Graphic Novel Review - 'Sabrina: Something Wicked' by Kelly Thompson (Writer), Veronica Fish (Artist), Andy Fish (Artist), Jack Morelli (Letterer)

2023 EDIT:

Reread: Funny, now I think the sequel is an improvement over the previous volume. 'Something Wicked' does progress its story well from that, and there is high drama and stakes. And bubbling with magical creativity. The villain is still rubbish, though, and the plot can get convoluted and contrived.

I meant what I said in my original review that the writing of Sabrina's character, and her insights, introspections, and development, are brilliant, and realistic for a teenager who is under a hell of a lot of pressure.

A dark and exciting sequel, and great for a badass and flawed Sabrina Spellman.

Final Score: 3.5/5





Original Review:



'Sabrina: Something Wicked' is not a spectacular sequel to Kelly Thompson's previous 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' volume (my review of that awesome and sweetly enchanting title can be found here). It can be very contrived and awkwardly paced (and awkwardly worded, grammatically), and the "surprise" villain is barely two-dimensional.

But it is still a fun and colourful comic for any 'Sabrina' fan, filled with witchery, and bright and creative magic. Like with cards! Its mixing of light and dark elements is my cup of tea. Plus, Sabrina actually rides a broom in this one, and she still wears a crescent moon necklace. Her iconic look doesn't change.

The volume is funny, too (Salem especially, that cat is given the presence he deserves), and there is a theme of friendship and growing mutual trust between former school enemies going on. A melting mean girl ice queen and a resolute "good girl" becoming friends through the most bizarre supernatural circumstances is a brilliant and enchanting concept and I am here for it!

Sabrina Spellman is carrying a lot on her shoulders. This comic is the teen's coming-of-age story, about her struggle of living a double life in the mortal world and in the witch world. Her secrecy, lies, and having to prioritise magic studies and supernatural dangers above everything else are putting her mortal friendships at risk. Being a secret witch means possibly, eventually, cutting ties with people that the witch cares about, often for their protection; until ultimately, the witch is all alone.

Sabrina loves being a witch, but she also loves her mortal life and friends (and boyfriends). She can't tell any of them her secret, except under the most extreme cases and emergencies. And now, in her life full of uncertainties, even her trust in her witch family is put into question.

It's gotten to a point where she can't trust anyone, and no one can really trust her.

Sabrina is, at the heart of it, a normal girl who cares so much and is trying her best in the most far-reaching situations. You feel and understand her angst. There can be devastating and deadly consequences for her actions. For her mistakes.

The determined, hardworking yet insecure, shy and sensitive girl is more powerful than she can imagine...

It's all as compelling as any spell. I don't even mind the love triangle, full of hormones and high school angst and drama as it is.

The art is reminiscent of 'Archie' with more modern shading, shadowing, and expressions. It's beautiful and bold. Amazing work.

'Sabrina: Something Wicked' - A good trick or treat for fans of any 'Sabrina' era and incarnation. There's enough to like here; enough to please. I do believe that I adore it through longer, richer, additional thought, in spite of its flaws. An amusing, vibrant, heartfelt, magical - if predictable and not too exciting - yet relatable ride.

Final Score: 3.5/5