This four-issue miniseries, originally published by DC Comics in 1990, introduces Timothy Hunter, a seemingly ordinary English teenager destined to become the world’s greatest magician. The narrative follows Timothy’s journey as he encounters four powerful figures representing different aspects of magic: John Constantine embodies the street-level occultist, Doctor Occult delves into ancient mysteries, Mister E explores the moral implications of magic, and the Phantom Stranger provides a glimpse into the vast cosmic scope of magical power. This series effectively serves as an introduction to the larger DC magical universe.
The series holds significance for its unique blend of coming-of-age narrative and fantastical exploration of magic within the established DC universe. It launched a spin-off series and related titles, solidifying Timothy Hunter’s place as a key figure in DC’s magical landscape. Furthermore, it showcases Gaiman’s distinct narrative style, blending mythological and contemporary elements to create a compelling story that resonates with both seasoned comic readers and newcomers to the genre. Its influence can be observed in subsequent urban fantasy and magical realism works.