I'm having a hard time rating this. On the one hand, I'm so in love with the concept of this graphic novel - it was such a wild ride and the way racism was tackled in such a short span was amazing to me. On the other hand, I had some serious issues with how quickly everything happened and how everything resolved within a few panels. It felt extremely rushed towards the end - and while I loved the PoC rep, I was a bit disappointed by the implemented stereotypes when it came to secondary characters.
We also don't get a backstory on any of the characters which was a bit sad. I would have loved to get to know them better.
Still a really fun read!

* ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY *
this was described as black Harry Potter and there is no better way to put it. this is Harry Potter but tackling racism in such an important way and in such a well done way. there truly isn't much to say besides EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS IT IS SUCH AN ACCESSIBLE WAY TO UNDERSTAND RACISM!!

This comic left me a bit dazed. There’s so much action that you don’t get to learn anything about the characters’ background and there is barely any worldbuilding. A lot of questions are left unanswered - like, why the heck is there an all white magic academy in present day USA controlled by the KKK? Or why does Lindsay follow Tom when she knows she’ll likely get in trouble for it? I can understand why she’s on his side and befriends him, considering her ex is a racist prick who is picking on Tom. However, there is no hesitation on her part, at the end, to defend Tom when she’s likely to be expelled for fighting the headmaster of the academy and no questioning on her part on why no one else seems to want to befriend Tom. Seems unrealistic that she’d be the only non-racist person there since it’s supposed to be set in present day America. Also, didn’t Lindsay have any friends before Tom joined the academy? She could have welcomed him to her group of friends. I think it’s little things like this that could have made the story more relatable to the reader.

This comic focus a lot on race and the fact that Tom’s surname is Token kind of put me off a bit, among other name choices. I wish there were more volumes of this comic so we’d follow Tom’s journey in more detail and know what he used to do before he joined the academy and what made him want apply to join in the first place. I’m guessing there were other wizarding academies not lead by the KKK that he could have joined?
I wish we got to learn more about Tom and Lindsay’s background because, as it is, I can’t say that I care much about either of the characters.

Finally, I’m not a big fan of anime style art and, although I really like the bright colours used by the artist, the fighting scenes were very anime-like. That’s not a huge problem, as it doesn’t affect the story, but more of a preference on my part.

I read this book for free in exchange for a fair review.

I wanted to like this story. I think it had good components, a criticism of "Minority Initiatives", a thru-link to the Civil War, a mystery, a whole bunch of white supremacy called out as BS. But I actually think it needed to be longer. To allow for more nuance and more storytelling. As it was the story felt simplistic. Not simple, simplistic. I know it's a comic book but there are thousands of people who can prove to you that comic books don't have to be a simplistic medium. Lumberjanes is a comic book I've read recently where the storyline is fairly simple - but it doesn't feel simplistic. It's not too on the nose.

So I would like this story, if there was more story.

I really enjoyed reading this clever story about the "first" black person in a all white magic school. It went differently from what I figured it would go, but I would love, love to have more in the series. The author did a good job of tying the book to the civil war, the KKK and other things that needs to learned about. I liked it a lot. The friendship across "forbidden" boundaries saved the day and anyone regardless of their skin color can be powerful and awesome.

PLOT:
The Black Mage is an own voices graphic novel, following the first black mage, Tom Token, to be accepted into the Harry-Potter-like school, St. Ivory Academy of Spellcraft and Sorcery. Tom struggles as his teachers and classmates puzzle over him like an attraction, whilst others bully him for his race. Tom does have a friend in Lindsay though. She stands consistently by his side as they uncover unsettling truths about St. Ivory’s and it’s history.

MY THOUGHTS:
The Harry-Potter-esque premise, beautiful art style and fast paced opening hooked me in. St. Ivory’s is like a modern Hogwarts, I mean who doesn’t like magic? The opening action scene introduced interesting characters and hints of mystery through history way prior to the events of the main plot. Unfortunately the main characters’ weren’t as interesting and didn’t develop much throughout the story. It felt as though they were only there to drive the plot forward, without any dreams or personality of their own. Additionally, the plot was rather basic and at times the setting and basis of the characters felt a little too close to Hogwarts. Despite its flaws, what there was of the story was drawn to suit the graphic novel style very well, helping particularly to enhance the epicness of the action scenes and finale.

I loved the anime inspired art style and the colors, I thought it looked really cool. I enjoyed the story too, it was a bit more race focused than I expected, but I liked how it was handled. I thought the pace was a bit fast and I feel like I would've enjoyed it even more if there was more back story, about the characters and about the school.
Overall it's a fast and enjoyable read, and the story is interesting. It just makes you wish there was more.

I appreciate that one of the main characters in this book is a person of colour. The story had an interesting premise. However, I just could not get on with the graphics. They didn't appeal to me and I actually found it a real effort to read what was in the speech bubbles. I know there are people who will love this book though!

The theme of this story is clearly the highlight. The story could have used a few more pages to feel less rushed. Plus, it would have been nice to get to know Tom and the overall magic system better.

I really loved this graphic novel. It has a really good plot and really powerful message. I recommend to everyone.

I'm not the biggest reader of graphic novels, but I was immediately pulled in by the illustrations and blurb. This book is a gem.

I like how the author incorporated black history and the history of racism into a contemporary fantasy graphic novel. While it could have been developed more, the incorporation of the historical elements really made the story standout. At the same time, kids and teens could learn and have fun with a graphic novel. The artwork was very vibrant and so detailed. I haven't seen that in a comic book in a long time. I can see this as a version of "Harry Potter" with a black main character.

Social commentary and clever observations form the basis for what could otherwise just be another graphic novel in the stack. The Black Mage is vivid, visual and a read that combines adventure alongside a discussion of important issues of representation.

The Black Mage immediately drew me in with it's gorgeous cover. After seeing what it was about I knew I wanted to read it right away. And I did read it in one sitting.
I loved the premise and what it represented. The parallels to our reality were very clear and are unfortunately very necessary. However, I did think the story was a little underwhelming. It didn't feel fully developed and could've used some more issues in my opinion. This way the characters could be more developed as well, I didn't feel connected to them in their current state at all.
I do think this was an important story and I did enjoy reading it. I just think it could've been so much more.

Thank you so much for this amazing multi-genre book, definitely a wonderful and most original graphic novel! It is not what I usually read and I LOVED everything about it: the plot, the pace, the characters, the subtle questions it raises, the way it makes you think but also entertains you! I particularly appreciated the mix of history and popular culture references and of course the main themes, such as racism tackled in a whole new way (including magic and fantasy!).
Definitely a must-read for all (both teenagers and adults alike).
#TheBlackMage #NetGalleyFrance

I had high hopes for this, but unfortunately, to me, it felt like it was just making fun of racism. His name was Token? Whitehorn? St. Ivory school? It just all seemed like a joke to me. I'm also not really a fan of anime and comics/shows like "Dragonball Z" and this felt like the same aesthetic. It just wasn't for me.

The Black Mage is a graphic novel about a wizarding school who are allowing its first black student to attend. However not everything is as it seems.

It covered some important topics and themes in the short length including racism. The plot was interesting and I was intrigued about the mystery aspect.

I enjoyed the art — and I loved the bright colours. I can only describe the style as a cross between cartoon and anime.

I loved the main character Tom, he had no care in the world and I loved his determination to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read and kept my attention. Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with a review copy in exchange for a honest review :)

Well what can I say about the Black Mage which is one word - amazing!!! I started and finished it a few hours I could not put iit down. The story had hints of harry potter but the story was a bit more sinister with the use of the clan. The art work was the best I have ever seen and the action was so fast paced it kept me wanting more and more. I really hope there be more novels about tom token as he had such a strong character that helped him combat the racism and i do think using this avenue to show just how heinous racism can be. I would love to read this again as a physical copy and will add this to my list of books and I am so glad I that I requested it and thank you to the publishers and the authors Daniel Barnes and DJ Kirkland,

"St. Ivory Academy, a historically white wizarding school, opens its doors to its first-ever black student, everyone believes that the wizarding community is finally taking its first crucial steps toward inclusivity. Or is it? When Tom Token, the beneficiary of the school's "Magical Minority Initiative," begins uncovering weird clues and receiving creepy texts on his phone, he and his friend, Lindsay, stumble into a conspiracy that dates all the way back to the American Civil War, and could cost Tom his very soul."

Okay so this graphic novel does not pull out any of the stops.

The main character is Tom "Token" as in the "token" black person brought into a white community for the sake of inclusivity optics.

Tom's crow is named Jim as in Jim Crow

The Headmasters name is Headmaster Lynch

The school is basically a breeding ground for the KKK... they are all dressed in white robes with pointy topped masks.

I am not sure why the synopsis says everyone believes the wizarding community is finally working towards inclusivity when only ONE character was actually excited about Tom's arrival.

I believe this graphic novel purposely meant to put America's racist history right in the readers faces with not a single sugar coat with the hope they come out the other end with a clearer understanding that it was never okay and still continues into our present in other forms. You are more than welcome to correct me if I missed something.

I would recommend people read it. The artwork was also absolutely amazing! I will say that I do wish it was longer and more fleshed out. The events happen very quickly. This is something that I come across with many graphic novels that I read so it could just be a format thing.

This comic did such a great job with combining the mythical world of magic with modern day racism and discrimination. It'll be a great read for young black fans of Harry Potter while also showing the harsh and honest realities of today's world regarding race relations. I also appreciated some of the references the author placed within the book regarding names and historical figures.