Neil Gaiman & Company: Complete Books of Magic series
Timothy Hunter may be destined to become the most powerful magician in the universe…
A group of fallen mystics dubbed the “TrenchCoat Brigade” is introduced in Books of Magic, featuring the adventures of young magician Timothy Hunter. John Constanine, the Phantom Stranger, Dr. Occult and Mister E take Hunter on a tour of the magical realms. Along the way Timothy is introduced to DC Comic’s greatest practitioners of magic and must choose whether or not to join their ranks.
Although one can look at Timothy and say, “Wow, he looks like Harry Potter,” the fact is that Harry Potter looks like him. Originally created by popular fantasy novelist Neil Gaiman in the 90s, Books of Magic’s hero Timothy Hunter—a young, magical boy with glasses and a pet owl—debuted all of seven years before Harry Potter.
The volumes listed below include collected editions of Neil Gaiman’s original comics (with multiple artists), plus collected editions of a follow-up comic series written by Kat Howard (Roses and Rot, An Unkindness of Magicians) and drawn by Tom Fowler (Doom Patrol).
“Timothy Hunter may be destined to become the most powerful magician in the universe,” notes publisher DC, “but he’s still a London teenager, and having magical abilities complicates things more than it helps. It’s not like he can use magic to pass his exams, stop being bullied or convince his cute friend to date him. And while Tim’s trying to live his life, there are cultists who want to kill him, believing his power will eventually corrupt him into becoming a merciless mage. Oh, and those are the good guys. Luckily, his new substitute teacher is more than she appears, and may be able to help Tim discover the mystery behind the Books of Magic…”
“Nearly every piece of writing about The Books of Magic seems to start by comparing it to Harry Potter,” notes Multiversity Comics. “However, beyond that one-sentence description the two stories are completely different. Harry Potter embraced the magical world with all its joys and threats quickly, but in The Books of Magic the price of allowing sorcery in your life might be too high to begin with.”
Neil Gaiman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Norse Mythology, Neverwhere, and The Graveyard Book. Among his numerous literary awards are the Newbery and Carnegie medals, and the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and Will Eisner awards.
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Collected Books of Magic comics
#1 The Books of Magic (2012)
From Neil Gaiman, the best-selling novelist and creator of the world-renowned comics title The Sandman, comes a mesmerizing tale of the dangers and opportunities of youth, and its endless possibilities. Illustrated by four of comics’ most accomplished artists, John Bolton, Scott Hampton, Charles Vess and Paul Johnson, this edition of the original The Books of Magic collects all four issues of the original miniseries that introduced the character of Timothy Hunter and set the stage for his continuing adventures.
Timothy Hunter could be the most powerful magician in the world, but does he really want to be? Guided through the magical world starting at the begining of time by a group of DC Universe magicians, often referred to as the Trenchcoat Brigade (John Constantine, Phantom Stranger, Mister E, and Doctor Occult), they attempt to aid Timothy in his decision whether or not to embrace his gift. However, by the time Timothy makes a choice, it may have already been made for him.
#2 Moveable Type: Books of Magic (2018-) Vol. 1
While Tim Hunter is trying to study and attract the cutest girl in his class, there are cultists who want to kill him, believing his magical powers will eventually corrupt him, turning him into a merciless mage who will bring upon the end of magic forever! Luckily, the new substitute teacher at his school wants to mentor him and educate him in the magical arts so that he can discover the secrets behind the Books of Magic. Collecting issues #1-6 of the DC Vertigo follow-up series, this collection also includes The Sandman Universe Special #1. By authors Kat Howard, Simon Spurrier, Nalo Hopkinson, and Dan Watters, and artists Tom Fowler, Dominike "Domo" Stanton, Bilquis Evely, Max Fiumara, and Sebastiàn Fiumara.
#3 Second Quarto: Books of Magic (2018-) Vol. 2
Will Tim Hunter end up the greatest sorcerer the world has ever known-or the greatest evil the universe has ever seen? Tim has run away to the land of Faerie, and is now forgetting why he fled there in the first place. Magic is so much more fun without consequences getting in the way! But what does Tatiana, the queen of the Faeries, want with Tim, and why is Rose suddenly so much more protective of the boy magician? Collects Books of Magic #7-13. By author Kat Howard, and artists Tom Fowler, Brian Churilla, and Craig A. Taillefer.
#4 Dwelling in Possibility: Books of Magic (2018-) Vol. 3
John Constantine is back-and, unfortunately for Tim Hunter, he’s convinced the only way the human race can survive is if Tim is taken off the board. But from where Tim’s standing, he’s the only one with the power to save us all. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? And is there room in London for the both of them? That’s just the start of Tim’s troubles—because his evil doppelgänger has been unleashed on the world! Collects Books of Magic #14-23. By authors Kat Howard, David Barnett, and Simon Spurrier, and artists Tom Fowler, and Craig A. Taillefer.
