The Magic Stick

 

Originally published in: Critters #5

Published: November 1986

In Brief: Hermy versus the dark powers of Satan!

Summary:

The Magic Wand

Nilson and Hemry have found a good place to set up camp next to a canterberry tree in the Forest of Eldwood. Hermy tries to knock one of the fruits down with a stick, but after it lands on his head, Nilson sends him off to get some firewood.

While gathering sticks Hermy absentmindedly picks up a wand. It's owner the wizard Senogara angrily demands it back. Hermy ignores his insults.

 

Senogara declares he'll use his powers to turn Hermy into a toad. Sadly for him the spell bounces off the wand and the wizard is turned into an amphibian.

That night the former wizard watches as our heroes use their firewood to roast mushrooms....

Notes:

• The story continues from Critters Special #1. OR DOES IT? This story takes place in the Forest of Eldwood, the setting of the first story. Perhaps it's actually set BEFORE the pair journeyed to the City of a Thousand Toads meaning it's a PREQUEL! (Or maybe they just returned to the forest) Whichever it is the story continues in Critters #16.
• As you've no doubt realized Nilbog is Sénogara spelled backwards. Stan Sakai has worked with Sergio Aragonés for years as the letterer of Groo The Wanderer. Because Sakai is a writer, artist AND letterer!

Review:

Again this was a fun little story that got a few laughs out of me. 

Still if you read this right after 'Game of Death' (which you will since you'll be reading these stories from the trade) you'll notice that Nilson is kind of a jerk to Hermy, especially considering how just five pages ago he was crying about how he'd die for Hermy. 

It highlights how Nilson was slightly more amoral in the first few stories, which would make his later Generic Nice Guy personality character development. Expect for here. Ah well I guess we all have our off days....

Plus the exciting introduction of the series only recurring villain!