Sword of Sorcery Vol. 1: Amethyst (The New 52) Paperback – September 3, 2013

One of the big draws about DC Comics New 52 is the idea that every few months, some type of new series is introduced to keep bring something different to its various ranks. It's DC way of trying to throw ideas and see if they stick. Some of the ideas could go any way like fan service (Batman/Superman and Earth 2), spin-off series of other books (Talon and Ravagers), or promoting character solo series from other popular series (Justice League of America's Vibe and Katana). And then there is the really gutsy series. Stuff that is more oddball weird and not usually on most peoples want list of series. I, Vampire was the first within the New 52 and it is one of the best, even if it is cancelled. The same with Demon Knights, Dial H, and Threshold. All reasonably great series that were outside the norm for many and cancelled for it as well.Well you can add Sword of Sorcery to that list right now. DC's attempt at adding more fantasy, magic, and a lighthearted touch to the corners of the New 52. And how does this short lived series become you asked? It is simply a whimsical and satisfying series that could have been great if given the chance.SWORD OF SORCERY VOL.1: AMETHYST collects issues #0-8 and DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #19. "Amy" is a lonesome teenager who has been traveling place to place with her mother, Graciel, since she was born, all the while learning all about gems and weapon sparring since she can remember. She is fed up with the way things, until her 17th birthday happens and she gets transported with Graciel to another world called Nilaa, a magical place where Amy is actually royalty by the name of Amaya of the House Amethyst. Amaya's birthright is to inherent the Amethyst house and rule Nilaa, but she must stop her power hungry aunt Mordiel who wants Amaya and Graciel dead so she may have all the power and rule of Nilaa. So Amaya must learn from her surroundings and survive in this harsh world or else all hope is gone.Writer Christy Marx has done some many works throughout her life like 1980's animation work of Gem and the Holograms for example. But Marx is still a relative newcomer for writing comics. Seeing as the original Amethyst series from the 80's was for the young girls, Marx is an excellent choice for Amaya's voice and perspective of Nilaa.Marx makes a wonderful series that is equal parts character building, world building, lighthearted in tone, and a strong mother/daughter relationship within 9 issues. Marx hits all the right buttons without fumbling over the script. The rules and hierarchies are explained clearly, the conflict and direction are about building Amaya to take back Nilaa and rule properly, and world and characters are interesting to know and connect with.Amaya is reasonably smart and open about the world and the people who inhabit it. She is still trying to grasp her powers and the rules of Nilaa, but it's helped greatly with her supporting cast. Graciel is a strong motherly figure and lead, and Mordiel plays the power hungry sister conflicted with family and power. There's even the other royal families across Nilaa who have various powers to offset one another and have different agendas going on. And a fun, if useless, link to Justice League Dark. Most of the characters and the world come to life within this short series.Mention must also go to the back up stories, "Beowulf" and "Stalker". The Beowulf story by Tony Bedard (which includes DC Universe Presents #19 as part of that story) takes the old Norse tale and adds enough to it to make it pretty enjoyable. Imagine Beowulf being in an add of technology with Super Soldier powers and a cybernetic eye fighting a different Grendel and Grendel's Mother. I was surprised at how well I enjoyed these stories and DC's version of Beowulf. I dare say I wouldn't mind see Beowulf in his own series actually, which thankfully, does end with a possible chance we might see him again in the future. And the "Stalker" story is about an ancient killer who sold his soul to the devil to save his wife...but things go bad and Stalker winds up being an immortal waiting to die one day until he finds something to protect in the present day. Again, this backup story surprised me because I enjoyed it for the action and Stalkers plight.But additional praise should go to artist Aaron Lopresti. His previous New 52 work was on Justice League International, but here, his art flourishes. Lopresti makes spash pages of the emerald studded castles, lush green landscapes, mystical beast of all shapes and sizes, and just about any other description to describe his art that is a mix of Lord of the Rings/Game of Thrones and Disneyland put together. His art is just excellent. The only issue with a fill-in artist is issue #5, done by Travis Moore. His work is good and does well for the Justice League Dark cross-over. Jesus Saiz, Javier Pina, Andrei Bressan, Carl Story, Claude St.Aubin, and John Livesay do the back stories art work nicely.My only real flaw with the collection is the rushed and oh-so-too-good ending of Sword of Sorcery. Due to the cancellation of this series, Marx had to tie up loose ends and it came out rushed. It's not really a flaw, but it still affects the flow of the story. Marx setup so many possible story plots within a short period of time, they all had to be resolved. For the most part though, issues #0-7 is solid for pacing. Just issue #8 is quickly over with (and it's still an enjoyable issue as well), but the ending is just wrapped up too nicely into a nice bow. It's a happy ending and a positive ending, but still...SWORD OF SORCERY VOL.1: AMETHYST is one of those prime examples that DC does in fact take risk, even if it did not pay off greatly. Sword of Sorcery had an unproven female protagonist, a writer not familiar to most mainstream comic readers, a genre that does not traditionally sell, and a higher price point of $4 a issue. These are all possible setbacks against this series, but it had a good female writer, a strong magical sense and vibe about it, it covered character and world building, the art is utterly beautiful, and both back-up stories were actually pretty good. Aside from the rushed end, I barely felt there were any flaws. I'll give this book a 4 ½ score out of 5, but I will be generous and round to 5. I truly enjoyed this short and sweet series more then I thought I would. At least Amaya will appear in Justice League Dark and throughout the DC Universe. Sword of Sorcery truly was a final fantasy.

Sword and sorcery. A title cut short because of low sales at the time of its original new 52 publication. Is a solid hero's journey story with a girl protagonist, with great art, that feels it's final act a little bit rushed by editorial mandate. Nonetheless is a quite nice adventure that includes two short stories: Beowulf and Stalker, that show a little by more of a DC universe we're magic and ancient battle collide with modern times.In the end, this was a good read that could has been better if given the time to do their original plan before editorial cancelation, it doesn't feel incomplete, just rushed.

First of all...this is NOT a book about fairy princesses and pink castles - it is a great book for both males and females. I loved this book for its great storytelling and amazing art not to mention the two fantastic backup stories featuring Beowulf and Stalker. The main story centers around a 17 year old girl who finds out she is actually a princess in another realm of reality. This does not mean tea parties and flying unicorns. It means a suspenseful story of a world under siege and heroes needed to save this alternate reality. Amethyst proves to be this hero in more ways than one. The book is much longer than most trade paperbacks but reads much faster. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed.

This book includes every Sword of Sorcery comic book, with extra side stories and an extra comic book about Beowulf and his roll in the New 52. I look forward to seeing more of the Princess in the new 52, perhaps they will come out with a volume II of random comic books she guest stars in., but idk.This is a great series that gives you fantasy at its finest! I highly recommend this.

Great throwback to the original Amethyst of the 80s and Lopresti's art is truly fantastic. However issue 0 began with a whimper and oddly-chosen "near rape" scene that served no purpose to any of the characters. It's hard to explain without seeing it first hand but, at least to my eyes, it comes off as a cheap plot gimmick--which is depressing. What could have been a true moment of empowerment, was handled awkwardly. Anyway, once Amy embarks for Gemworld the real story begins and she's launched into sword fights, stolen magic and a well-orchestrated drama between warring kingdoms. If you're read the original comics, you'll enjoy the ongoing saga. If not, it's still an exciting story that will likely make you want to go back and dig up the original story. Would have loved to see more of Gemworld explored, it's a fantastic realm with great room for world building. Reads like sword and sorcery opera on a grand scale.This trade paperback also includes the rolicking Beowulf short story, updated in a post apocalypse setting.

This was a welcomed change of pace in the new 52. Unfortunately this series was canceled but is still worth the read. A story of coming of age, bitter family politics and an overwhelming evil that is lurking in the shadows. The second story with Beowolf is also amazing. A post apocalyptic retelling of Beowolf where he is a genetically modified super soldier who fights mutants and other threats.

Amethyst was one of my favorite series to read as a kid.The reimaging of Amethyst was GREAT, and I really wished that they continue the series

I wish that this book had lasted for 12 issues instead of 8 issues, because it feels like a 24-episode season cut so short because of stupid reasons. Still, this is an okay book to read. But, I can only recommend this book for anyone who is a huge fan of Christy Marx's work, or is familiar with her name being attached to other properties as a writer. Including Jem and the Holograms (the original animated TV series, not that god-awful live-action 2015 movie), Transformers G1 and G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.4 out of 5 stars.