The Magdalena #11
Publisher: Top Cow
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Nelson Blake II & David Marquez
Cover: Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, & David Marquez
It’s been a bit of a wait, but it’s definitely worth it since The Magdalena continues to get better issue after issue. This is the third part of “The One, True Cross” story arc. At her request, the Witchblade bearer, Sara Pezzini, has now joined Patience to retrieve not only the piece of the Cross, but her Spear of Destiny which was stolen, as well. They have no idea who has them or what the intended party wants to do with the powerful relics. They do, however, have a prisoner who is going to lead them to their goal. Though it seems the problem is a lot bigger and meaner than either of them imagined.
This is one of the stronger arcs in the series, which is saying a lot since it’s been nothing short of great since the beginning. Having Sara in this issue was both very cool and just natural. Since Marz is an old hand at writing her, things just fell into place and we ended up getting a fine team up with these two. Another strong point for this issue are the various character moments that are scattered throughout. The entire story is carried by dialog that is sharp and shows how strong a book can be without page after page of action. There’s also the fact that even though a strong character like Sara is in the issue, this is still Magdalena’s book. Marz puts her in the assist role perfectly playing off of Patience and doesn’t let her overshadow the main character.
Nelson Blake and Dave Marquez come together again to give readers another good looking issue. Usually with two artists on a title you’re likely to get two distinct styles that may take you out of the story from time to time. These two manage to sync their styles which keeps you visually locked into the story and things consistently looking great. Particularly the Hong Kong sequence and that very unexpected cliffhanger. You also have to just love Sara’s “Cocky” belt buckle, which is a nod to a certain television show. As with every other issue in the series, the colors and inks are great, as well, and bring everything together.
The Magdalena continues to be one of the better titles out now mainly due to it’s consistent strong storytelling and art. The build up of this arc has been better with each issue since every cliff hanger has topped the previous one. Reinforcing why this title is not to be passed over.
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