Mage: The Hero Discovered
Series Comico; trades Starblaze-Donning/Image. Written by Matt Wagner; art by Wagner and Sam Kieth.
Volume 1 (1-5).
Volume 2 (6-10).
Book 1 (1-2). On cover of some editions, accidentally called Hero Defined,
not Hero Discovered.
Book 2 (3-4). [From Image Comics: As events
continue to spiral beyond his control, Kevin Matchstick finds himself compelled
again and again to join in battle against the freakish Grackleflints and
their nefarious master, the shadowy Umbra Sprite. Adding to the ranks of
Mirth's gathering cadre of warriors is the appearance of a mystically sensitive
young girl who goes by the name of Edsel. Let ogres beware!] 
Book 3 (5-6). [From Image Comics: The excitement
continues for old and new fans alike as the original adventures of KEVIN
MATCHSTICK return to comic shelves for the first time in nearly a decade!
These newly REMASTERED editions bring to life once again this classic tale
of magic, heroism and humanity! BOOK III (Issues #5 & 6) Following
his run-in with the law, Kevin finds himself in jail ‹ unsure of how
to deal with his new powers or his skeptical cell-mates. With the help of
Mirth, he discovers a new comrade in the person of his public defender,
Sean Knight a ghost who has forgotten he¹s dead! All this confusion
leads to a dangerous encounter with a malicious crew of goblins known as
the Red Caps!] 
Book 4 (7-8). [From Image Comics: As Kevin
and his gang of four attempt to formulate a defense plan, they find themselves
again and again subject to attack by the forces of the Umbra Sprite and
his murderous brood, the Gracks. When one of these palid creeps falls into
their hands, the heroic crew discover the source of their vulnerability
- and are forced to flee for their lives!] 
Book 5 (9-10). [From Image Comics: Without
the guidance of Mirth, Kevin Matchstick and his comrades still manage to
keep the pressure on the mysterious Umbra Sprite. Eventually, though, their
pursuits lead them to the dark recesses of the Styx Casino--home to the
dark demon and all his villanous brood!] 
Book 6 (11-12). [From Image Comics: Kevin
Matchstick leads his companions out of the dark pit that lies at the heart
of the Styx Casino, only to fall victim to a Grackleflints poisonous spur!
Edsel and Sean frantically race their friend to safety, unaware that the
Umbra Sprite has set a dragon on their trail!] 
Book 7 (13-14). [From Image Comics: The
exciting conclusion of Matt Wagner's epic tale of sorcery, courage and fate!BOOK
VII (contains chapters 13 & 14)--After spending over a year in the mystical
Faerie Realms, Kevin Matchstick returns for a final assault on the sinister
Styx Casino. The dark hotel is now a bloated citadel of supernatural forces
as Mirth rallies the Hero for his mighty task--unawares that tragedy lies
ahead.] 
Book 8 (15). [From Image Comics: After spending
over a year in the mystical Faerie Realms, Kevin Matchstick returns for
a final assault on the sinister Styx Casino. The dark hotel is now a bloated
citadel of supernatural forces as Mirth rallies the Hero for his mighty
task--unawares that tragedy lies ahead.] 
1 The Hero Discovered (1-15). [From
Image Comics: Just in time for its 20th anniversary, the entire Mage:
The Hero Discovered saga is finally collected in one volume -- for the first
time ever! Featuring an all-new painted cover by Matt Wagner, this hardcover
edition is a must-have not only for long-time fans of this classic tale,
but for anyone who has thrilled to Wagner's award-winning work on Grendel,
Trinity and Sandman Mystery Theater. Plus: A comprehensive of gallery of
Mage covers, development artwork and merchandise.] Book of the Week
12/1/04Mage: The Hero Defined
Image Comics. Written and illustrated by Matt Wagner.
Book 1 (1-4). [From Image Comics: Collects
the first four issues of Matt Wagner's long-awaited and controversial new
series. Picking up several years after the end of The Hero Discovered, the
story follows the continuing adventures of the reborn Pendragon, Kevin Matchstick
who wields the powerful, magic baseball bat, Excalibur. Hercules, Hiawatha
and King Arthur unite for the first time ever-all under the guise of everyday
fellows in t-shirts.] 
Book 2 (5-8). [From Image Comics: This second
96 pages volume collects Chapters 5-8 of the popular series chronicling
the on-going adventures of Kevin Matchstick and company. Master storyteller.
Matt Wagner weaves his own special brand of magic yet again as the Heroic
Trio find themselves lured north, across the border, to a mystical gathering
the likes of which the world has never seen. In addition to an ever- growing
mass of "nasties", the Northlands seem to magnetically attract
a host of the world's most legendary reincarnated warriors. But what is
the hidden purpose behind this Gathering? And how can Kevin overcome his
arrogant assumptions of leadership in time to save the day?] 
Book 3 (9-12). [From Image Comics: This
third part in the latest adventures of Kevin Matchstick collects Chapters
9-12 of The Hero Defined into a 96 page volume. Join writer/artist Matt
Wagner as he guides his literary alter-ego through some initially confusing
interactions with a sorcerous coven of witches, the Hunter sisters. The
middle witch, Magda, and the Pendragon find themselves irresistably drawn
to each other, but what does this mean for the continuing Quest and how
will the Heroic Trio ever reconvene? In the midst of this romantic lull,
disaster strikes as the Coyote, Joe Phat, falls prey to the seductive charms
of a succubus faerie-- the Leanhaun Sidhe! Can Kevin and company rise to
the occasion and rescue their enchanted comrade? And will they finally be
able to crack the secrets of the Mystic Mountain and the dark, labyrinthine
forces that it contains?] 
Book 4 (13-15). 
2 The Hero Defined (1-15). [From
Image Comics: In the eagerly awaited sequel to the sold out MAGE, VOL.
1: THE HERO DISCOVERED HC, Kevin Matchstick's path brings him into the company
of other legendary heroes, reborn in the modern world under the most everyday
guises. Trouble arises when their purpose and challenges seem to be drying
up and the number of supernatural "nasties," rapidly diminishing.
Have the forces of darkness been DEFEATED, or is there a more sinister manipulation
at work? Featuring an all-new painted cover by WAGNER, this handsome hardcover
edition collects the 15-issue MAGE: THE HERO DEFINED in one mammoth volume
- FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! PLUS: A comprehensive of gallery of MAGE covers,
development artwork, merchandise and even pages from the special 3-D edition
of issue #1!]