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.

Pick(s) of the Week: The Darkness #89 and Twilight Guardian #1

If you're heading out to your local comic book store this weekend then I'd like to recommend you pick up the following couple of titles that are published by Top Cow.

The Darkness #89
story by Joshua Hale Fialkov, art and cover by Matt Timson
32 pages, full colour, $2.99

"High Noon" A Tale Of The Darkness Special.
Ramon Estacado is the worst kinda outlaw. He can't be killed, his gang is a buncha Darklings and he has his sights set on a train fulla federal gold. When his old gang shows up with new demonic powers and an even more powerful grudge, will Ramon embrace the light and change his ways? Ain't likely. Joshua Hale Fialkov (Echoes, Tumor) and Matt Timson (Impaler, Popgun) ride together to bring you a tale of outlaws, double cross and great big exploding trains.

Top Cow handle 'done-in-one' stories really well I think and with Joshua Hale Fialkov and Matt Timson at the helm for this issue how could it fail - did you see the line about the 'great big exploding trains'?!

You can see a number of exclusive preview pages featuring Matt Timson's fantastic artwork over at Comic Book Resources.


Twilight Guardian #1
story by Troy Hickman, art by Siddharth Kotian, cover by Eric Jones
32 pages, full colour, $3.99

The Pilot Season Winner Returns!

The tale of a lone, dedicated hero patrolling her nine block suburban neighborhood captured the imaginations of fans during 2008’s Pilot Season and after heated voting emerged as one of the winning titles.
Now creator and writer Troy Hickman (Common Grounds) returns with a four issue limited series, which will delve into Twilight Guardian’s past, her motivations for crime-fighting, and even give her an arch-nemesis in the terrifying Dusk Devil! Joining Hickman is up-and-coming artist Siddharth Kotian (Eat The Dead). Issue #1 features a beautiful painted cover by Eric Jones (Hack/Slash, Unknown).

One of the winning titles from Top Cow's Pilot Season in 2008 I've been looking forward to this four-part mini series for a while. Once again, head over to CBR where you can see a preview of this first issue.


Reviews of both books to follow. More details can be found at Top Cow and Image Comics.

Top Cow Solicitations - March 2011

A little later than usual here are the Top Cow solicitations for March 2011. Looking down the list there's plenty of goodness coming our way that month with the penultimate issue of Troy Hickman's Twilight Guardian, the second volume of Witchblade Redemption which includes a series of stand-alone Witchblade stories originally printed in issues #137-141, the third volume of Darkness: Origins collecting classic issues #11-18 and a number of fantastic signed and variant editions.

Magdalena #8
Written by Ron Marz, art by Keu Cha, cover by Keu Cha, Nelson Blake II
Artist Keu Cha Returns to Comics!
Patience, the current Magdalena, has defended the church from demons, cultists, and even other Artifact bearers. Will she be able to survive against another Magdalena candidate? Or will she become the next in a long line of martyred Magdalenas?
Classic Top Cow artist Keu Cha (Witchblade, Rising Stars) reunites for a special two-issue arc with series author Ron Marz (Artifacts). Featuring a painted cover by Cha and a striking cover by series artist Nelson Blake II (Pilot Season: Murderer).
Full Colour, 32 pages, $3.99, ongoing series, expected ship date 23 March 2011

Twilight Guardian #3
Written by Troy Hickman, art by Siddharth Kotian, cover by Jeffrey Spokes
The Pilot Season Winner Returns in “Heroes and Villains” Part 3!
It’s a case of multiple personalities as Twilight Guardian is pitched several possible interpretations of her tireless war on crime in her very own comic book! Which identity will Twilight Guardian choose? And has her arch villain Dusk Devil finally come to confront her on her home turf?
Eisner-nominated creator and writer Troy Hickman (Common Grounds) and talented up-and-coming artist Siddharth Kotian (Eat The Dead) continue the highly anticipated four-issue mini-series. Issue #3 features a portrait of Twilight Guardians by Jeffrey Spokes (Witchblade, Irredeemable).
Full colour, 32 pages, $3.99, limited series, expected ship date 9 March 2011

The Darkness #92
Written by Phil Hester, art by Sheldon Mitchell, cover by Bane
”Outer Darkness” Part 3 of 6!
The battle between Jackie Estacado and the very source of his power, The Darkness ensues in earnest! Estacado has been lied to, beaten down, and betrayed over and over again over the last few years; but he has also studied, learned, and grown. Will Jackie Estacado take control of his destiny or will he end up another in a long line of pawns for The Darkness?
Full colour, 32 pages, $2.99, ongoing series, expected ship date 16 March 2011

Artifacts #8
Written by Ron Marz, art by Whilce Portacio, cover by Whilce Portacio, John Tyler Christopher
Mass Combat!
The combined forces of the Artifact bearers aligned with Witchblade bearer Sara Pezzini and The Darkness host Jackie Estacado have reached a truce with the cybernetic heroes of Cyberforce. They’ve fought off the relentless assassin Aphrodite IV, but that was only the beginning. Pushed to the limit, can they defeat a force that dwarfs everything they’ve faced before?
From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and legendary artist Whilce Portacio (The Darkness, Uncanny X-Men) bring the second chapter of the epic event series to a thunderous conclusion. Featuring a gorgeous cover by Portacio as well as a variant cover featuring Alina Enstrom by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).
Each issue will also feature a Top Cow Origin backup written by Marz and drawn by a superstar artist.
Full colour, 32 pages, $3.99, limited series, expected ship date 23 March 2011

Echoes #4
Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov, art by Rahsan Ekedal, cover by Rahsan Ekedal
A Tale of Suspense and Psychological Horror!
Brian Cohn is living a nightmare. His recently deceased father, who Brian shares the disease of schizophrenia with, confessed to being a serial killer of little girls on his death bed. Now Brian is racing to solve the mystery of a missing child in his town, all the while feeling his condition taking a deeper and deeper grip on his psyche and his mind beginning to unravel.
From acclaimed author Joshua Hale Fialkov (Tumor, Pilot Season: Alibi) and rising star artist Rahsan Ekedal (Creepy) a disturbing story of murder and mystery wrapped in questions of sanity.
“This is an absolute buy. I can’t recommend it enough.” – Graphic Policy
“You’d be hard-pressed to find a more gripping and inventive psychological thriller in any medium.” – Panels on Pages
Grayscale, 32 pages, $2.99, limited series, expected ship date 23 March 2011


Witchblade Redemption Volume 2 Trade Paperback
Written by Ron Marz, Phil Smith, art by Stjepan Sejic, Michael Gaydos, Alina Urusov, cover by Stjepan Sejic
Redemption Meets Artifacts!
Sara Pezzini, current bearer of the Witchblade, has been to Hell and back. As she finally begins to get her private and work life back in order, the Universe decides it has other plans. Sara must help a kindred spirit in Abby van Alstine, the Necromancer, deal with her powers and mantle and then is dragged into the epic Artifacts storyline when her daughter Hope is taken and her sister Julie is killed by the same robotic assassin Sara let get away in the recent past.
Collected in this volume are a series of stand-alone Witchblade stories originally printed in issues #137-141 written by Top Cow architect Ron Marz (Artifacts, Magdalena) and featuring art by Stjepan Sejic (Angelus). Also included as a special bonus is Witchblade: Due Process by Top Cow Holiday Special team Phil Smith and Alina Urusov. Featuring behind-the-scenes sketches, script pages, and cover gallery by Sejic, Eisner award winner Michael Gaydos (Alias), Urusov and Randy Queen (Darkchylde).
“Marz and Sejic as they continue to drive the Witchblade title to new heights with great stories and great artwork.” – Comic Attack
“I can’t say enough great things about this book.” – Image Addiction
“Compelling storytelling, beautiful artwork and dynamic characters make this a series not to be missed.” – Weekly Comic Review
“... a first-rate book that I thoroughly enjoyed.” – Best Shots @Newsarama
Full colour, 160 pages, $19.99, trade paperback, expected ship date 16 March 2011

Darkness Origins Volume 3 Trade Paperback
Written by Garth Ennis, Malachy Coney, art by Marc Silvestri, Joe Benitez, cover by Joe Benitez
Sonatine Returns and The Magdalena Debuts!
Go back and see Jackie Estacado as a fledgling bearer of The Darkness as The Darkness Origins trade line continues. Jackie’s life is turned further upside down when his foster sister, Appolonia Franchetti returns to New York and the ruthless mafia princess soon plots to become the next Angelus in order to crush her sibling. Soon after, Jackie is confronted by yet another righteous woman who wishes to see him dead – the Magdalena!
Collected in this volume are classic issues #11-18 by Garth Ennis (Preacher) and Malachy Coney with art by Marc Silvestri (X-Men/Dark Avengers: Utopia) and Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika).
Full colour, 160 pages, $19.99, trade paperback, expected Ship Date 2 March 2011

Witchblade Volume 1 Deluxe Slipcase
Written by Ron Marz, art by Michael Choi, Chris Bachelo, Stephen Sadowski, Stjepan Sejic, and Top Cow’s Finest, cover by Stjepan Sejic
Available for the first time, this limited edition beautiful slipcase collects Witchblade Volume 1 through 4 by Ron Marz (Artifacts) at a bargain price. These volumes collect issues #80 through #109. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 820 pages, $49.99, Set (x4 Trades), expected ship date 30 March 2011

Witchblade #139 Randy Queen LBCC Variant Cover
Written by Ron Marz, art by Michael Gaydos, cover by Randy Queen
Get this exclusive convention variant cover by Randy Queen (Darkchylde), previously available only at Long Beach Comic-Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 32 pages, $10.00, variant exclusive

Artifacts #2 New York Comic-Con Variant Cover Signed Edition
Written by Ron Marz, art by Michael Broussard, cover by Stjepan Sejic
Get this haunting convention variant cover of Aphrodite IV signed by interior artist Michael Broussard, previously available exclusively at New York Comic-Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 32 pages, $19.99, signed edition

Magdalena #7 Signed Edition
Written by Ron Marz, art by Keu Cha, cover by Nelson Blake II
Get a limited edition first issue signed by Ron Marz, Keu Cha, and Nelson Blake II. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 32 pages, $14.99, signed edition

Twilight Guardian #1 Signed Edition
Written by Troy Hickman, art by Siddharth Kotian, cover by Eric Jones
Get a limited edition first issue signed by creator and writer Troy Hickman. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 32 pages, $14.99, signed edition

Top Cow Solicitations - February 2011

February looks like being another fantastic month for new releases from Top Cow - I'm looking forward to picking up several of these titles including the Broken Trinity (Volume 2) Pandora’s Box trade paperback, the second issue of Troy Hickman's Twilight Guardian, The Darkness #91 written by Phil Hester and Magdalena #7 from Ron Marz, Keu Cha and Nelson Blake II.

Broken Trinity Volume 2 Pandora’s Box Trade Paperback
Written by Bryan Edward Hill, Rob Levin, art by Alessandro Vitti, Facundo Percio, cover by Tommy Lee Edwards
A New Artifact Emerges!
Michael “Finn” Finnegan, bearer of the Glacier Stone, and Glorianna “Glori” Silver, bearer of the Ember Stone, have been told that they are predestined to fight and destroy each other. When a charismatic cult leader named Elias Legion moves to remake the world using a lost Artifact known as Pandora’s Box, will Finn and Glori be able to set aside their differences to combat a larger threat or will fate dictate their inevitable clash?
Collected in this volume are issues #1-6 of the world-spanning, pulse-pounding sequel to Broken Trinity Volume 1. Written by the Pilot Season: 7 Days From Hell team of Bryan Edward Hill and Rob Levin with art by Alessandro Vitti (Secret Warriors) and Facundo Percio (Anna Mercury). Featuring behind-the-scenes sketches, script pages, and cover gallery by Tommy Lee Edwards (Turf).
“... grand action and ... a visual treat ...” – Broken Frontier
“... religious zealots, ninja, mystical creatures, and a high body count, so what else could you ask for?” – Comic Attack
“The ‘two enemies somewhat united by a shared enemy’ angle isn’t new ... But it is the execution here that makes the difference.” – Best Shots @Newsarama
Full colour, 160 pages, $19.99, trade paperback, expected ship date 16 February 2010

Twilight Guardian #2 (of 4)
Written by Troy Hickman, art by Siddharth Kotian, cover by John Tyler Christopher
The Pilot Season Winner Returns!
Twilight Guardian, the lone defender of her suburban neighborhood, has often longed for contemporaries to share crime-fighting tactics with. When she is invited to a local comic convention to join a league of Real Life Superheroes, Twilight Guardian becomes embroiled in solving a heinous crime that will require their collective talents to solve!
Eisner-nominated creator and writer Troy Hickman (Common Grounds) and talented up-and-coming artist Siddharth Kotian (Eat The Dead) continue the highly anticipated four-issue mini-series. Issue #2 features a classic team cover by John Tyler Christopher (Artifacts, Witchblade).
Full colour, 32 pages, $3.99, limited series, expected ship date 9 February 2010

The Darkness #91
Written by Phil Hester, art by Sheldon Mitchell, cover by Bane
”Outer Darkness” Part 2 of 6!
The battle between Jackie Estacado and the very source of his power, The Darkness ensues in earnest! Estacado has been lied to, beaten down, and betrayed over and over again over the last few years; but he has also studied, learned, and grown. Will Jackie Estacado take control of his destiny or will he end up another in a long line of pawns for The Darkness?
Full colour, 32 pages, $2.99, ongoing series, expected ship date 2 February 2010

Magdalena #7
Written by Ron Marz, art by Keu Cha, cover by Keu Cha, Nelson Blake II
Artist Keu Cha Returns to Comics!
Patience, the current Magdalena, has managed to follow her faith without bowing down to the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. However, the patience of the power brokers at the Vatican has run out, and they're conspiring to replace her. But how is a new Magdalena ordained when the previous one is still active?
Classic Top Cow artist Keu Cha (Witchblade, Rising Stars) reunites for a special two-issue arc with series author Ron Marz (Artifacts). Featuring a painted cover by Cha and a striking cover by series artist Nelson Blake II (Pilot Season: Murderer).
Full colour, 32 pages, $3.99, ongoing series, expected ship date 9 February 2010


Artifacts #7 (of 13)
Written by Ron Marz, art by Whilce Portacio, cover by JP Leon, John Tyler Christopher
The Art of War!
Distracted by the battle with Cyberforce and the android assassin Aphrodite IV, the Artifact Bearers trying to prevent the end of the Top Cow Universe are unaware that, in a distant corner of the world, the war might already be lost. The mysterious 13th Artifact Bearer holds in his hands the power to tip the scales. Has he already been seduced by the villainous architect of the master plan?
From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and 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 JP Leon (Winter Men, Earth X) as well as a variant cover featuring Ian Nottingham by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).
Each issue will also feature a Top Cow Origin backup written by Marz and drawn by a superstar artist.
Full colour, 32 pages, $3.99, limited series, expected ship date 23 February 2010

Echoes #3 (of 5)
Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov, art by Rahsan Ekedal, cover by Rahsan Ekedal
A Tale of Suspense and Psychological Horror!
Detective Robert Neville has been helpful to Brian Cohn, who is finding himself a potential suspect in a missing child case. But when the opportunity presents itself to shift the suspicion to another person will Brian be able to do it? Particularly since he suspects that he may be a serial killer like his father?
From acclaimed author Joshua Hale Fialkov (Tumor, Pilot Season: Alibi) and rising star artist Rahsan Ekedal (Creepy) a disturbing story of murder and mystery wrapped in questions of sanity.
Grayscale, 32 pages, $2.99, limited series, expected ship date 23 February 2010

Magdalena #1 C2E2 Variant Cover Signed Edition
Written by Ron Marz, art by Nelson Blake II , cover by Nelson Blake II
Get this stunning wraparound convention variant cover signed by cover and interior artist Nelson Blake II, previously available exclusively at C2E2. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 32 pages, $19.99, Convention exclusive

Magdalena Nelson Blake Lithograph Signed & Numbered
Art by Nelson Blake II, Dave McCaig
Get the limited edition cover image of Magdalena by Nelson Blake II & Dave McCaig for your office, bedroom, or comic room wall as a high end signed & numbered 11” x 17” lithograph! Ships in a protective sleeve with a certificate of authenticity. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, $29.99, Lithograph

Artifacts #1 San Diego Comic-Con Variant Cover Signed Edition
Written by Ron Marz, art by Michael Broussard, cover by Michael Broussard
Get this stunning wraparound convention variant cover signed by cover and interior artist Michael Broussard, previously available exclusively at San Diego Comic-Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 32 pages, $19.99, Signed edition

Witchblade #139 Michael Gaydos Variant Cover
Written by Ron Marz, art by Michael Gaydos, cover by Michael Gaydos
Get this surprise variant cover by special guest artist Michael Gaydos (Alias) commemorating the passing of Julie Pezzini, previously available only as a 1-in-10 random variant. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 32 pages, $10.00, Variant exclusive

Broken Trinity Reader Set
Written by Ron Marz, Phil Hester, art by Stjepan Sejic, Top Cow’s Finest, cover by Top Cow’s Finest
Your last chance to get a complete set of the original single-issue comics that introduced Finn and Glori at a bargain price! Set includes Broken Trinity #1-3, Broken Trinity: The Darkness #1, Broken Trinity: Angelus #1, Broken Trinity: Witchblade #1, and Broken Trinity: Aftermath #1. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full colour, 32 pages, $14.99, Set (x7 Comics)

Top Cow Solicitations - January 2011

January 2011 looks like being a somewhat quieter (and therefore thankfully cheaper!) month for readers of Top Cow's books: alongside new issues of Artifacts, Witchblade and Echoes, we've got the first of a four-issue mini featuring the winner of 2008’s Pilot Season Twilight Guardian, convention variants for the collectors and a number of eye-catching trade paperbacks including Magdalena and a new printing of Madame Mirage.

Twilight Guardian #1 (of 4)
Written by Troy Hickman, art by Siddharth Kotian, cover by Eric Jones
The Pilot Season Winner Returns!
The tale of a lone, dedicated hero patrolling her nine block suburban neighborhood captured the imaginations of fans during 2008’s Pilot Season and after heated voting emerged as one of the winning titles.
Now Eisner-nominated creator and writer Troy Hickman (Common Grounds) returns with a four issue limited series, which will delve into Twilight Guardian’s past, her motivations for crime fighting, and even give her an arch-nemesis in the terrifying Dusk Devil! Joining Hickman is talented up-and-coming artist Siddharth Kotian (Eat The Dead). Issue #1 features a beautiful painted cover by Eric Jones (Hack/Slash, Unknown).
Full Colour, 32 pages, $3.99, limited series, expected ship date January 12th, 2011

Artifacts #6 (of 13)
Written by Ron Marz, art by Whilce Portacio, covers by Phil Noto, John Tyler Christopher
The Battle Begins in Earnest!
The mysterious villain's plans continue to unfold with deadly precision as Witchblade, The Darkness, Angelus, Tom Judge, and Magdalena are drawn into a conflict with the heroes of Cyberforce. But even as friends become foes, Aphrodite IV arrives with murderous intentions. Can an opponent who doesn’t tire or even feel pain be defeated?
From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and 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 Phil Noto (Pilot Season: 7 Days From Hell, Jonah Hex) as well as a variant cover featuring Aphrodite IV by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).
Each issue will also feature a Top Cow Origin backup written by Marz and drawn by a superstar artist.
Full Colour, 32 pages, $3.99, limited series, expected ship date January 26th, 2011

Witchblade #145
Written by Ron Marz, art by Stjepan Sejic, cover by Stjepan Sejic
”Boogey Man” Part 1 of 2!
Sara Pezzini has investigated countless bizarre crimes, but her latest case may be the most shocking yet! Pezzini and her detective partner have encountered monsters and demons before, but these latest supernatural terrors seem to be born from the imagination of an innocent child.
Full Colour, 32 pages, $3.99, ongoing series, expected ship date January 26th, 2011

Echoes #2 (of 5)
Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov, art by Rahsan Ekedal, cover by Rahsan Ekedal
A Tale of Suspense and Psychological Horror!
Brian Cohn has discovered his recently deceased father may have been a serial killer. As Brian struggles what to do with his father’s legacy and flesh doll trophies, a young girl goes missing in town and when the police come to his door, Brian must question if he is responsible...
From acclaimed author Joshua Hale Fialkov (Tumor, Pilot Season: Alibi) and rising artist Rahsan Ekedal (Creepy) a disturbing story of murder and mystery wrapped in questions of sanity.
Grayscale 32 pages $2.99 limited series


Angelus Volume 1 Trade Paperback
Written by Ron Marz, art by Stjepan Sejic, cover by Stjepan Sejic
A New Heroine Takes Flight!
Danielle Baptiste is trying to find her place in the world, like so many other twenty-somethings. But unlike most girls her age, Dani is also the bearer of one of the primal forces in the Universe – the Angelus! Returning to her hometown of New Orleans with her friend and romantic interest Finch, Dani must not only shoulder the burden she has inherited, she has to survive it! But her ancient enemy, The Darkness, and even her own Angelus warriors have other plans…
Collected in this volume are issues #1-6 of the smash sellout series by the Witchblade creative team of Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic. Featuring behind-the-scenes sketches, script pages, and cover gallery by Sejic and Eric Basaldua.
“Stjepan Sejic… uses his brush to create almost fine art paintings for each page ...” – Crave Online
“This is definitely a must-read, so drop everything and run and pick it up.” – Geeks of Doom
“... an interesting storyline but also some killer art.” - Geekweek
“... this is a book to have an eye on.” – Best Shots @Newsarama
Full Colour, 160 pages, $14.99, trade paperback, expected ship date January 5th, 2011

Magdalena Volume 1 Trade Paperback
Written by Ron Marz, art by Nelson Blake II, cover by Ryan Sook
Legacy of the Magdalena Restored!
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 former mentor comes to her with a mission to destroy the Anti-Christ, will she be able to resist the call?
Collected in this volume are issues #1-6 of the hit series by writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Artifacts) and the art team of Pilot Season: Murderer, Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig. Featuring behind-the-scenes sketches, script pages, and cover gallery by Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics)!
“... one absolutely gorgeous read ...fast, fluid, and packs a real punch ...” – Best Shots @Newsarama
“...provides readers with enough juice to fuel their appetite for more.” – Crave Online
“Marz proves you can take a well-worn story, completely re-tool it and make it your own.” - Geekweek
“The entire team from start to finish works wonderfully together ...” (5 out of 5) – Geeks of Doom
Full Colour, 160 pages, $14.99, trade paperback, expected ship date January 19th, 2011

Madame Mirage Volume 1 Trade Paperback (New Printing)
Written by Paul Dini, art by Kenneth Rocafort, cover by Kenneth Rocafort
The Out of Print Series Returns!
Who is this beautiful woman who appears out of the mist? As deadly as she is beautiful, she is cutting a bloody path through the city’s villains, who now wear suits and have “legitimate” businesses. But who is her ultimate prey? And how does this Mirage take form? These and many other questions will be asked along with the most pivotal question of all – Who is Madame Mirage?
Paul Dini (Tower Prep, Zatanna) and Kenneth Rocafort (Velocity) weave a tale of murder, intrigue and revenge in a world of high-tech espionage and treachery. This volume collects the complete first six-issue limited series. Madame Mirage – you’ll never forget her... if you can make her acquaintance and live to tell the tale...
“This book gets better with each issue.” – Best Shots @Newsarama
“The real brilliance of this tale is that, just as the reader decides they know exactly how the story will play out, Dini pulls the rug out from under them.” – IGN
“Pulpish and noir, mystery and intrigue coupled with great art.” - Crimespree Magazine
Full Colour, 176 pages, $14.99, trade paperback, expected ship date January 12nd, 2011

Witchblade #138 New York Comic-Con Variant Cover
Written by Ron Marz, art by Stjepan Sejic, cover by Stjepan Sejic
Get this convention variant cover by series artist Stjepan Sejic showing Sara Pezzini on the job, previously available exclusively at New York Comic-Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full Colour, 32 pages, $10.00, Convention Exclusive

Artifacts #2 New York Comic-Con Variant Cover
Written by Ron Marz, art by Michael Broussard, cover by Stjepan Sejic
Get this haunting convention variant cover by Witchblade artist Stjepan Sejic, previously available exclusively at New York Comic-Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full Colour, 32 pages, $10.00, Convention Exclusive

Artifacts #2 Armageddon Expo Variant Cover
Written by Ron Marz, art by Michael Broussard, cover by Georges Jeanty & John Tyler Christopher
Buffy artist Georges Jeanty teams with Artifacts cover artist John Tyler Christopher to create this fun “down under” cover, previously available exclusively at Armageddon Expo in Australia and New Zealand. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full Colour, 32 pages, $10.00, Convention Exclusive

Velocity #2 Project: Comic-Con Variant Cover
Written by Ron Marz, art by Kenneth Rocafort, cover by Kenneth Rocafort
Get this convention variant cover by series artist Kenneth Rocafort showing Velocity doing what she does best, previously available exclusively at Project: Comic-Con in St. Louis. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.
Full Colour, 32 pages, $10.00, Convention Exclusive


Images shown are not necessarily the final covers.
Full details from Top Cow Productions.