Review by Ian Keogh

What would the world be like if magic suddenly replaced science? Not that much different, really, at least for the ordinary people who survive the initial event. However, what they don’t know is deadly chaos is on the way, and unless the chosen one can collect three magical totems we’ll all be overwhelmed. The chosen one, or Chosen One, is Marguerite who’s been trained for that eventuality all her young life along with her talking dog Daisy.

Creators Ryan North and Erica Henderson have plenty of practice with humorous whimsical heroism from their run on Squirrel Girl, and while that was wild, with Danger and Other Unknown Risks they don’t have to force in any superheroics. They establish that despite her title, good intentions and good nature, Marguerite’s faith is greater than her magical capabilities, although she’s really good at making things wet.

There are so many pleasing small touches here building toward a bigger picture. Let’s start with Bernard. Your all-knowing magician type is usually the old guy with a beard and a robe, right? Well, Bernard ticks the old box, but he’s paunchy, balding and beardless in a baseball cap, the type of guy you’d figure is master of the barbecue and lawn products. Then there’s the toad with which Marguerite tests new environments, the security guard with foresight and the limitation that magic isn’t the all-powerful answer to any problem. Along the way, subtly, North supplies his view of how we could improve life today.

Henderson creates several different worlds, moving from idyllic to threatening, and sells every beat of a strong emotional quest where Marguerite is almost always the focus. As the story continues she’s revealed as more complex than anticipated, yet Henderson keeps pace to create a person you’ll love long before the end.

Also a fair way before the end North drops a bombshell, a complex one requiring some tricky ethical manoeuvring and choices no-one of Marguerite’s age ought to have to make. That revelation spurs everything to a finish that’s been cleverly set-up.

Sweet, emotionally true to life and a real charming page turner, Danger and Other Unknown Risks is as good for adults as it is for the intended young adult audience, which is possibly why it picked up an Eisner Award in 2024.