Madame Xanadu (2008)

Synopsis

Madame Xanadu’s powers of sight can change the course of human history, but her vision is clouded when she looks into herself. Thrown into worlds of war and men, she encounters a dark stranger who knows both her past and future.

From: Vertigo

Notes on This Title

Madame Xanadu’s romantic relationship with a woman is depicted in the second volume of this series, Exodus Noir.

Awards

2009 Eisner Award for Best New Series - Nominee
21st GLAAD Media Award Nominee for Outstanding Comic Book

Reviews

“Confession: I had no idea who Madame Xanadu was before reading this Graphic Novel as I am not a DC connoisseur ( I am a Marvel Girl – ha – all the way; except you know, for Batman) ; I only decided to read it for two reasons: the recommendation from Karen Mahoney and the fact that Death from The Sandman makes an appearance. I did do a bit of homework (read: Wikipedia-ed) , in order to get my bearings and learnt that she is a minor, supporting character in the DC universe who use magic Tarot Cards to predict the future and help other characters with their supernatural problems playing a role of advisor without ever directly interfering. She is immortal and has some magical powers of her own.

In this new series by Vertigo, she is given a revamp and put in a central role. This first volume covers the first 10 issues in what can be described as an Origin story; it provides more information about the character throughout the ages and you can read only this first volume, as it has a definite ending in a self-contained story.” (Source: The Book Smugglers)

“Wagner and Kaluta team up to provide more backstory for the glamorous and powerful Madame Xanadu in Exodus Noir . Collecting issues 12 through 15, the volume toggles between New York in 1940 and Spain in 1493, at the height of the Inquisition. In the modern era, the Gypsy sorceress tracks a demon set on destroying three men who thought they had outrun an ancient curse. Back in Spain, readers learn of Madame Xanadu’s tragic affair with a ginger-haired seamstress that arouses the suspicions of the Catholic Church. The twists and turns of the two tales eventually dovetail in a dramatic conclusion that includes a cameo by another Vertigo mainstay. While both portions are engaging, the New York part of the story really springs off the page. The detailed, pulp-inspired style of Kaluta, who created the original Madame Xanadu covers for the Doorway to a Nightmare series in 1978, are a perfect fit for a dark fantasy Manhattan, and Wagner peppers the narrative with telling details. Exodus Noir should please Madame Xanadu fans, but is accessible to new readers looking for a juicy tale.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)

Interviews

CBR: “Amy Reeder Hadley Talks “Madame Xanadu”

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