Black Magick vol. 3: Ascenscion

Fans of this series can take heart that we’re getting this third volume much quicker than we got the second volume of writer Greg Rucka’s other ongoing creator-owned series, “The Old Guard.”  By that I mean we only had to wait a little more than two years for this volume as opposed to three for that other series.  Still, it’s good to get back to the life of Rowan Black, the police detective who is also a witch.  Even if this volume is all about seeing her life unravel in ways she can and can’t control.

After learning in vol. 2 that she’s heir to a long line of magical power, Rowan hasn’t exactly been keen on using it.  Mainly because that creepy lady in the white suit has been showing up to egg her on in that direction and she’s not exactly being subtle about her intentions.  Still, the temptation to use the power is great when it comes to Rowan’s day job, and there’s always the possibility that she can use it to do good.  It’s just that we all know that power corrupts for a reason, and that’s likely even more true when you’re being stalked by a coven of evil demons.

Though I enjoyed vol. 2, the lengthy wait between volumes had me going, “Hey, I remember liking that series.  I should pick up vol. 3 when it comes out” when this volume was announced.  “Ascension I” continues on in a pleasant way as before, with Rowan trying to make sense of her life, her allies trying to do right by her, and the bad guys doing everything they can to try and get Rowan to revel in her gift.  That last bit is the most interesting part of the volume as the the lady in the white suit’s plan isn’t coming off as less obvious than you’d expect, along with some hitches and opposition within the ranks.  Nicola Scott’s inkwashed black-and-white art is as nice as always, which helps complete the package as well.  I can’t say that this series is good enough to  make me wish that the wait between volumes was shorter; though, I guess if it was better I might start to resent it for that.