I follow Mike Costa on Twitter and he’s been talking about Smoke and Mirrors for a while. The concept sounded fun and I like Costa’s work on Cobra, so I thought I’d check it out.

Glad I did too, because there’s something really fun about this comic.

First, there’s the premise itself. It takes place on a world much like our own but where we use science and technology, they use magic. Magic is just part of everyday life, something taken for granted the way we assume electricity will flow and turn on the lights when flip a switch. The combination of the familiar and the fantastic has a lot of potential.

Then there is the dialogue and characterization. Costa introduces us to the world through the eyes of a magically talented but troubled kid named Ethan. As we follow Ethan, we get Little insights into his life and the way the world works. Costa’s dialogue rings true and opens the door for lots of future development. And while I admit that Ethan is a little hard to like because he’s a brat, you also get the sense that he’s going to be undergoing some serious changes in his life very shortly. Because he’s really the conduit to get us to the magician performing in Tobin Square. There’s something different about him. Which is saying something in a world of magic.

Lastly, there is the added hook of Jon Armstrong, an honest-to-goodness magician who provides an illusion that takes place within the book- one where the reader becomes a participant. And what’s even more fun is the illusion works! Now THAT’S a feat!

With respect to Ryan Browne’s art, I have to say it’s not really my cup o’ noodles. It’s certainly solid and does the job. But I find it a bit stiff in some places. I don’t hate it… But I don’t love it either. I realize he’s an acclaimed artist, but you know how it is with art; everyone has different tastes. I’m giving it a 3 because it’s certainly GOOD… Just not quite what I generally like.

All in all, it’s a strong first issue that holds lots of promise. And I’ll be staying on board to see how much of that promise is fulfilled.