Posted in: Comics | Tagged: idw, Magic: The Gathering

IDW to Publish Magic: The Gathering Comic by Vita Ayala and Harvey Tolibao

Published Wed, 08 Aug 2018 20:11:57 -0500

For comic book traditionalists, collectible cards are best printed with holograms and sealed inside a polybagged comic from the 1990s and then kept locked away, unopened, in hopes that it will one day become a rare and coveted resource, prized more highly than food and supplies in a post-apocalyptic future scenario. But IDW is taking a non-traditionalist approach to combining cards and comics by putting the cards inside the comic. Specifically, they're making a comic about the card game Magic: The Gathering.

Titled Magic: The Gathering: Chandra, the new comic is written by Vita Ayala with art by Harvey Tolibao and focuses on fan-favorite pyromancer Planeswalker Chandra Nalaar. A press release notes this is the first Magic: The Gathering comic to come out in four years, and it happens to mark the 25th anniversary of the franchise.

In the press release, Magic: The Gathering Franchise Director and man with alliterative comic book name Jeremy Jarvis said:

Think of a character that you love. From any story, from any property. There is an excellent chance that you were introduced to that character by some kind of page, or some sort of screen. We are thrilled to have Vita and Harvey introduce you to Chandra, to her story, her quirks, and her incredible powers. Set in the near future of the Multiverse, these never-before-told stories will breathe life into Chandra, her cohorts, and her enemies in new and visually striking ways. Knowledge of cards is optional, love of characters required.

And IDW Editor-in-Chief John "The Beefcake" Barber added:

I can't hold back my excitement about this new Magic: The Gathering comic book! With meteorically rising star Vita Ayala penning these tales, with the incredible art of Harvey Tolibao delineating the adventures, and with the introduction of the dynamic and powerful Chandra Nalaar, it's clear we've entered a bold new era of storytelling. Everybody involved in this comic is dedicated to bringing you emotional and thrilling experiences that will satisfy fans of Magic: The Gathering—as well as fans of stories packed with action and drama told from a unique point of view.

Here's the series synopsis:

An adventurous Planeswalker and powerful pyromancer, Chandra Nalaar has seen much in her time—but she had never experienced such tragedy before. In the wake of a devastating loss, Chandra is striking out on her own, determined to prove—to her family and to herself—that next time she'll be prepared. But when faced with threats both old and new, will she be able to overcome her grief in time to survive? And who is that familiar face lurking in the shadows?

Look for Magic: The Gathering: Chandra #1 in stores in November.