Review by Ian Keogh

 Spoilers in review

Much has changed in Hilo’s world, and that of his friends DJ and Gina. When Judd Winick finished most of the plots running through Hilo so far, the major aspect that remained constant was Gina still being able to do the magic she picked up along the way. The surprising result is the best book in the series so far.

Anyone concerned that Hilo’s transformation would somehow make him less endearing can stop worrying. As a normal kid he maintains his kindly nature and manic enthusiasm, except now it’s for what we take for granted, things like the joy of pooping and why ballet is good, while a running joke is Hilo forgetting he can no longer fly.

It’s Gina, though, who’s the focus. She has magical abilities, but no training, so no confidence in how to use them, and that uncertainty is extremely well conveyed, as is her sorrow about Izzy, who departed the series in All the Pieces Fit. DJ supplies a great pep talk when Gina’s at her lowpoint. Additionally, because she’s the only one who sees the magical creatures manifesting on Earth, Gina’s actions can seem ridiculous to onlookers, which is developed to humorous effect via the art.

Winick’s already set high artistic standards for energetic and sympathetic characters, and now adds great designs for the magical creatures who turn up. They’re not the run of the mill, but wonky, awkward creations who’re visually distinctive, yet simply constructed, and in the case of Bek and Choi, their designs have surprising features. There’s a greater role for Gina’s younger twin sisters this time, and Winick’s treatment of them as hyperactive bundles of energy is another visual highlight.

More so than earlier volumes, the chapters are constructed as such, each telling a smaller story leading to a larger purpose, which concerns the return of magic to Earth. The book title is intended to induce foreboding, and that’s increased by the arrival of the Nestor, beings whose presence amplifies magic, and who are therefore hunted by practitioners. Amid all the fast-paced laughter, Winick delivers on the title, leaving a lot to be tidied up in Gina and the Big Secret.