Witch by Terry Matalas isn’t your typical broomstick-and-cauldron comic. Released in 2011, this fantasy-horror graphic novel is written by 12 Monkeys creators Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett, with striking visuals by Tony Shasteen and Stephen Downer. And to be clear—this is not the same “Witch” from the kid-friendly pages of K-Zone. This one’s definitely not for kids.
Witch by Terry Matalas: A Familiar Voice with a Dark Past
The story follows a teenage girl who suddenly learns she’s a witch. The voice in her head that she’s tried to ignore for years? It’s not her imagination—it’s her familiar, a spiritual guide passed down through generations.
As the narrative unfolds, she discovers her family’s dark lineage: she’s a descendant of a powerful line of witches who were nearly wiped out by an ancient order of Witch Hunters. Together with her familiar and a mysterious young man, she begins a dangerous journey to find others like her—before the hunters get to them first.
It’s a setup that sounds familiar (pun intended), but there’s enough tension, mystery, and myth-building to keep things interesting.
Illustration: Haunting, Expressive, and Unique
The art in Witch by Terry Matalas is one of its strongest points. Shasteen and Downer bring the supernatural to life through moody tones and expressive character work. The familiars, in particular, are well-designed—they give a completely different visual take on what magical companions could look like.
Every panel feels deliberate, balancing realism with just enough fantasy to pull you into the world. It’s not overly stylized, but it sets the perfect atmosphere for a story steeped in bloodlines and black magic.
Story: Cliché at First Glance, But Not Without Surprises
Admittedly, Witch by Terry Matalas follows the well-worn “teen discovers hidden past” trope. The chosen-one formula and reluctant-hero setup have been done before. But the comic introduces enough twists—and some well-paced mystery—to keep it from feeling stale.
The world it builds is intriguing, even if the structure feels familiar. By the end, I found myself curious about what happens next, which speaks to the potential of its ongoing arc.
Final Thoughts on Witch by Terry Matalas
While Witch by Terry Matalas doesn’t reinvent the genre, it does offer a stylish, engaging entry into the world of supernatural comics. Strong visuals and solid storytelling carry the book, even when the plot edges toward the predictable.
It’s dark, dramatic, and designed for readers who like their magic with a little menace. I’d gladly pick up the next issue to see where this witch’s journey leads.
About Me
I’m JP B. Bantigue, CLSSBB—a visual storyteller and comic enthusiast who thrives on tales that dive deep into magic, mystery, and the human psyche. Whether it’s fantasy, sci-fi, or horror, I love reviewing graphic novels that spark the imagination and blur the lines between light and dark.
