A first ongoing series from Black Mask Studios, Destiny, NY #1 and 2 sees Pat Shand and Manuel Preitano’s magical fantasy slice of life comic joining the likes of X’ed, Everfrost at a major indie publisher. It sees a young woman trying to find meaning for her life after already completing its original meaning. Is this comic series destined to succeed on the shelves or will it be the victim of false prophecy.

Publisher: Black Mask Studios/Space Between Entertainment
Writer: Pat Shand, Shannon Lee (Editor)
Artist: Manuel Preitano (Art), Jim Campbell (Letters)
Price: $3.99/£3.19 per issue on Comixology

Set in a world where magic is a normal part of life, Destiny, NY tells the story of Logan McBride, a student of the prestigious Destiny University, the mandate of which is to prepare their students for their world changing and life altering prophecies. For Logan, however, her prophecy has been completed at an early age and now she finds herself seeking direction in a world that tells her that her most important goal is completed.

Writer Pat Shand has created a wonderful opening instalment here to a story which feels heartfelt and compelling. Based in a world where magic is the norm, Destiny, NY is reminiscent of the Image series Excellence. However, whereas that series focused on the journey to reach your potential, Destiny NY‘s focus is on what happens next when you reach that potential.

The characters feel perfectly formed, with each one displaying a troubled personality, but still coming across as engaging and sympathetic. Logan, in particular, is an intriguing lead, as she follows the line many people ask themselves; that in a world where your destiny doesn’t (or in Logan’s case, any longer) come with a map, where do you go to find purpose? Meanwhile, the supporting cast are equally intriguing, as the various parts of Logan’s life; her new paramour Lilith, her school friend Gia and her ex-fiancee Bailey, find themselves pulled towards each other independently thanks to the notion of destiny. These interactions, particularly between Lilith and Gia, beg the question of whether destiny is something which is set in stone or if it is simply what another party makes up.

Meanwhile, Manuel Preitano’s artwork is absolutely gorgeous. Giving the visuals within Destiny a very Breaks look. Preitano utilises cleaner, smoother lines than that webcomic to give it a much more optimistic look. Meanwhile, his character design is absolutely terrific as he gives the main characters some truly unique and visually memorable looks. This is exemplified by Logan’s signature double mole under her right eye but particularly in Gia’s plus size figure, giving the series an example of body positive expression not always seen in comics.

In fact, if there is one flaw with the art it is simply that the art feels like it is missing something by being in black and white (which, given my love for the style is quite the declaration). However, this is a subjective feeling (and one which only lasted me for the opening few pages) and in no way diminishes Preitano’s high quality work.

Destiny, NY is a highly engrossing and spell-binding (pardon the pun) comic about a young woman trying to find her place in the world, something many can relate to. With a fascinating story and some gorgeous art, this is very much a series worth magicking up some money to buy.