If Issue #13 caught my attention, then Issue #14 absolutely galvanized me. It doesn't take much to discover that philosophers, theologists, mystics and psychologists of all shades and hues have wrestled with the issue of "Self" and "Self-Actualization" from all sorts of perspectives. However (I'm sure to the dismay of my former professors), I've found none to have stated the core issue of Existance as succinctly and clearly as Matt Wagner manages in the dialogue between Mirth and Kevin Matchstick in this issue. If I want to talk with someone all night and get nothing resolved, I'll bring up Neitsche or Plato. If I want to share a spark of light with someone, I hand them issue #14 of Mage, The Hero Discovered.

So, after a good 10 year wait, Matt Wagner (finally!) released Mage, The Hero Defined. My trips to a comic shop had been reduced to one visit every couple months, on the off-chance something might catch my eye again. My timing was better, though -- this time the comic was only up to Issue #3, I think, and not #13. In The Hero Discovered we saw Kevin Matchstick grow up -- become a man, in a manner of speaking. Now, in The Hero Defined we see Kevin Matchstick moving in a larger world of other heroes who are his equals in many ways -- and all of them seem to still be learning some lessons.

Matt Wagner has mentioned that the Mage books are autobiographical in nature -- the protaganist even looks like Matt. This is his own life's story mythologized. Fine. Good. But by virtue of this fictionalization, Kevin Matchstick gains a certain "Everyman" quality that allows the reader to share in an adventure that is much more than fighting monsters and bad guys. I think this certain "shared" experience contributes to the strong loyalty of Mage readers. Either that or they really like the bat. :)

So -- why build a web-site? Maybe it's because the cinematic quality of the art-work caught my eye and I thought I could build some neat Animated graphics. Maybe I had too much time on my hands. Maybe I wanted to catch the attention of someone who has no idea who Matt Wagner is, and has never heard of Mage. Maybe they'll stop into a comic store and pick up a few issues. Maybe I just wanted to say "Thanks" to Matt for writing a story that continues to capture my imagination. Why a web-site? Why not?

If you managed to read all this rambling monologue, I offer you my thanks as well. The story outlines in this site attempt to capture both the larger story-line as well as some of the subtler details which give the story flavor and depth. They are certainly no substitute for actually reading the comics -- so go get them if you haven't already! I've also scattered a few observations and ideas in the Themes section of the site -- and please, feel free to place your own thoughts or comments in the Discussion Board. Enjoy!

Oh, and one final detail: I'd like to thank my wife, Lisa, for her patience during the many hours I spent building this site.