patients were getting sick and forgetting hours at a time. They argued the entire trip over ridiculous things. It drove me crazy.
As much as I didn't like the writing, I love the artwork. It was vibrant and just really cool. I may read the next volume to see if the writing improves... We shall see...
September 26, 2018
Mage Against the Machine features two very different stories: a prologue that introduces a fascinating world of mages versus technology and a longer story about a trio of young mages off to investigate strange disappearances in a nearby town. Of course, the second story takes place in the setting of the first, but after you read the action-packed prologue, the following 100 pages seem rather dull in comparison.
Following the characters and their gradual development is pleasant enough - they bicker at first, but come together at the end. They also have unique mage skills, which are interesting to dissect. Their story is just so slow, though, compared to the initial battle scene. Even the climax is meh by comparison and it's another battle! It also doesn't help that the prologue art seemed much more skillful and complex than the art in the rest of the book. Overall, a strong start followed by a weak, long denouement. I hope future volumes pick up where the prologue left off.
Following the characters and their gradual development is pleasant enough - they bicker at first, but come together at the end. They also have unique mage skills, which are interesting to dissect. Their story is just so slow, though, compared to the initial battle scene. Even the climax is meh by comparison and it's another battle! It also doesn't help that the prologue art seemed much more skillful and complex than the art in the rest of the book. Overall, a strong start followed by a weak, long denouement. I hope future volumes pick up where the prologue left off.
November 18, 2017
Three apprentice mages travel to a neighboring village and end up in the middle of the old-war, magic versus technology. The story is very interesting, fantasy and science fiction together. I think it incorporates both fantasy and science fiction elements very well.
Friendship, cute pets and a diverse cast of characters.
Charris is bold and sometimes a little arrogant, Trinh is sweet and loyal, and Ursa is a badass black girl. They have very different personalities but they complement each other. They are an awesome team, although they have to learn to work like one.
The only problem that I had with the comic was that I felt like it was missing information about the world-building. The lack of information didn't make the story confusing, but it is information that I think it is almost essential to give in the first issues.
Friendship, cute pets and a diverse cast of characters.
Charris is bold and sometimes a little arrogant, Trinh is sweet and loyal, and Ursa is a badass black girl. They have very different personalities but they complement each other. They are an awesome team, although they have to learn to work like one.
The only problem that I had with the comic was that I felt like it was missing information about the world-building. The lack of information didn't make the story confusing, but it is information that I think it is almost essential to give in the first issues.
June 30, 2018
Not bad. Three young women with powers learn to work together to solve a problem and help people. It is a story I should love a post apocalyptic world with both magic and super technology. The story would have been 4.5 or even 5 starts, but and there are a few buts to mention. The ladies never stop arguing over stuff. The "fighter" is a bossy bully, the "scout" who breaks things is shy and unsure. The healer? The pro-log is cool but was a full issue and then all those characters are dropped for the new folks. The new folk besides their bickering seem to be as lost in the new world as the reader. The story really needed some more world building.
The entire story seemed thin. Actually, while writing this review I have come to suspect someone transcribed a role playing game session for this story.
Anyway, not bad could have been better.
The entire story seemed thin. Actually, while writing this review I have come to suspect someone transcribed a role playing game session for this story.
Anyway, not bad could have been better.
February 7, 2017
A really interesting start to a new comic series! It has a Lumberjanes feel to it because it's about three young woman who go on a mission to save people while dealing with crazy and scary creatures. The added bonus in The Castoffs is that all three girls -- Charris, Ursa, and Trinh -- have different powers and the powers themselves fit nicely with their personalities; it's like an extension of themselves.
Not going to lie, the beginning part really confuses me since they were entirely different characters and I don't see how they fit in with the three girls yet. I also felt that the end got resolved too quickly and too easily, but it did end on a fun cliffhanger. I would definitely continue reading the series.
*Received from NetGalley.
Not going to lie, the beginning part really confuses me since they were entirely different characters and I don't see how they fit in with the three girls yet. I also felt that the end got resolved too quickly and too easily, but it did end on a fun cliffhanger. I would definitely continue reading the series.
*Received from NetGalley.
November 18, 2017
This is a short comic but I like how much it reveals, even with magic, a machine can be of much trouble to the human race and which is ironic since human develop the machine to satisfy their rebellion for mages whom they observe to be in great dominance from them. Such fool action, cause a terrible and chaotic war against mages but also to the human race since only mages can fight them off.
I find this interesting enough and I love that this featured the ability of invisibility and lightning wielding - I like both powers so that's why. The manipulation ability too was great but I just felt very bad if I also have it. You know the kind of having things only to be given to you out of their will. It sucks, right?
I find this interesting enough and I love that this featured the ability of invisibility and lightning wielding - I like both powers so that's why. The manipulation ability too was great but I just felt very bad if I also have it. You know the kind of having things only to be given to you out of their will. It sucks, right?
January 12, 2018
I always find it fascinating when authors manage to combine worlds of science and magic. Most of the time, the existence of magic means that science doesn't progress because there are magical solutions. That's part of why the Wizarding World of Harry Potter doesn't have phones or computers or even ink pens (at least in my opinion). Why would you need to create a coffee maker if you can make a spell?
Which always makes blending them difficult to pull off. I think that mostly works here as they seem to be pitted against each other. I'm excited to see where this series goes because I'm already enjoying the characters and the growth that's happened between them.
Bonus points for the awesome subtitle.
Which always makes blending them difficult to pull off. I think that mostly works here as they seem to be pitted against each other. I'm excited to see where this series goes because I'm already enjoying the characters and the growth that's happened between them.
Bonus points for the awesome subtitle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews