Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog for the ODPH podcast! For this entry , we’re checking out a new book from the Magic: the Gathering franchise published by Boom Studios. MAGIC: Ajani Goldmane #1 by Seanan McGuire, Nori Retherford, Jaques Salomon, Giuseppe Cafaro, Lea Caballero, Michael Shelfer and Ed Dukeshire is a one shot story that is perfect for new readers to check out. Let’s see how this issue presents one of the more popular characters in the MTG landscape, shall we?

MAGIC: Ajani Goldmane #1 - On Sale August 24th
Creative: Seanan McGuire, Nori Retherford, Jaques Salomon, Giuseppe Cafaro, Lea Caballero, Michael Shelfer and Ed Dukeshire (Cover: Ariel Olivetti)
Credit: Boom Studios

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Now MTG is not one of my stronger fandoms of knowledge so I made a call to Rich from the 3FNpodcast, who is very well versed in the MTG lore. Rich said “Ajani is one of the most beloved Planeswalkers in all of magic. Magic players who wield white mana decks or Orhov decks will always make room for a good Ajani.”

This issue starts off with Ajani looking over Naya, his territory, when he is suddenly attacked by Jazal. However this turns out to be an illusion of sorts as the story shifts to the Naya Shard of Alara. Ajani finds out that some of his nieces and nephews are playing a game based off of a story of lore. Once aware of the story, Ajani decides to clear up some confusion and tell the children a story: What it really means to be a Planeswalker.

Readers are taken on a fun story with “The Tale Of The Endless Hunger” as Ajani and his friend Tamiyo help the people of Eldraine survive a threat. The story isn’t enough for the children so Ajani tells another tale called “The Story Of Shadows upon Stone.” With the children being still restless for more excitement, Ajani finally tells his story of Jazal in “The Tale Of The Lucky Hunt.” Readers will have much to enjoy with this issue and get treated to a solid epilogue to close.

MAGIC: Ajani Goldmane - On Sale August 24th
Creative: Seanan McGuire, Nori Retherford, Jaques Salomon, Giuseppe Cafaro, Lea Caballero, Michael Shelfer and Ed Dukeshire
Credit: Boom Studios

As previously mentioned, I’m not the biggest Magic: The Gathering expert, but I really thought this was a cool read. McGuire does an excellent job introducing Ajani to readers of the various levels of fandom. Breaking the stories of Ajani into three small stories was a nice touch and showcased why this character is so beloved. Each story felt different but carried an overall theme. Pacing was never lost and seeing how Ajani interacted in telling his stories made for an enjoyable read.

The art teams did a stellar performance throughout this issue. Having various artists on the 3 small stories made each one feel unique. “The Tale Of The Lucky Hunt” really jumped out with the action sequences, even with how brief they were. The artists kept things moving along with nothing feeling too rushed. There was a lot of ground to cover and the creative team as a whole delivered on a read that will be very pleasing to Magic: The Gathering Fans.

Overall, MAGIC: Ajani Goldmane #1 is a great introduction to a fabled character in the MTG universe. New readers will enjoy the heroic moments that connect on the first read thanks to the exceptional work from the creative teams. More seasoned fans will be happy with how this character came across when they pick this issue up at the LCS this week.

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of MAGIC: Ajani Goldmane #1. Thanks for reading.

MAGIC: AJANI GOLDMANE #1 (BOOM STUDIOS)

Ken M