Witchblade #144
Publisher: Top Cow
Writer(s): Ron Marz & Filip Sablik
Artist(s): Stjepan Sejic & John Tyler Chirstopher
“Origin Secret”: To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Witchblade, we’re treated to two stories in this dynamite issue. The first tale takes us back to when Sara came into contact with the Artifact that would change her life, the Witchblade. However, this isn’t just some regular old boring rehashing of a story. Marz ties it all into an internal affairs investigation of a Detective’s death a while back. Seems like a clue in the investigation leads to the dead man’s safety deposit box, and what’s inside is sure to cause serious complications for Sara later down the line.
If there is one thing that Marz has been effective at it’s allowing new readers comfortable access to his titles. I’m not sure if it’s on purpose (with the exception of Artifacts) or just the way some of the stories play out, but for whatever reason he’s got the right idea. There is nothing here that will deter a longtime reader, either, as the way he chose to re-tell the origin also moves Sara’s character and the plot forward. If you’re also a fan of face melting artwork, then you should know that Sejic just kills it during this entire story. It is always good to see an artist who puts just as much detail and effort into the more normal scenes as he/she would the more explosive moments. Sejic’s work also excels when he and Marz sync up perfectly, and when this happens the entire page is on another level of cool. The splash page showing the brief history of the Witchblade comes to mind immediately along with several others.
The second story, “Secret Origin,” is written by Filip Sablik with art by John Tyler Christopher. This one focuses on Sara’s partner/boyfriend Patrick Gleason, who is getting together with some cop friends for what seems like an annual reunion. Most of it revolves around one of Patrick’s early days on the force during one of New York City’s more heated moments. For a new reader this look at Patrick helps to establish the type of man he is. For longtime readers you get a little bit of a background story to flesh out a character you already know.
As with many anniversary issues, this one has a cover gallery with contributions from various artists. One of which happens to be Lee Moder, who will also be working with Marz on their upcoming Shinku title. If you haven’t hopped on the Witchblade train yet, then this is a perfect time to do so. Find out why this isn’t just a great stand alone issue, but a stand out series as well.
Infinite Speech
infinitespeech@comicattack.net
Sejic is my hero. That is all.
He does make a book look oh so pretty! Look at the gash on that guys face! OUCH!
@Speech- I can’t believe Marvel let this guy get away. He should have been signed to an exclusive deal.
I know he’s done several covers for Marvel but I don’t think he’s done any interiors. Too bad but I’m glad he’s on Witchblade and I read a while back he was working on some creator owned stuff so I can’t wait to see that!
@Speech- I remember him doing a Realm of Kings cover (the chick fight I think), and it was AWESOME!!!
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