“There’s no magic in America no more.” That sentence – spoken by Grandpa Bear, the Native American grandfather of protagonist Daniel Burroughs – is arguably the most important statement in the first issue of the comic book series BLACK TOWER: THE RAVEN CONSPIRACY. It is Grandpa Bear’s wistful admission that the mythic stories he has been telling young Daniel aren’t real; these words inspire the ad
ult Daniel’s eventual adventures in London with the occult espionage group called Black Tower.
Writer Ram V wastes no time in setting the stakes; the comic opens with Burroughs’ detention in London, being supernaturally interrogated by a mysterious antagonist named Munnin. The interrogation serves as a deft narrative device, presenting Burroughs’ journey from rural Pennsylvania to his recruitment by a US intelligence service eager to use his extrasensory (“Esper”) gifts to aid (and be honed by) America’s British allies at Black Tower. Burroughs first assignment goes sideways when he is captured by thugs stealing a courier’s diplomatic pouch at Heathrow Airport.
In addition to Burroughs and the menacing Munnin, the first issue establishes a rich supporting cast: Makarand Ray (Black Tower’s muscle, with his own supernatural gifts); Yvette, a spellcasting support specialist; the gruff Kristof, who chauffeurs Alistair Romeo, the seasoned head of Black Tower.
The stolen diplomatic pouch coincides with the murder of an oracle (a friend of Romeo’s from the Cold War) and missing books from the oracle’s library, along with an eye taken from the oracle’s body.
The artwork by Mike Perkins (with colors by Mike Spicer) is well-suited for the comic’s espionage narrative. Perkins’ realistic renderings (engaged readers might imagine they can hear the ice cubes crack as Romeo pours Burroughs a whiskey on the rocks) are complemented by Spicer’s dark color palette. Readers are emersed in a gritty, noirish London, populated by engaging, mysterious characters.
Published by DC Comics via its Vertigo imprint (which showcases creator-owned works in various genres, separate from DC’s established superhero mythos), BLACK TOWER is not without precedent. There is a longstanding fantasy subgenre that combines the supernatural with espionage. Tim Powers’ novel DECLARE is an acclaimed work in this area; more recent examples are the novel THE WAR IN THE DARK (by Nick Setchfield) and the comics series THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH (by writer James Tynion IV and artist Martin Simmonds).
BLACK TOWER is a worthy addition to this subgenre. The literary mix of fantasy occult elements with real-world spy craft can be a narrative challenge. While both the occult and espionage involve hidden activities and secret knowledge, the tension between fantasy and realism may be difficult to balance and distracting to some readers. But that tension – from Grandpa Bear’s poignant dismissal of magic’s existence to Burroughs eager pursuit of the fantastic – appears to be the thematic heart of the series.
While some readers might prefer more upfront details about the antagonists (their identity, their goals, etc.), the first issue does a great job of introducing many characters and several plot threads, along with an ominous ending that will intrigue readers. The artwork is realistic and compelling. Like Burroughs, many readers may find themselves eager to explore the magic presented in the narrative further.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER: After years spent fighting monsters and solving mysteries, Reed Beebe became a writer. His comics work includes the offbeat prose spy thriller “Deep Cover” (published by AHOY Comics in EDGAR ALLAN POE’S SNIFTER OF BLOOD #1), and his essay “Sea Dogs and the Bleak Naval History of the American Revolution” appears in the DC Comics SEA DOGS collection (found exclusively in the JOE HILL PRESENTS HILL HOUSE COMICS trade paperback box set). He was a finalist in the 2023 THREE WORLDS/THREE MOONS comics script writing competition. He also blogs about comics at medium.com/meanwhile.
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By: Ram V, Mike Perkins
Released: August 26, 2026
Twenty-three-year-old Darren Burroughs out of Audubon, PA, is a “gifted” rookie sent under the guise of a diplomatic aide to train with Division Nine—an obscure, outdated, and easily dismissed arm of British intelligence that specializes in dealing with paranormal incidents. In the right sort of spy circles, they’re known by a different, more feare...
