A Mischief of Magpies Is a Haunting Unexpected Fantasy (And One of the Best Comics of 2026 to Date) [Exclusive Early Review]

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Simon Spurrier and Matias Bergara excel at crafting grand fantasy stories that feel deeply personal. Their previous works, Coda and Step by Bloody Step, though different in scope and style, both create immersive worlds and unforgettable adventures that stay with you long after you finish reading. Their new series, A Mischief of Magpies, launching from DSTLRY in July, delivers that same captivating quality with a fresh fantasy story. It’s not just a quest; it’s a surreal and intriguing mystery set in a beautifully realized world.

In the comic A Mischief of Magpies, teenager Mar has a strange secret: he unexpectedly and randomly finds himself transported to a breathtaking, enormous city. This city is also a massive machine, traveling across an endless ocean and split into two distinct areas – a bright, vibrant world above the waves and a shadowy, threatened world below. A talkative group of magpies lives on the beach connecting these two halves. While this other world seems amazing, it’s also dangerous, and Mar’s life back home is already complicated. ComicBook had the chance to preview A Mischief of Magpies, and it’s not only a fantastic comic, but it could be the best work yet from Spurrier and Bergara.

Rating: 5 out of 5

PROS CONS
Exceptional world-building You have to wait until July for the 1st issue.
The harmony between writing and art is unmatched

A Mischief of Magpies Perfectly Builds Its Fantasy World and Its Reality in Equal Measure

The concept of a character being transported from our world to a fantastical one isn’t original. Many stories use this setup, where a hero is suddenly thrust into a strange land with a task to complete. This is a common trope in fantasy for a good reason – these stories can be very engaging when executed effectively. However, most of these stories focus heavily on developing the fantasy world, often at the expense of fleshing out the character’s original reality. We usually get a detailed look at the new, fantastical setting, but a limited understanding of the world the character left behind.

Unlike some stories, A Mischief of Magpies immediately establishes Mar’s life and personality. From the beginning, the authors, Spurrier and Bergara, work together to build a complete picture of who Mar is before he enters the machine city. This groundwork is crucial; we understand his struggles and feel connected to him in his everyday life, making his journey into the new world much more impactful. When Mar finally enters this strange place, there’s still confusion, but now we’re experiencing it with him, a character we already know and care about. He’s used to being overlooked in the real world, but in this new place, he’s finally seen and acknowledged, even amidst the chaos.

Every Detail Matters (And The Meanings Are Part of the Mystery)

The blend of realistic and fantastical elements gives this story a strong, distinctive foundation. It’s more than just a quest to save an unusual world; it also explores what happens to the protagonist, Mar, when he’s back home. But that’s just one example of the story’s impressive worldbuilding. The author excels at adding subtle details that enrich the narrative on multiple levels, and this story is a prime example. I don’t want to reveal too much, as this is a story best experienced gradually, piece by piece. However, details about the city of machines aren’t just important to Mar’s journey; they also hint at a bigger, unfolding story. Every word, spoken or implied, carries weight. There’s also a mysterious object Mar receives that will slowly reveal its true meaning, and once you understand it, you’ll see its role in the story in a completely new light.

Steve Spurrier’s writing is central to the rich storytelling, but Gabriel Bergara’s artwork is equally crucial. The creature designs are reminiscent of classic films like NeverEnding Story and Labyrinth, blending familiar and fantastical elements. Beyond that, subtle details in the characters’ expressions, movements, and positioning add layers of narrative. The art and writing work together seamlessly – each is essential to the other, and removing one would significantly diminish the overall impact.

Overall, A Mischief of Magpies is a deeply moving and gorgeous book—it’s much more than just a good fantasy story. It’s a truly captivating read that connects with you on many different levels. The book possesses a special kind of magic that is both heartbreaking and makes it a strong contender for one of the best releases of the year.

A Mischief of Magpies #1 goes on sale July 15th. Final order cutoff if May 25th.

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2026-05-06 21:11