I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel. Beautiful, colorful artwork and the story contains a very important message about racism.
The maincharacter Tom has a very strong personality, I really liked that. He didn't let the other students get to him. Also the interaction between him and Lindsay was nice, first she annoyed him. Later they became sort of friends.

Gorgeous art style combines with quirky reimagining of a magical school built on white supremacy in this inventive and quirky graphic novel. Tom Token, the first black mage to be admitted to historically white magical academy St Ivory's, is blazing a trail as the herald of change in magical racism. But once he gets to the school, concepts of race and privilege are entrenched, and there is far more to his admission than there seems. Historical figures make appearances as Tom tries to figure out what's happening in the school. Mystery texts, weird clues, and a new friend who becomes substantially more woke over the course of the book combine to make a story that's fun, fresh, and enjoyable, despite being steeped in horrendously racist narrative.
Daniel Barnes has written an original and quirky #ownvoices story (the racism elements, not the magic... I think). St Ivory's academy is steeped in overt racism, from the name of the school to the uniforms of the staff (Klan uniforms) and there are subtle and outright references to racist history peppered throughout the book (Tom's pet crow is called Jim, so...). The narrative of Tom uncovering a conspiracy in the school which is much deeper than it appears gives a great chance to examine entrenched attitudes of racism, while Lindsay's journey as she befriends Tom and joins in his quest allows us to see the nasty associations that follow her by virtue of her choice of friends. The magical system in the book feels underdeveloped, however, and narrative development feels like it's sacrificed for the sake of compelling visuals in fight scenes. There's loads of really great stuff in here, and the art style complements the fresh and modern narrative style. The whimsical nature of the content belies the depth of examination of race and racism that's visible here, which gives a great contrast to the book. The opening pages at least feel a lot like Malorie Blackman's Noughts and Crosses, with the elements of ground-breaking race relations moves, and the difficulty of being a trailblazer. There's lots to enjoy here, but at times the story felt shallow and underdeveloped, particularly in the closing pages. A very enjoyable story with beautiful visuals and some deep themes to examine, but a scope that I felt was a little too ambitious to fit comfortably within the pages.

Black boy magic! This was such a great comic and I can really see kids and teens enjoying it. Not only does it take you to a world filled with magic, but we're also getting American history mixed in. Readers will recognize historical figures and race discrimination that has long plagued this country. Seeing a young black boy triumph over evil oppressors is the type of story young people need to see more often. Definitely recommend to any comic fan, especially because the art is beautiful.

This was my first read from NetGalley and what an excellent start it was. I can't wait for this book to release so I can recommend it to everyone I know.

The Black Mage takes the fantasy-magic-school trope we all know (and either love or hate) and hits us in the face with the question, "But where's the diversity?" That's exactly the premise of this book, because the main character, Tom Token, is the first black mage to ever attend Ivory Tower (even the name is whitewashed). He soon figures out that not everything is what it seems and has to defeat some really nasty villains that are way too familiar. (The character/costume design is eerie because it's so reminiscent of the KKK.)

This book is extremely self-aware. It doesn't feel so much like a novel as it does a social commentary - which isn't a bad thing! It just verges on parody/satire sometimes. Take, for instance, the main character's last name, which is completely evocative of a token black character. We all know books that do this. Hey, I'm guilty of writing them. So it's great to have a book that does such an excellent job of pointing things out. It made me feel uncomfortable at times, which is absolutely fine, because that's probably how I should feel as a white person reading it. But at the same time, it doesn't paint all white people as evil because Tom makes a friend named Lindsey who helps him out on his adventures. I loved her character and the drawings of her were really cute. What I really appreciate is how she helped Tom out, but she didn't take his character arc away from him. Tom is still in charge of his own story and he does a great job of it. He's a super likable main character and I would gladly read further graphic novels about him, Lindsey, and his pet crow named Jim. (Jim Crow? See what I mean about self-aware?)

The one thing I wasn't crazy about was that it's a pretty violent book. Nothing is super graphic, but I'm not keen on reading massively long fight scenes. The art style also wasn't my favorite, but I could still appreciate it and it was easy to follow what was happening. I suggest reading a few pages to see what you think. It's a short book so it won't take long to read, and it's worth a look!

*I was given a free ebook copy by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*

Really enjoyed this one! I'm not much of a graphic novel reader but this was so interesting, and I felt like it covered a lot of serious topics very quickly. The bright illustrations were also a plus, and I loved the whole idea of it. I'd really love if this could become a series because I want to know where the characters end up!

A great social and political satire packaged with technicolor punches. It's not subtle about making its points about how people of color in general and black people in particular have been left out of the most mainstream wizarding fantasy stories, but there were still deft moments in the characterization and relationships.

This seems to be an exercise in dragging out one single pun as far as it can possibly go, and in any direction at the same time – for good or for bad. You know that whole thing about black magic, right? Well, what if it – heh heh – was magic created by a black kid?! A black kid called Token, who – tee-hee – becomes the token black student at a school for white magic. And – get this, you'll die – he has a crow familiar called Jim – Jim Crow?! I know, ROFL isn't the acronym, right?! He'll get thrown in to the deep end, with only one friend to call his own, lots of bigotry directed at him, until he stumbles on some secrets from the college's dark (oh, I kill myself) past.

So I wanted to like this book, even if it features a child at a wizardry school – a character/setting combo that has done nothing for me for the last thirty years. It's just it proved to be too earnest, and in one chapter where it peoples a battle scene played out on a giant chess board with ghosts proves it's trying to bring back the lessons of the American Civil War with a sensibility borrowed from That Potter Boy – and it doesn't work. It all boils down to a silly MacGuffin that both sides end up fighting over, and I'm sure you can create a book that teaches the young a heck of a lot more about racism in America with a heck of a lot less FWOOSHing spells at each other. Lurid, awkward and just too broadly played to my mind, I can only give this one and a half stars.

This graphic novel was such a breeze to read through and the art style was very cool. It felt like I was watching a cartoon. I always love how the story flowed so nicely, while explicitly including themes of white supremacy and inclusion of people of colour. Fans of Harry Potter should definitely give this a shot!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Listennnnnnnn...

This is the first time I've reviewed a graphic novel ARC, and I don't know why I never thought to do it before. I need to do this more often because it was an awesome quick read with amazing graphics (shout out to Illustrator DJ Kirkland for the work) and a nice break from all the long novels I've been reading back to back.

But on to the actual review...

LISTENNNNNNNNNNNN

Total shout out to Daniel Barnes for having this graphic novel have no qualms about talking about the Klan and all that. Like, literally the "reason" why Tom Token (get it? "Token" black guy?) is even accepted into this school is through their "Magical Minority Initiative". Like that's gotta be a load of crap right? How is Tom the first ever black student in the era of freaking cellphones? It looks like he had an iPhone too but that's besides the point.
There's no way.

Then you have people asking if black mages restore their mana by drinking damn grape juice. Stereotypes at its freaking finest.

What really sold me immediately was seeing Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass about to get into a fight with some of the Klansman in the past. Like yes, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass are a couple of bad ass historical figures, and with magic that we had no clue about?

Sign me the heck up!

This seemed to have ended as a standalone, but I could see the potential for more issues. I hope there's at least another one - well let's be honest, I hope this becomes an actual series. You just have to read this. Like, go download it from Netgalley and read and review it. Or you can be like me and get the paperback copy when it comes out later this year. But I can't even imagine waiting that long!

The easiest way to describe this graphic novel is: easily captivating.

Set in a fantasy world, The Black Mage is an #OwnVoices YA Graphic Novel that tells the story of our main character Tom Token, a new transfer student at the magical school of St. Ivory Academy. Known as a historically all white wizarding school, St. Ivory has taken a claimed turn towards becoming more progressive and has accepted its first colored student into its great halls. However, once there Tom begins to notice not everything there is what it seems. With the help of his new friend Lindsay, the two discover that St. Ivory's holds a deadlier secret than just magic.

I was hooked on this story. From the moment I began this graphic novel, I could not for the life of me put it down. Described as Harry Potter meets Final Fantasy, The Black Mage is a story that deals with the tough issues in a blunt way that makes you think about your own surroundings and history. The main heavier issue that takes front row see in this novel is the topic of racism and how racism is almost still the same as it was back during the civil war.



This novel, does not do subtle at all as it shows blatant racism from past and present, sticking it into readers faces and demanding that it is a noticed topic as the characters from both the past and present fight against the work of the Klan who run and operate St. Ivory (yeah I know--super on the nose). We get a first hand seat at the stereotypical questions and issues that POC deal with when entering a new environment and the both warm and cold reception they can have when they do.

I liked the characters that this story brought forth, though I felt like the development of these characters was null and void except for our secondary main character Lindsay, who actually got a character arc of sorts within the story line. Which I still don't know how I feel about that. I do wish there was more development with our main character Tom as he gets a glimpse of the truth behind the academy and it's leaders. I felt like he was super one note and was just a vessel to highlight POC struggle instead of an actual person dealing with these struggles.

The Black-mage is a theme centered graphic novel that is definitely a quick read that will instantly pull you in with its wild color use, beautiful illustrations, and creative spells that are reminiscent of beloved anime such as Sailor Moon and Final Fantasy. If you don't mind the lack of character development and are a lover of fantasy and anime I highly suggest giving this graphic novel a try!

Huge thank you to Oni Press and Netgalley for sending me an ARC for my honest review! Quotations / graphic taken from an uncorrected proof and may change upon final publication.

I think 3.5 stars.
This was pitched as similar to Harry Potter. It wasn’t. It was very short and I wish there had been more.
It was surprisingly racist (which I think was the point). Tom was the first black student at a school for mages. The headmaster was named Atticus Finch.
Even though this graphic novel was so short, I really enjoyed Tom as a character. He didn’t take anything from anybody and always stood up for himself. Lindsay was a good character too and I like how she immediately befriended Tom even if he didn’t want her to.
I feel like the exciting part was rushed and had more action panels than dialogue panels. I wish things had been explained and fleshed out a little bit more.
I’m not sure if this is a standalone graphic novel (it ended like it could be) but I would be interested to see what other adventures happen in this world!

Everything about The Black Mage was racially complex and embedded within a world meeting the YA audience where they reside. Enter the wizarding world of St. Ivory. There were panels that incited feelings, existing at the juncture of awe and outrage.

There were scenes that made me want to hate the book. But, I couldn’t. In a format accessible and readable by all, this is a book that is needed, for it will drive this new generation to place where they will long to understand what has happened in the realm of race relations and how what we thought was over never really was.

The characters names each played an extremely vital role in The Black Mage. I connected to Tom so deeply that I wanted to hurl my laptop. Yes, my visceral reaction was palpable by those around me, even as I sat silently staring out of the window.

The Black Mage, in all of its magical bliss, provided a horrifying glimpse in the world of domestic terrorism rooted in racism.

Highly recommended book that will surely spark conversation and controversy.

This book is truly magical.

The first thing I said after reading it was “It’s just like black history, but with more magic, and standing up for yourself.”

The pace was just right, and the art was perfect, really colourful, and went really well with the writing.

The story was really original too, it addresses racism and institutional racism in a fantasy setting.

[It sucks that racism happens in the real world too. I wish that it wouldn’t. It’s stupid. I’m glad that Token who is black and Lindsay who is white are on the same side though]

This was a fun graphic novel while also covering some important subjects such as racism and oppression but it also has friendship and acceptance. I really liked how the author used the KKK as the basis of the modern day magical world politics. I love the colourful art style and the actions scenes are easy to follow which is not always the case with graphic novels. I would have liked it to have been a bit longer since the magic and world wasn't quite explained enough for me but overall it was a enjoyable reading experience and would be great for younger readers.

To start off, The Black Mage hits hard with its strong themes on racism. It's fast-paced (maybe even rushed?) and chock-full of tension. Although the art style is not my favorite, the colors, character design, and panels were very well done. It's definitely clear on its messages, so there's no need to dig around and find what the author truly means to tell you. However, the fast pacing resulted in a difficulty to relate to both Tom and Lindsay and a plot full of drama (so if you like some nonstop action, pick this graphic novel up). The worldbuilding was also near non-existent. Would recommend for a quick Sunday read.

This richly imagined comic depicts the overtness of institutionalized racism in a magical school setting that's part Hogwarts, part Hazzard County, and part Black Justice League. The artwork and coloring are exceptional, and the story is one that will both entertain you and get under your skin.

"The Black Mage" is a fantasy graphic novel perfect for all ages. It is quick paced, with lovable characters and a gorgeous art style. The art and coloring reminded me a lot of cartoons and anime with cool action scenes and vibrant colors. I would recommend for art style alone but the story was also compelling.
St. Ivory Academy of magic only accepts white mages. But our protagonist Tom enrolls in the academy as part of diversity program. Straight away he has to deal with blatant racism from students and even from teachers. But he also becomes friends with a girl called Lindsay who is a badass by the way. Soon Tom finds out that he might not be the first black mage at the academy and him and Lindsay start to investigate this mystery.
There were some really cool moments in this and I may have teared up closer to the end.
I took off a star because I still have questions about this world. Is everyone in this world a mage? Or is it something exclusive? Are people born with magic? And if so,what kind of magic:something specific or just general magical energy? Is magic a common knowledge in this world or is it a secret?
I hope there will be more to the series as I would love to read more of it. But it works well as a standalone too.
I would recommend this one,I think anyone might enjoy this book for a great story,great art and important themes it has.

*thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

3 stars.

I actually rather liked this Graphic Novel. It had a mixture of themes and people that I knew. Token which reminded me of 'Tolkien,' KKK, Harry Potter setting along with a touch of anime style illustrations. The use of colours and the details of the drawings I liked. There were also a few giggles and smiles and the main characters were really nice and likable. I'd have to say Tom was my favourite. 

What I think needs to be looked at is that the font was very tiny, even on my tablet. It was a struggle to read without having to zoom into each part of speech. Also, sometimes it felt like parts were missing and it was a bit choppy. I think maybe a few more pages need to be added throughout the book.

Overall, it was a quick enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel! I expected a magic school a lot like Harry Potter, with a new black student having face racism systematically and from the students, and where it was that, it was so much more. I really like how in your face the points of the story were, and the concept was really cool. The art and dialogue styles weren't my favorite, because I think they messed with the story's clarity, but that is just my personal preference.

Overally, really liked it!

I really enjoyed the story and liked the two main characters. However I felt it needed developing more as sometimes it seemed to jumped ahead and I felt like I had missed something. It was a very quick read so I think making it longer would have allowed more detail to be added to certain scenes.