"Deliver Us From Evil"

Top Cow and Image Comics have released a teaser promoting a new series from the current Witchblade creative team of Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic.

Intriguing. Very intriguing ...

Meanwhile, with Comic-Con International in San Diego just around the corner details of the "Top Cow: We Create ... Excitement" panel have been published. Hosted by Marc Silvestri, Matt Hawkins and Filip Sablik the panel will, amongst other subjects, include the announcement of the 2011 PILOT SEASON titles and creative teams.

Saturday, July 23
11:30 - 12:30 TOP COW: WE CREATE... EXCITEMENT
Join Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri (THE DARKNESS, X-Men/Dark Avengers: Utopia), President Matt Hawkins (THE DARKNESS II: CONFESSION), and Publisher Filip Sablik (LAST MORTAL), along with a bevy of Top Cow creators for the most dynamic, news-packed hour at Comic-Con! Be the first to get exclusive news about the future of the Top Cow Universe, the announcement of the 2011 PILOT SEASON titles and creative teams, and a metric truckload of Top Cow film and television announcements. Plus special surprise guests and a free gift for every attendee! Room 8.


Source: Top Cow, Image Comics, Comic Book Resources

Image and Top Cow Solicitations: September 2011 Highlights

As I've come to expect there's some great stuff coming from Image and Top Cow in September - and what better place to start than with the 150th issue of one of my favourite books, Witchblade.

If the issue number wasn't reason enough for celebration this issue will also be the last - for now at least! - from long-time collaborators Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic. Without dismissing the importance of their predesessors in many ways these two guys have made the book what it is today - compelling storylines, fantastic yet believable characters complemented by some of the most eye catching cover and interior art that you'll see in any book.

Truth be told, over the past year or so my enjoyment of the Top Cow U has suffered as a result of numerous delays with publishing the books and I've (reluctantly) dropped a number of the periodicals in favour of the collected edition. I think it speaks volumes for the job that Marz and Sejic are doing on Witchblade that I've been prepared to put up with the delays to allow me to pick up a 'semi monthly'.

The end of an era indeed.

September also sees the publication of a number of notable new #1's, a couple of what look like being enjoyable one-shots along with a number of eagerly anticipated collected editions - if you didn't buy Troy Hickman's Twilight Guardian in single issues then now is the time to right that wrong and pick up the 160 page trade paperback which includes all four issues plus the original Pilot Season issue along with a cover gallery, behind-the-scenes insights and more!

I did buy the single issues and already own the Pilot Season issue and I'll also be picking up the trade - that's how much I enjoyed it!

Here's my selection from the Image and Top Cow solicitations for September 2011:

WITCHBLADE #150
story RON MARZ, art STJEPAN SEJIC, cover A STJEPAN SEJIC, cover B MICHAEL BROUSSARD, cover C MIKE CHOI, cover D MICHAEL TURNER
September 28, 48 pages, FC, T, $4.99
END OF AN ERA!
WITCHBLADE reaches its momentous one hundred-fiftieth issue! The series reaches another landmark as longtime writer RON MARZ and artist STJEPAN SEJIC put a final stamp on the series they helped define for the modern reader with their final issue. Sara Pezzini has long walked the thin line between being the bearer of the Witchblade and a detective for the New York Police Department. Now as Internal Affairs closes in on her, she may be forced to choose between her two lives.

TWILIGHT GUARDIAN TP
story TROY HICKMAN, art SID KOTIAN, BILL FARMER & REZA, cover KEU CHA
September 14, 160 pages, FC, T+, STANDARD SIZE, $19.99
PILOT SEASON WINNER!
The entire tale of a lone, dedicated hero patrolling her nine block suburban neighborhood that captured the imaginations of fans during 2008’s Pilot Season and after heated voting emerged as one of the winning titles is finally collected! Creator and writer TROY HICKMAN (COMMON GROUNDS) along with artist SID KOTIAN (EAT THE DEAD) delves into Twilight Guardian’s past, her motivations for crime-fighting, and even give her an arch-nemesis in the terrifying Dusk Devil!
Collects TWILIGHT GUARDIAN #1-#4 along with the original PILOT SEASON: TWILIGHT GUARDIAN #1 with a cover gallery, behind-the-scenes insights and more!


NEAR DEATH #1
story JAY FAERBER, art SIMONE GUGLIELMINI, cover TOMM COKER
September 21, 32 pages, FC, T+, $2.99
Markham is a professional killer who has a near death experience during a botched mission. Determined to avoid ever returning to the Hell he glimpsed, Markham dedicates himself to balancing the scales. He's going to save a life for every life he's taken. And he's taken a lot of lives...
A new ongoing crime series for fans of Criminal and the novels of Lee Child and Robert Crais.

PIGS #1
story NATE COSBY & BEN McCOOL, art BRENO TEMURA, cover JOCK
September 14, 32 pages, FC, M, $2.99
ISSUE ONE: HELLO, CRUEL WORLD
A KGB sleeper cell has been in Cuba since 1962. And now they’re coming to kill you. NATE COSBY (MARVEL), BEN McCOOL (CHOKER, MEMOIR) and hotshot newcomer artist BRENO TEMURA present PIGS, an ongoing series set to join Image’s elite ranks. Terrorists have descended on America, assigned to destroy everything in their path...but why, and why now?

ARTIFACTS #13 (of 13)
story RON MARZ, art DALE KEOWN & SUNNY GHO, cover A DALE KEOWN, cover B JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER, cover C JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
October 5, 32 pages, FC, T+, $3.99
THE DECISION!
It all comes down to this! The Survivor’s plan has come to fruition. All thirteen Artifacts and their bearers are in their fated place. The stakes are simple – the very fate of the Top Cow Universe. And the only question that remains is, will either Jackie Estacado or Sara Pezzini doom the world as Tom Judge predicted? Legendary special guest artist DALE KEOWN (THE DARKNESS/PITT, Hulk) joins Top Cow Universe architect RON MARZ to bring fans an event conclusion they will never forget!
PLUS: Each issue will also feature an Artifacts: Origin story written by RON MARZ and drawn by a guest superstar artist.

'68: JUNGLE JIM (one-shot)
story MARK KIDWELL, art NATE VAN DYKE & JAY FOTOS, cover A NATE VAN DYKE, cover B NAT JONES & JAY FOTOS
September 28, 32 pages, FC, T+, $3.99
Vietnam, 1968: Behind enemy lines, a soldier stands alone. A one-man army...armored against the risen, hungry dead under burlap, bamboo and Army green. Armored against the living with a Bowie knife and a mobile arsenal.
If you got left behind...he’ll find you. If you’re the enemy...you’ll never see him coming. If you’re a zombie...he’ll kill you again.
Sometimes, to slay monsters...you have to become one yourself.
Jungle Jim is a stand-alone one-shot comic story set in the grim world of ’68. Meshing smoothly with the ongoing military horror series, Jungle Jim is a savage new slant on the Vietnam/Zombie apocalypse scripted by MARK KIDWELL with stunning artwork by NATE VAN DYKE and JAY FOTOS.

THE BIG LIE #1
story RICK VEITCH, art RICK VEITCH & GARY ERSKINE, cover THOMAS YEATES
September 7, 32 pages, FC, T+, $2.99
A lab tech travels back in time to the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 to try and get her husband out of the world trade center before it falls, but will the facts convince him before it's too late? A riveting tale of 9/11 by award winning master storyteller RICK VEITCH that exposes “The Big Lie!”

DEADLANDS: HOPELESS ROADS (ONE-SHOT)
story STEVE NILES, art/cover FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
based on the game DEADLANDS from PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT
September 21, 32 pages, FC, T, $2.99
Visionary Comics and Pinnacle Entertainment bring the weird Western world of Deadlands to comics! When evil takes over a sleepy western town it will take a heartless father to save the souls of the innocent in the final of four one-shots by masters of horror and noire, Steve Niles and Francesco Francavilla. Backup series also wraps up the origin of Billy the Kid in the world of Deadlands! Do not miss this!

PILOT SEASON: DECLASSIFIED 2011
story TOP COW’S FINEST, art/cover TOP COW’S FINEST
September 7, 32 pages, FC, T, $1.00
TAKE CONTROL!
After five years, the annual Pilot Season has become a comics institution and a unique engine for debuting new ideas and properties into comics! Get your first look at this year’s competition, which begins in October, including the list of creative teams, this year’s concepts, and an early look at the art from each book. You’ll also get an early look at upcoming series from previous winners like GENIUS and 39 MINUTES. We can’t tell you much more, because it’s still Top Secret, but we will give you this hint: 8. 4. 2.

CARBON GREY, VOL. 1: SISTERS AT WAR TP
story HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS, PAUL GARDNER & MIKE KENNEDY, art/cover HOANG NGUYEN, KHARI EVANS & KINSUN LOH
September 14, 96 pages, FC, T+, STANDARD SIZE, $9.99
To a noble family twins are born; Mathilde and Giselle, the Sisters Grey. For centuries the Greys have protected the Kaiser, ruler of Mitteleuropa – but this is a different time. At the dawn of the industrial age a great war rages. When the Kaiser is found dead Giselle is accused of his murder. Pursued by her sisters and hunted by the enemy Giselle must unravel the prophecy of the Carbon Grey before history itself is rewritten. ‘Sisters at War’ includes all three issues of the sold-out first arc plus deleted scenes, concept art and additional new content.

MORIARTY, VOL. 1 TP
story DANIEL COREY, art/cover ANTHONY DIECIDUE
September 7, 128 pages, FC, T, STANDARD SIZE, $14.99
“THE DARK CHAMBER” Part One
It is the dawn of World War I, and Sherlock Holmes has been dead for 20 years. Holmes’ enemy — Professor James Moriarty — is a lost man. MI5 blackmails Moriarty into finding Holmes' long-lost brother, Mycroft, but what at first appears to be a routine case leads to a web of intrigue that involves a psychic box and its creator, a woman from Moriarty’s past, and a new villain that threatens to be greater than Moriarty ever was!
Collects MORIARTY #1-4

MAGDALENA #9
story RON MARZ, art/cover NELSON BLAKE II, DAVID MARQUEZ, SAL REGLA & DAVE McCAIG
September 21, 32 pages, FC, T, $3.99
BACK MONTHLY!
After a sabbatical, the fan favorite team of RON MARZ (ARTIFACTS, WITCHBLADE), NELSON BLAKE II (PILOT SEASON: MURDERER) and DAVID MARQUEZ (Secret Warriors, Days Missing) return with a monthly MAGDALENA series. Once more under the employ of the Catholic Church, Patience, the current Magdalena and her mentor, Knight of Malta Kristof, are called on to find a piece of the One True Cross.


Full Image Comics and Top Cow solicitations for September 2011 can be found over at Newsarama.

Witchblade #142 and #143 starring Patrick Gleason

Out now from Top Cow is issue #142 of Witchblade - if you're new to Witchblade this looks like a perfect jumping-on point as the regular ongoing storyline takes a two-issue break as writer Ron Marz, and guest artist Matthew Dow Smith, introduce a special two-part story that focuses on Witchblade bearer Sara Pezzini's partner, special investigator Patrick Gleason.

Featuring colours by Nathan Fairbairn, Matthew Dow Smith describes these issues as "a fun little ghost story with a some interesting twists".

Berkeley, CA - February 4, 2011 - Image Comics has announced that Top Cow Productions' WITCHBLADE is taking a break from recent events for a special two-part part story. Guest artist Matthew Dow Smith joins writer Ron Marz for a supernatural crime story that, for once, doesn't star the Witchblade!

This two issue story arc in issue 142 and 143 focuses on special investigator Patrick Gleason, who is usually seen by the side of his partner, Sara Pezzini, bearer of the Witchblade. When Patrick travels to upstate New York to visit an old friend, he ends up helping a local rookie police officer transport a deadly mob assassin back to New York City. The killer, Vincent "No Prints" Petramale, claims to have never killed anyone, but when circumstances go horribly wrong, Gleason has to figure out who the real threat is, and fast!

The prolific veteran writer Ron Marz (whose credits include ARTIFACTS, ANGELUS, and Green Lantern) said, "These issues seemed like a perfect chance to put the spotlight on Sara's partner, Patrick Gleason, and explore his character a little more fully than we've been able to in a while. I think people will come away from these issues with a little different perspective on Gleason. And, of course, the chance to work with my buddy Matt Smith again is great, while Stjepan Sejic skipped ahead to work on #144 and #145."

Artist Matthew Dow Smith (DOCTOR WHO) added, "I had a lot of fun working on these two issues. While it's always great to draw WITCHBLADE herself, I think this was an interesting addition to the series."

WITCHBLADE #142, a 32 page full-color comic book, is in stores now. WITCHBLADE #143 will be for sale in stores March 9, 2011.

Whilce Portacio Joins Ron Marz on Artifacts

If, like me, you've enjoyed the first issues of Top Cow's Artifacts you'll be interested in the press release I received regarding the new artist for the second story-arc of the thirteen-part series - needless to say, I'm very happy with the appointment.

WHILCE PORTACIO REVEALED AS ARTIFACTS’ SECOND ARTIST

LOS ANGELES, Calif., September 29, 2010 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. is proud to announce Whilce Portacio as the new artist for the second ARTIFACTS story arc.

Portacio is best known for his work on The Punisher and Uncanny X-Men, helping co-found Image Comics and creating Wetworks. Most recently, he’s been attached to Uncanny X-Men for Marvel Comics.

ARTIFACTS recently made news as the publisher’s first title to ever sell out at the distributor level and go back for a third printing to meet demand. The limited series weaves together story lines from a number of Top Cow titles, including Witchblade, The Darkness, Angelus and Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box. The first arc, written by writer Ron Marz (Witchblade) and art by Michael Broussard (The Darkness, Unholy Union), kicked off with a mysterious figure seeking to put Armageddon into motion by bringing together all 13 artifacts.

ARTIFACTS will segue into the next four-issue arc with Portacio joining Marz on the project. The first chapter of Artifacts will conclude with a shocking cliffhanger and the second chapter shows no sign of letting up. With all of the players on the board, the antagonist manipulating the bearers of the artifacts moves to complete his plan for utter annihilation of the world. But how do the members of Cyberforce fit into the machinations of the supernatural?

Artifacts #5, a 32-page full color comic book, will be in stores December 29.

Artifacts #5 (of 13)
Written by Ron Marz, art by Whilce Portacio with covers by Nic Klein and John Tyler Christopher

Your Second Chance to Jump In!
The first chapter of Artifacts concluded with a shocking cliffhanger and the second chapter shows no sign of letting up! With all of the players on the board, the antagonist manipulating the Bearers of the Artifacts moves to complete his plan for utter annihilation of the world. But how do the members of Cyberforce fit into the machinations of the supernatural?
From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and welcoming legendary artist Whilce Portacio (The Darkness, Uncanny X-Men) comes an event series, which will literally shake the Top Cow Universe to its foundation. Featuring a gorgeous cover by Nic Klein (Viking) as well as a variant cover featuring Michael “Finn” Finnegan by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).

Each issue will also feature a Top Cow Origin backup written by Marz and drawn by a superstar artist.

New Today from Top Cow: Velocity #2 and Witchblade #138

Out today from Top Cow is the second issue of the four part series Velocity.

I think I first posted about this mini-series back in May when I mentioned just how much I liked the idea of following the story through its unusual 'real time' format and, having thoroughly enjoyed the first issue, I'm looking forward to seeing how the story plays out.

Velocity #2
Written by Ron Marz with cover and interior art by Kenneth Rocafort
The Pilot Season Winner is Back!
As the members of Cyberforce lay dying from a fatal techno-virus, their only hope for survival is their teammate Velocity. Carin Taylor has never been more in need of her super-speed as the races around the globe, trying to find and cure her teammates before the same virus kills her.
The issue continues the inaugural creative union of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer).
Full colour, 32 pages, $3.99

Top Cow have very kindly provided us with some preview pages from the second issue - isn't the artwork from Kenneth Rocafort fantastic?

Also out today from Top Cow, and also written by Ron Marz with art from Stjepan Sejic, is Witchblade #138.

Witchblade #138
Written by Ron Marz with cover and interior art by Stjepan Sejic
The Witchblade has borne many wielders in many eras, perhaps even in other realms. Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic tell a fantasy tale of epic proportions as only they can. And the connection to Sara Pezzini may surprise even the most devoted fan!
Full colour, 32 pages, $2.99

Regular reders will know that for some time now Witchblade has been one of my favourite reads. For me the quality and consistency of the writing and of the art is simply some of the best out there.

What's more, the artwork and page layouts contained within this issue simply have to be seen to be believed.

Once again I'm indebted to Top Cow for supplying material for review: here's a taster of what we can expect from Witchblade #138 and I'll include more pages when I post my review in a few days ...


Details of these and other great Top Cow titles can, of course, be found at the recently redesigned and relaunched Top Cow website.

Third Printing for Artifacts #1

The news from Top Cow is that the first issue of Artifacts - written by Ron Marz with art from Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua, Sal Regla and Sunny Gho - has again sold out ... which means the book is heading for a third printing - that's a first for a Top Cow book.

This third printing version of Artifacts #1 will feature this fantastic wraparound cover from the supremely talented Michael Broussard

(click on the image to enlarge)
If you've not picked up the issue so far and thought you'd missed your chance - think again! Furthermore, Top Cow have released the Artifacts zero issue, previously issued as part of the Free Comic Book Day promotion, in its entirety for online publication - head on over to Newsarama or CBR (amongst others).

I've posted many, many times in the past about my enjoyment of Top Cow's titles and one of the things I appreciate about their books - aside from great writing, superb art and sensible pricing - is the publishers willingness and drive to make their books available to as large a readership as possible, and here's another fantastic example of exactly what I mean.

If, like me, you're already a fan of the Top Cow Universe then you're probably already picking up this title. If you're not then there really has never been a better time to jump onboard.


TOP COW CELEBRATES A FIRST WITH ARTIFACTS
ARTIFACTS #1 GOES TO THIRD PRINTING

LOS ANGELES, Calif., August 31, 2010 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. is proud to announce that the first issue from their mega-event series, Artifacts, has sold out for a second time at Diamond and will head back to the printers for a third printing to meet demand, a first in Top Cow history.

The dynamic pairing of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade) with the art team of Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Rick Basaldua (The Darkness), Sal Regla (Magdalena) and Sunny Gho of IFS (Velocity) delivers one of the most accessible and engaging event series to date.

”The rapid sales velocity on Artifacts #1 has been incredibly gratifying and a testament to the fantastic work that the entire creative team of Ron Marz, Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua, Sal Regla, and Sunny Gho have been doing,” commented Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, “We’ve never gone to a third printing, but this is our biggest event to date and we want our retail partners to know that we are fully behind it.”

"Obviously I'm thrilled we're going go to a third printing of Artifacts #1,” said Marz. “Huge thanks to the readers and retailers for supporting the book. The most gratifying aspect to the whole thing is that a lot of new readers are trying out Artifacts, finding it absolutely accessible, and using it as their gateway into the Top Cow Universe."

Bringing together a number of plot threads from all over the Top Cow Universe the past few years, Top Cow’s first foray into a universe-tying event has been well-received across comic book and pop culture communities, including Comic Book Resources, Newsarama, Comic Vine, iFanboy, Techland, USA Today and many, many more taking notice.

Artifacts #1 3rd Printing, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores September 22, 2010. The saga continues with Artifacts #2 arriving in stores the same day.

Out this Week from Top Cow: Magdalena #2 and Witchblade Volume 7

There's a couple of releases of particular interest from Top Cow this week.

First up is the second issue of the new ongoing series of Magdalena - following the positive reception to issue #1, which sold out at distributor level, Magdalena returns with a story that begins on the island of Elba and then transfers to the Vatican City.

Comic Book Resources have published a number of very nice preview pages from Magdalena #2.

Magdalena #2

Patience, the current Magdalena, and her mentor Kristof fight for their lives against a demonic horde. Even if she survives the encounter, Patience must decide if the Church is merely luring her back like a lamb to the slaughter ...

Written by Ron Marz with pencils by Nelson Blake II, inks by Sal Regla and colours by Dave McCaig with a cover by Ryan Sook
Published by Top Cow Productions, 16 June 2010, $3.99


On the same day the next volume - volume 7 - of Witchblade is released. The collection features issues #121-#124 of Witchblade, the lead story from Witchblade Annual #1, and the 16-page Free Comic Book Day story.

Once again, Comic Book Resources have published a preview of this Witchblade collection.

Witchblade, Volume 7

The new era of Witchblade featuring the team of writer Ron Marz and artist Stjepan Sejic continues! The pair committed to staying on the title until at least issue #150 and their second complete arc together entitled “Crown Heights” is collected in this trade paperback. More importantly this storyline sets the stage and leads directly into “War of the Witchblades”. Collects Witchblade #120-#124 plus a cover gallery featuring Stjepan Sejic, Matt Haley, Tyler Kirkham, and plenty of bonus materials.

Written by Ron Marz with art by Stjepan Sejic
Published by Top Cow Productions, 16 June 2010, $14.99

Finally, Ron Marz has written at some length about both of these titles over at his blog - Message from Marz - including some early news of Witchblade volume 8.

Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik Interviewed

Newsarama have published a really interesting interview with Top Cow publication Filip Sablik - recorded I believe at C2E2 - in which he talks about a number of current and future Top Cow projects including Witchblade, The Darkness, Artifacts, Pilot Season, Murderer, Stealth and Stellar.

Click here to load the video.

Of particular interest to me from this interview were some details about the forthcoming Velocity mini-series. Told over four issues the story will see Velocity with just 60 minutes to save her team members who, it transpires, are in a variety of locations scattered around the world.

Issue one, we are told, will set up the story while issues two, three and four will see the story unfold in real time: every page will represent one minute of time. Nice idea.

I'd preordered the book some time ago and having now heard the plans for the 'real time' format I'm looking forward to reading it even more.

Velocity #1

The Pilot Season Winner is Back
Carin Taylor is the fastest woman in the world. At least, she'd better be if she wants to save her own life and the lives of her Cyberforce teammates. When a former Cyberdata scientist - and test subject - seeks revenge against the members of Cyberforce, only Velocity can save her friends before the clock literally runs out. Bringing together writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer) for the first time. Featuring two covers by Rocafort and Chriscross (Captain Marvel).

Written by Ron Marz with art by Kenneth Rocafort, covers by Kenneth Rocafort and Chriscross
Published by Top Cow Productions, $3.99, May 2010

Magdalena #1 / The Brave and The Bold #33

When my fortnightly comic book delivery arrived earlier this week - somewhat delayed by a combination of volcanic ash and the May Day public holiday - there were a couple of titles that particularly caught my eye.

First up, is The Magdalena #1, the new ongoing series from Top Cow. I'd been looking forward to reading this issue for a while - I'm a big fan of Top Cow in general as regular readers will know and I'd enjoyed the previous Magdalena stories that I'd read: this first issue certainly didn't disappoint.

I was initially a little apprehensive about the book to be honest - early page previews (albeit unlettered) that I'd seen didn't quite connect with me: I thought the art looked a little 'cold' in places, some of the figures appeared a bit 'starchy'.

Thankfully, on the printed page my concerns were dispelled as I was treated to a fantastic read - what else would you expect from Ron Marz? - complemented by some impressive, distinctive interior art and a stunning cover (of the seven different covers I received cover A).

The book will satisfy, I suspect, readers new and old, those that have a history with the character and those that don't - there was just enough explanation that it didn't feel laboured whilst at the same time enough story progression that this didn't feel like an 'origins' issue.

With a hefty dose of intrigue, cynicism, danger and the depth of back-story I've come to expect from books set within the Top Cow Universe this book was a treat from cover to cover and I'm already looking forward to the second issue.

The Magdalena #1
Written by Ron Marz with art by Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla and Dave McCaig, cover A by Ryan Sook
Published by Top Cow Productions, April 2010, $3.99


From one female lead to three and The Brave and the Bold #33 - not a book I usually pick up and as such I started reading with little or no expectation of what to expect: I'd hoped to be entertained and have some fun ... and that's exactly what I got - plus plenty more.

This particular 'lost story of yesterday' - Ladies' Night - featured Wonder Woman, Zatanna and Batgirl - Barbara Gordon's Batgirl no less - coming together for a girls-night out on the town. Led initially by Zatanna the three women put aside their regular 'duties' and head for the nightclub where we see an initially shy, somewhat timid Barbara finally letting her hair down in the company of her friends.

Expecting little more than a light-hearted story - dare I say a 'romp'! - I didn't, on first read at least, pick up on some of the strange behaviour and comments from both Zatanna and Wonder Woman and it was only when the name Oracle started to be bandied about that I realised there was something going on ... and even then I just assumed it was nothing more than a clumsy nod to young Barbara's future: I really should have known better.

I'm not going to say much more about the storyline, as I wouldn't want to lessen the impact of the 'punchline', other than to say I've found my mind wandering back to this story countless times since first read and feeling a curious mix of enjoyment, sadness and regret.

Superbly written by JMS - of course - with some delightful interior art from Chiang - who I've not always been a huge fan of but in this book, for me, he's found the right combination of 'light-hearted' without being too 'cartooney'. The cover, by Jesus Saiz, is also particularly eye catching - another candidate for a great looking poster I think.

Very much a bitter-sweet tale - if you wouldn't usually read The Brave and the Bold but have even just a passing interest in the three central characters I heartily recommended picking up this book.

The Brave and the Bold #33
Written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Cliff Chiang and cover by Jesus Saiz
Published by DC Comics, June 2010, $2.99

Magdalena #1 Variant Cover for Albany Comic Con

Maybe it's because I've been so busy with work over the past month or so but I've only recently discovered the new blog - Messages from Marz - from one of my favourite writers Ron Marz.

Having launched towards the end of February the site will feature news about current and upcoming projects, titles like Witchblade and Magdalena as well as creator-owned work such as Samurai: Heaven and Earth, previews of artwork from these books, tips on writing ...

This week Mr Marz has posted a picture of the Albany Comic Con exclusive variant cover for Magdalena #1 along with a really interesting story about how Saumin Patel landed the role of colouring Matt Smith and Terry Austin's pencils and inks. Reading back further we also get a detailed look into the production process for the cover including a variety of 'thumbs', a series of Matt Dow Smith's pencils through to Terry Austin's inks - again, very interesting.

(click on the image to enlarge)
I really like this cover - it reminds me a lot of some of the great Daredevil covers of past years with its religious iconography, the dark and brooding city skyline punctuated with flashes of red: very nice.

Albany Comic Con
Holiday Inn, Wolf Road
Sunday 25 April 2010
10am to 4pm

Links
Messages from Marz
Albany Comic Con

Magdalena from Top Cow: News Roundup

Ahead of its publication in April there has been plenty of news over the past few days about Magdalena from Top Cow.

The star of the forthcoming feature film gets her own series!

The Magdalena has been the official protector and warrior of the Catholic Church for over two thousand years, sworn to defend the Faith with the Spear of Destiny against all manner of supernatural threats. However, Patience, the latest Magdalena, has seen through the hypocrisy of her masters and struck out on her own. When her old mentor comes to her with a mission to prevent Armageddon, will she be able to resist the call?

So, in no particular order ...

Over at Newsarama we were treated to a first look at the previously unannounced 1-in-50 Retailer Incentive cover by Ryan Sook for the first issue of the new ongoing series due at the end of April.

Also posted at Newsarama was an interesting, and lengthy, interview by Lan Pitts, who's writing I always enjoy, with Ryan Sook, Ron Marz and legendary artist Walter Simonson, whose classic cover to Thor #337 played an important role in the development of the Magdalena #1 cover (both of the covers are reproduced at the top of this post).

Onto Comic Book Resources who late last week revealed a number of (unlettered) interior artwork pages, by Magdalena artist Nelson Blake II, taken from the first issue.

And finally, for now at least, following a recent visit to Top Cow Productions, Comics Continuum posted a short video featuring Nelson Blake II, during which he talked about the book and the approach he has taken to his art with 'really fun explosive action'.

As well as posting the video, Comics Continuum published a page of Blake's interior art along with Ryan Sook's striking variant cover for issue #2.

I've been a fan of The Magdalena for a while and I'm really looking forward to picking up the book - published by Top Cow, written by Ron Marz and with some great-looking cover and interior artwork it's unlikely to disappoint!

Magdalena #1
Written by Ron Marz, art by Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig with covers from Ryan Sook
Published by Top Cow Productions on 28 April 2010, 32 pages, full colour, $3.99

Angelus #2 from Top Cow

Newsarama and Top Cow have released some great preview pages from the second issue from the six-issue mini-series Angelus.

Angelus #2
Written by Ron Marz with interior and cover art by Stjepan Sejic
Published by Top Cow Productions, 10 February 2010

Featuring a guest appearance by The Darkness!

Danielle Baptiste, the newest bearer of The Angelus, begins to explore what this new role means for her, learning what the Angelus truly is, and how it ties into our notions angels and even Heaven itself. But as she uncovers these truths, Dani begins to realize she might have surrendered any control she has over her own life.

Click here to view the preview pages courtesy of the Newsarama viewer.

The first issue of Angelus offered the reader a wonderful combination of great storytelling, imaginative page-layouts and stunning artwork and from the look of these preview pages the second issue looks like maintaining those high standards.

Velocity Mini-Series from Top Cow

Velocity, the winner of the 2007 Top Cow 'Pilot Season' event, will be published as a long-overdue solo mini-series later this year.

Top Cow and UGO have announced that the first issue of the four issue mini-series will go on sale on 26 May with a cover price of $3.99.

Carin Taylor is the fastest woman in the world. At least, she'd better be if she wants to save her own life and the lives of her Cyberforce teammates. When a former Cyberdata scientist - and test subject - seeks revenge against the members of Cyberforce, only Velocity can save her friends before the clock literally runs out.

One of the most popular characters from Marc Silvestri's Cyberforce series, Velocity will feature current Witchblade and Angelus writer Ron Marz along with Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer artist Kenneth Rocafort.

Along with some more background information about the Pilot Season event and this new Velocity series, including a few words from Ron Marz, Top Cow and UGO have released previews of two stunning Kenneth Rocafort covers for the first issue.

I've been enjoying the current Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer series and Velocity is a great character: this looks like being another great book from Top Cow.

Advance Solicitation from Top Cow: Magdalena #1

Along with the trade paperback of The Darkness/Pitt my highlight from Top Cow's April 2010 solicitations must be Magdalena #1.

The star of the forthcoming feature film gets her own series!

The Magdalena has been the official protector and warrior of the Catholic Church for over two thousand years, sworn to defend the Faith with the Spear of Destiny against all manner of supernatural threats. However, Patience, the latest Magdalena, has seen through the hypocrisy of her masters and struck out on her own. When her old mentor comes to her with a mission to prevent Armageddon, will she be able to resist the call?

From writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and the art team of Pilot Season: Murderer, Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig. Featuring covers by Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics)!

After a couple of limited series and various guest appearances in titles including The Darkness and Witchblade I believe this will be the first ongoing Magdalena series.

Magdalena #1
Written by Ron Marz, art by Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig with covers from Ryan Sook
Published by Top Cow Productions, 32 pages, full colour, $3.99, 28 April 2010

Comic Book Resources have the complete Image/Top Cow solicitations for April 2010, and last summer interviewed Ron Marz about his plans for both Magdalena and Angelus.

Aphrodite IV Returns to Witchblade

News from Top Cow that I'm catching up on - this time an announcement that Aphrodite IV will feature in a forthcoming Witchblade story-arc.

Having previously appeared in Witchblade #119, and The Darkness Volume 3 #8, Aphrodite IV will return in Witchblade issue #134, the first part of a three-part story-arc.

Pantheon, Part 1 of 3, Guest-starring Aphrodite IV.

Back in New York City, Detective Sara Pezzini, bearer of the Witchblade, still struggles to come to grips with her inhuman actions during “War of the Witchblades.”
But introspection might just get Sara killed when she finds herself in the crosshairs of the mysterious and deadly Aphrodite IV!
Featuring a cover by series artist Sejic and a variant cover by cover illustrator Michal Ivan (The Darkness)!

Speaking about the forthcoming Witchblade storyline writer Ron Marz said "We got a great response to Aphrodite's appearance in Witchblade #119,” ... “I've been anxious to her back into the book and back into Sara's life. The storyline that ramps up starting in issue #134 will give some real juicy hints about Aphrodite IV's origins. And, of course, we'll blow up a lot of stuff."

Source
Omnicomic
Broken Frontier

Witchblade #134
Written by Ron Marz, artwork by Stjepan Sejic, cover by Stjepan Sejic, variant cover by Michal Ivan
Published by Top Cow Productions, 32 pages, $2.99, 6 January 2010