Michael W. Conrad Unpacks Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories—Jace #1
Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories—Jace represents a significant expansion of the lore surrounding one of gaming’s most iconic figures. Every month, Dark Horse Comics utilizes its “Horsepower” column to provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. In the February installment, acclaimed writer Michael W. Conrad shares his personal history with the franchise, revealing how he transitioned from a middle-school player to one of the pioneers of this new era of sequential storytelling.
The creative team bringing this intersectional vision to life includes:
- Writer: Michael W. Conrad (Wonder Woman, Batman)
- Artist: Caitlin Yarsky (Black Hammer)
- Colorist: Alex Guimarães
- Letterer: Clayton Cowles
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Conrad’s journey with Magic began long before the cards were as synergistic as they are today. In his early years, the mana curve was often ignored in favor of “cool” pulls, leading to a unique form of emergent narrative. This imaginative play style allowed Conrad and his peers to build their own mythologies around the cryptic flavor text found on the cards. Now, he brings that lifelong passion to the “Untold Stories” line, starting with a focus on the Wielder of Mysteries himself.
The Evolution of the Planeswalker in Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories—Jace
What readers should prepare for in Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories—Jace is a nuanced look at a character who has been the “boogeyman” of competitive tables since 2007. Jace Beleren has long been a source of frustration for many players, known for his ability to mill away libraries and sift through decks for perfect win conditions. However, Conrad argues that there is a much deeper story beneath the mechanical power of the character. Jace is defined by his good intentions colliding with his catastrophic errors, making him a complex figure in the Multiverse.
The narrative explores how Jace’s heroism is frequently marred by his inability to foresee the consequences of his interventions. He is a mirror for our own altruism, struggling against a dispassionate reality where even the best plans can go awry. In this series, Jace endeavors to correct his miscalculations, driven by a mysterious goal that may even elude the Mind Sculptor himself. Transitioning from a clinical strategist to a deeply flawed seeker provides a fresh perspective for fans who track new comics for their character development.
The Complexity of the Mind Sculptor
Visually, Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories—Jace is a powerhouse. Caitlin Yarsky’s art captures the ethereal nature of the Planes while grounding the emotional weight of Jace’s burden. The inclusion of characters like Tezzeret suggests that the stakes involve high-level manipulation and ancient rivalries. For fans who spend their time tracking comic book covers, the visual synergy between Yarsky and colorist Alex Guimarães creates a “Gordian Knot” of atmosphere that reflects Jace’s own internal struggles.
Furthermore, Conrad’s script addresses how utopian visions evolve over time. Much like his own understanding of global inequalities grew since middle school, Jace faces quandaries that require more than just a powerful spell to solve. This “Untold Story” serves as a meditation on growth and the price of protecting the innocent. It is a mathematical certainty that fans of the game’s deep lore will find this series to be an essential addition to their collection.
In addition to the character study, the series promises high-stakes action as the protagonists traverse the Planes. The collaboration between Conrad and Dark Horse has yielded a story that honors the source material while taking bold risks with its interpretation of a legend. Consequently, the April 1st release of issue #1 is one of the most anticipated events of the spring season. Retailers are already seeing high reorder activity, suggesting that the “Untold Stories” format is exactly what the Magic community has been waiting for.
In conclusion, Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories—Jace is a must-buy for any reader who appreciates the intersection of gaming and graphic storytelling. By pairing Michael W. Conrad’s insightful writing with Caitlin Yarsky’s stunning visuals, Dark Horse has guaranteed a series that is as mysterious as Jace Beleren himself. Don’t miss this portal into the hidden history of the Multiverse when the first issue hits shops this April!
📢 Join the Conversation
Are you ready to dive into the mind of Jace Beleren? What is your favorite “Untold Story” from the MTG lore? Join the conversation on X and tag us @comicbookaddt to share your thoughts on the new Dark Horse series!
Follow our community for more updates:
