The Tarot Witch of the Black Rose is a comic book series created by writer and artist Jim Balent. The first issue of the series was published in 1999 by Broadsword Comics. The series follows the adventures of Tarot, a powerful witch, and her companion, the skeleton cat named Pooka. Tarot is a beautiful and fearless witch who uses her magic to protect the innocent and fight against evil forces. She possesses incredible powers and is skilled in the art of spellcasting. Throughout the series, Tarot battles various supernatural creatures, demons, and other witches who threaten the balance between good and evil.
Laurel Mack’s life stopped in many ways the day her 15-year-old daughter, Ellie, left the house to study at the library and never returned. She drifted away from her other two children, Hanna and Jake, and eventually she and her husband, Paul, divorced. Ten years later, Ellie’s remains and her backpack are found, though the police are unable to determine the reasons for her disappearance and death. After Ellie’s funeral, Laurel begins a relationship with Floyd, a man she meets in a cafe. She's disarmed by Floyd’s charm, but when she meets his young daughter, Poppy, Laurel is startled by her resemblance to Ellie. As the novel progresses, Laurel becomes increasingly determined to learn what happened to Ellie, especially after discovering an odd connection between Poppy’s mother and her daughter even as her relationship with Floyd is becoming more serious. Jewell’s (I Found You, 2017, etc.) latest thriller moves at a brisk pace even as she plays with narrative structure: The book is split into three sections, including a first one which alternates chapters between the time of Ellie’s disappearance and the present and a second section that begins as Laurel and Floyd meet. Both of these sections primarily focus on Laurel. In the third section, Jewell alternates narrators and moments in time: The narrator switches to alternating first-person points of view (told by Poppy’s mother and Floyd) interspersed with third-person narration of Ellie’s experiences and Laurel’s discoveries in the present. All of these devices serve to build palpable tension, but the structure also contributes to how deeply disturbing the story becomes. At times, the characters and the emotional core of the events are almost obscured by such quick maneuvering through the weighty plot.
But Frankie Presto s gift is also his burden, as he realizes the power of the strings his teacher gave him, and how, through his music, he can actually affect people s lives. Since 2010, Albom has operated Have Faith Haiti in Port-au-Prince, a home and school to more than 60 children, which he visits every month without exception.
Throughout the series, Tarot battles various supernatural creatures, demons, and other witches who threaten the balance between good and evil. The Black Rose refers to the coven to which Tarot belongs. The coven consists of Tarot's mother, Raven Hex, and her sisters, Boo Cat and Licorice Dust.
THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO
"All lonely roads lead back to Music" in this sentimental journey that might be a mashup of the lives of shooting stars like.
At the funeral of guitar superstar Frankie Presto, who disappeared at the peak of his fame, the Spirit of Music looks back on his life from his birth in a church during the Spanish Civil War to his years as “the next Elvis Presley.”
In Albom's latest mystical tale (The First Phone Call from Heaven, 2013, etc.), Francisco's mother dies after giving birth. The newborn is rescued by a nun, but she’s soon overwhelmed and, Moses-like, casts him adrift in the Mijares River, where he's found by Baffa Rubio’s hairless dog. Rubio later runs afoul of Franco’s thugs, and Francisco, only 9, is smuggled from Spain on a tramp freighter by El Maestro, his blind guitar instructor. In London, surviving as a busker, Francisco meets Django Reinhardt when the legendary guitarist is on his way to play with Duke Ellington in America. Francisco travels with him, his talent soon to earn international acclaim. Though a guitar virtuoso, Francisco neglects the beloved instrument to become a pop star, joining the glitterati. The moral? "Fame is addictive." Over decades, Francisco meets a litany of musicians, including Roger McGuinn, Burt Bacharach, Tony Bennett, and Paul Stanley of KISS, who reminisce in separate chapters while Music (imagine James Earl Jones reading poetry) spins out Francisco’s life story. There are occasional odd descriptive phrases like "with hair the color of dark grapes," but Albom can elicit tears when he writes about loss, and he has fun with you-are-there butterfly-effect anecdotes, as when Francisco tells Hank Williams not to buy a baby blue Cadillac, the car in which he would ride to his death.
"All lonely roads lead back to Music" in this sentimental journey that might be a mashup of the lives of shooting stars like Bobby Darin or Ricky Nelson.
Pub Date: Nov. 10, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-06-229441-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2015
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Together, they work to maintain peace and harmony in the magical realm they reside in. The comic book series often incorporates elements of fantasy, horror, and erotica. The artwork is highly detailed, with Balent's distinctive style bringing the characters and their magical world to life. The series showcases a unique blend of dark themes and sensual imagery. Tarot Witch of the Black Rose has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years. Its success can be attributed to its captivating storytelling and visually stunning artwork. The series has also sparked various spin-offs and merchandise, including collectible figures and trading cards. The Tarot Witch of the Black Rose is an ongoing series that continues to captivate readers with its enchanting tales of witchcraft, adventure, and the battle between light and darkness..
Reviews for "Tarot Witch of the Black Rose: Issue 1 and the Tarot as a Tool for Personal Transformation"
1. John - 2 Stars - I found "Tarot Witch of the Black Rose 1" to be confusing and hard to follow. The plot seemed disjointed, and it was difficult to understand the motivations of the characters. The artwork was colorful, but it didn't make up for the lackluster storytelling. Overall, I was left disappointed and unsatisfied with this comic.
2. Emily - 3 Stars - While the artwork in "Tarot Witch of the Black Rose 1" was visually appealing, I found the storyline to be lacking depth and substance. The characters felt one-dimensional, and their dialogue was often cringe-worthy. Additionally, I was expecting more from the depiction of witchcraft, but it was presented in a stereotypical and superficial manner. Overall, this comic fell short of my expectations and failed to engage me fully.
3. Ben - 1 Star - "Tarot Witch of the Black Rose 1" was a disappointment from start to finish. The story felt cliché and predictable, with no surprises or originality. The characters were poorly developed, and the dialogue was stilted and unconvincing. The excessive use of sexualized imagery only served to further detract from the already lackluster plot. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time on this comic.