Mysterius the Unfathomable by Jeff Parker (writer) and Tom Fowler (artist)
Review by Bowden P. (Trey)
Have you ever had someone describe something in such a way it sticks in your mind? Sticks so well that years later when you see it you go “Oh!” and move to look closer? Well, that’s how I got interested in Mysterius the Unfathomable. What was the little phrase? “Dr. Seuss meets Lovecraft.” I wish I could remember who used that for me so I could give credit where credit is due, but…
So what have we got? The graphic novel opens with a mysterious fog shrouded rendezvous that introduces, Delfi, actually Ella, and then moves into a séance. And it is one of the more darkly funny things I’ve read in a while. Its hosted by Victor Chesnea, a rich playboy who wants to speak to his deceased mother, who in order to spice things up has invited a renowned skeptic to the party as well. Then there is Mysterius who is there to conduct the séance. To put it mildly, it doesn’t go well – especially for Chesnea who winds up with his soul temporarily sucked out. And Ella? Well, she’s there to cover the séance as a reporter, but it goes even less well for her later forcing her to take a job with Mysterius.
The characters make the book. Mysterius, one of our protagonists (sorry, he’s not a hero) is a greedy, manipulative, arrogant, self-centered, beer bellied magician named Mysterius. Parker does a great job showing Mysterius as he is, and then making him occasionally likable person. That’s a real trick. The other protagonist (and I think she deserves the title hero) is Ella/Delfi (named Ella, but all of Mysterius’ assistants are Delfi – long story), she stands in contrast to Mysterius by being short, black, sassy, but good hearted. Not to say she’s his Jimminy Cricket. No, she can be a bit self-indulgent too, but also knows it comes at a cost. Still, compared to Mysterius, Ella is the height of virtue.
This is a fun book. From the séance from Hell, to a wealthy man with a unique skin problem, to thinly disguised parodies of Dr. Seuss, his creations and Burning Man. Then there is the parody that combines Anton LeVey and Jim Jones into one unpleasant magical package.
Oh, and its not just the concepts. Tom Fowler does some amazing work. His art really helps make the characters, especially Mysterius. Mysterius comes across as I described him above, but also kind of clownish (but then so do most of the men in the book). He also shows some great command of anatomy in what he draws, because while there are cartoonish elements, its realistic. Most of the people look like people – even Mysterius and Ella.
Did I like it? Yes I did. Five stars. 
Likes: Excellent art and characterization; Lots of fun parodies; Seuss meets Lovecraft to good effect; Magic is powerful, occult and dangerous; A well drawn villain; The Dr. Seuss parody; Sorcerers hiding in plain sight.
Dislikes: Needs a sequel.
Suggested for: Anyone that enjoys magic comics like Zatanna, Books of Magic and the John Constantine Hellblazer books. Maybe for the Dresden fans as well, but only maybe.
“Dr. Seuss meets Lovecraft” is a VERY powerful description!! Sounds similar to (though infinitely more catchy than) my attempts to describe The Sandman comics as “Labyrinth and The Crow take a class on Joseph Campbell” lol. It’s a shame graphic novels are so often difficult to find here, this is going to be on my to-get list for ages. Excellent review as always, Trey!