Category: Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

SUMMARY:

Publish by CrossGen Entertainment, this untitled issue was released for August 2003.  A heroic quest to recover a mystical arrow’s five fragments is now 3/5 of the way complete.  Yet, defiant prisoner Arwyn is being escorted by Bohr’s troll army to Mordath’s stronghold.  To his skeptical captive, Bohr recalls the backstory of his army’s allegiance to the demonic Mordath. 

Ambushed by bloodthirsty dinosaurs called Razormouths, Arwyn & Bohr may be forced into an unholy alliance amidst the bloody mayhem.   

REVIEW:

Including the cover, Greg Land’s imagery is high-caliber – it’s consistent with his lush painting-like style.  Writer Ian Edginton’s scripting mostly holds up its end, as the plot (with a helpful summary included) is an easy jumping-on point.  Bohr’s characterization interestingly leaves open what he might do next; in that sense, he comes off more compelling than the traditional rebel/vengeful heroine, Arwyn.  Their tentative team-up plays out in a way that shouldn’t disappoint readers. 

Edginton’s dialogue is easy to grasp … maybe too much so.  Much like Kevin Costner’s lazy American take inhabiting Robin Hood, it’s disingenuous that Arwyn and Bohr both enunciate in spotless modern English, including some colloquialisms.  Granted, George Lucas made the same kind of creative choice fit the original Star Wars films, but Edginton’s rendition tends to deplete Sojourn’s credibility.  Had he indicated that this world’s dialogue was ‘translated’ for readers, that would have worked.  For that matter, just inserting some Red Sonja-style lingo would have been appreciated, plausibility-wise. 

Sojourn # 25 is a pretty good read, but it had the potential to be better.        

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover summarizes the saga-to-date, including main characters Arwyn, Gareth, Cassidy, & Bohr.  Aside from plenty of ads, the two-page “Can’t Get Enough” column has CrossGen insider news and a profile on artist Steve Epting.  The column also includes reports from Philadelphia’s Wizard World: East and even a staff recommendation for rival DC’s Batgirl: Year One.  A full-page cover reveal for Sojourn # 26 is provided.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 7 Stars

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Stjepan Sejic & Troy Peteri

Cover Art by Stjepan Sejic

SUMMARY:

Published for September 2011 by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics, it’s entitled “Tiamat, Part 3 of 4.”  A wounded Det. Sara Pezzini is seemingly safe in an ethereal dimension protected by the spirits of previous Witchblades.  As the current Witchblade briefly learns more of Tiamat’s past, Dani Baptiste (Angelus) rushes to rescue Sara from a murderous attack. 

Watching them flee, the demonic Tiamat gloats that both of her targets are now conveniently together.  In Manhattan, a recuperating Sara strategizes with Dani how to face off vs. Tiamat and minimize civilian collateral damage.  Choosing a deserted section of Long Island beach, Sara lovingly sends away her partner/boyfriend, Patrick Gleason.  Steeling themselves for a last stand, Witchblade & Angelus await Tiamat’s onslaught.           

REVIEW:

Between artist Stjepan Sejic’s glossy and utterly flawless digital paintings and writer Ron Marz’s spot-on scripting, this reliable duo delivers another around of top-caliber Witchblade entertainment.  All the necessary creative elements are in place to set up a rousing storyline finale.  Definitely recommended!       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover is a full-page ad for Witchblade # 150.  The first page offers a quick rundown of the present storyline.  There’s also a full-page cover reveal for Witchblade # 149.  As their run nears its end, Bryan Rountree’s one-page column examines the stellar impact that Marz & Sejic have made on the Witchblade saga. He also suggests where new readers should begin to best experience Witchblade.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              9 Stars

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Matthew Dow Smith; Nathan Fairbairn; & Troy Peteri

Cover Art by Stjepan Sejic

SUMMARY:

Entitled “Upstate, Part I,” this issue was published by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics for February 2011.  NYPD Detective Patrick Gleason meets Deputy Kate Rooney, as she’s his local contact at a rural courthouse.  Gleason is there because he has been assigned a prisoner pick-up of ghoulish hitman Vincent “No Prints” Petramale and escort him back to Manhattan.  No explanation is given why Gleason doesn’t have a security detail with him for this prisoner transport. In grisly fashion, the two cops encounter the courthouse jail’s homicidal ghosts.  Fleeing for their lives, Gleason & Mooney must bring a suspiciously tranquil Petramale with them.              

REVIEW:

Though the art team’s surprisingly rudimentary visuals are disappointing, the cliffhanger last page is well-played.  Also, the creepy cover image by artist Stjepan Sejic (who could have done far better interior visuals than the assigned artists) certainly conveys the necessary impression to readers.   Omitting Witchblade herself, writer Ron Marz smartly plots an intriguing solo adventure for Patrick Gleason’s own paranormal encounters. Deliberate or not, Petramale’s creepy Lex Luthor-style look is an inspired choice.  For Witchblade fans, even without great artwork, this issue is still worth perusing.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page is a current summary explaining Sara Pezzini and Patrick Gleason’s partnership as cops and as a romantic couple.  There is a full-page cover reveal for Witchblade # 143.  A single-page profile entitled “Patrick Gleason: A Man Among Gods” is solidly penned by Top Cow publishing assistant Bryan Rountree.  A five-page color preview of Artifacts # 5 is also included, as cyborg Aphrodite IV interrupts Cyberforce’s pizza party.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            6½ Stars

Written by Ron Marz & Saurav Mohapatra

Art by Stjepan Sejic

Cover Art by Stjepan Sejic (with help from Luke Hawkins; Mark Hawkins; Astrid Marz; & Cormac Marz)

SUMMARY:

Published by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics for January 2011, it’s the conclusion of the two-part “Paper Monsters.”  NYPD Detectives Sara Pezzini and Patrick Gleason are attacked by a monster conjured up by two demented young siblings. As the Witchblade, Sara fights back while Patrick and the children’s father encounter another grotesque creation.  The Hunter-Killer, Samantha Argent, cameos at the story’s end.    

REVIEW:

Including its spot-on cover image, this issue’s glossy visuals by artist Stjepan Sejic are once again exceptional.  Carrying their two-parter to a satisfying end, writers Ron Marz and Saurav Mohapatra deliver solid, if not predictable, work in setting up Sara & Patrick’s heroics.  With all the necessary creative elements in place, Witchblade # 141 proves a terrific read for Sara Pezzini fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

In addition to a full-page ad for Witchblade: Redemption, Vol. 1, there is a full-page reveal of interior sketch interiors of Witchblade # 142.  There is also a single-page column entitled “Sam Argent: Hunter-Killer,” by Top Cow publishing assistant Bryan Rountree.  Lastly, Top Cow offers its full-page “World Moos” news-and-notes column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:           8 Stars

Written by Ron Marz & Saurav Mohapatra

Art by Stjepan Sejic

Cover Art ‘A’ by Stjepan Sejic

SUMMARY:

Published by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics for December 2010, it’s the first half of “Paper Monsters.”  NYPD Detectives Sara Pezzini and Patrick Gleason investigate the vile mutilation death of an overnight doorman at an upscale apartment building.  Canvassing the residents for potential witnesses, Gleason & Pezzini notice a child’s drawing that resembles a snapshot of grisly surveillance video.  As the Witchblade, Sara ominously expects a showdown.

Note: Though the image isn’t available here, there is a variant cover ‘B’ by artist Brandon Peterson.  The cover art team also includes Luke Hawkins; Mark Hawkins; Astrid Martz; & Cormac Marz.   

REVIEW:

Including an excellent (if not deceptive) cover image, this issue’s glossy visuals by artist Stjepan Sejic are exceptional.  Further, the story by writers Ron Marz and Saurav Mohapatra is certainly spine-tingling.  Witchblade # 140 proves a vintage outing for Sara Pezzini.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a full-page cover reveal of Witchblade # 141.  There is also a single-page, letter-style column entitled “Slumming in Flatland,” by Top Cow publishing assistant Bryan Rountree, who explains part of this storyline’s inspiration.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8½ Stars

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Stjepan Sejic & Troy Peteri

Cover Art ‘A’ by Stjepan Sejic

SUMMARY:

Published by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics for September 2010, this one-shot issue is entitled “Faerie Tale.”  Translating Sara Pezzini’s Witchblade saga into a classic-style fairy tale, the narrator tells of how noble knight Sara and her makeshift band of superhuman renegades (including allegories to Magdalena and Jackie Estacado’s Darkness) restore freedom and justice to their realm from the nefarious Irons and Nottingham.  In a hauntingly poignant image, a note left in Hope Pezzini’s unoccupied nursery explains who conjured up this tale before writing it down for Sara’s benefit.  

Note: Although the image isn’t included here, artist Stjepan Sejic also created a ‘B’ variant cover.

REVIEW:

What initially appears to be filler between storylines proves far better.  Kudos need to go to the flawless teamwork of writer Ron Marz and artist Stjepan Sejic.  Marz’s thoughtful text hits all the right notes, as this issue (including the cover image) is visually gorgeous courtesy of Sejic.  The ingenious final page bleakly defines the two current heart-breaking tragedies in Sara’s life.  Without question, Witchblade # 138 should be deemed a top-caliber issue of this series, or for any other super-hero series with this type of quality production values.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page is a series synopsis, which includes the recent murder of Sara’s sister, Julie, and the abduction of Sara’s infant daughter, Hope, both for unknown reasons by the cyborg Aphrodite IV.  There is a full-page cover reveal for Witchblade # 139.  Sejic’s upcoming solo project, Ravine, is also plugged.  Top Cow includes a single-page “World Moos” news-and-notes column.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:           9 Stars

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Stjepan Sejic & Troy Peteri

Cover Art by Stjepan Sejic

SUMMARY:

Published by Top Cow Productions-Image Comics for August 2010, guest star Necromancer’s diary narrates “The Demon Within.”  Visiting New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) on a class trip, teenage Abigail “Abby” Van Alstine faints witnessing a nude stranger’s gory suicide with a mystical knife known as the Weaver’s Blade.  Privately interviewed by NYPD Detective Sara “Witchblade” Pezzini, Abby admits her existence as the sorceress, Necromancer.  Briefly resurrecting the naked victim, Abby discovers his possession by the demonic Beelaroth.  The unexpected return of the monstrous demon, Mali, forces a violent face-off vs. new allies Necromancer & Witchblade.     

REVIEW:

Writer Ron Marz’s well-written story resembles a back-door TV pilot episode where a guest character is set up for a possible spin-off.  In this instance, the script excels at assimilating Necromancer into Sara Pezzini’s mystically violent world.  The post-story follow-up by Bryan Rountree is certainly insightful, too.  Supporting Marz’s storyline once more are artist Stjepan Sejic’s top-caliber digital paintings (including a great cover image).  Though this team-up is punctuated by profanity and grisly mayhem, Witchblade # 137 is an entertaining adults-only read where Sara witnesses Abby’s macabre powers up close.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

First is a quick series synopsis, including Sara’s recent encounter with treacherous cyborg assassin Aphrodite IV.  A full-page cover reveal of Witchblade # 143 is included.  There is also a single-page column entitled “A Tryst with the Dead: Necromancer,” by Top Cow publishing assistant Bryan Rountree.  The issue ends with a five-page color preview of Sara’s cross-over participation in Artifacts # 1.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    8½ Stars

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Stjepan Sejic; Troy Peteri; & Chaz Riggs

Cover Art ‘A’ by [Uncredited – probably Stjepan Sejic)

SUMMARY:

Published for December 2008 by Top Cow Productions – Image Comics, this issue is entitled “Crown Heights – Part 2 of 3.”  Investigating a golem linked to a rabbi’s grisly homicide, NYPD Detective Sara Pezzini’s secret identity is in jeopardy from investigative reporter Gretch, who is seeking to expose her.  Sara & Gretch confront three Jewish teens: David, Yossel, and a third boy in a basement protecting their purported golem.  The three boys claim the makeshift golem is meant to protect them from hostile African Americans in their shared neighborhood.  Like the forensics team before her, Sara is stunned by lab results on the most recent victim’s bone fragments. 

A terrified David contacts Sara and Gleason.  Sara anguishes over her misjudgment letting the boys keep their basement hideout. Gretch finally gets the photographic proof she has been after.  Elsewhere, Dani Baptiste has an awkward encounter with her troubled ballet student, Finch. 

Note: There’s evidently at least one variant cover for this issue, but neither the cover image(s) nor the artist(s) are referenced in this comic.

REVIEW:

Considering this storyline’s edgy racial elements, writer Ron Marz doesn’t try hard enough to tread sensitively.  Case in point: he depicts Jewish animosity against the Crown Heights neighborhood’s African-American residents without any counter-point.  It’s readily obvious in a scene when the synagogue’s leader firmly casting suspicion (without evidence) against the local African-American community.  Neither Sara nor Gleason confront this character re: presumptive prejudice, as they evidently ignore him.  In a subtle move, the only African-American actually seen or heard is one of the forensic technicians.  If anything, Marz might have tried presenting an effort at neighborhood harmony rather than fixate on the gruesome fantasy-horror angle.   

Even so, Marz still packs plenty of story content into a standard-length comic.  Artist Stjepan Sejic’s visuals, as usual, bolster this issue with glossy, top-caliber artwork.  Sejic’s impressive work, however, can’t hide Marz’s exploitive, Law & Order-like ‘ripped-from-the-headlines’ plotting.  In other words, this Crown Heights storyline is seemingly well-constructed, but it misses the opportunity to offer something better. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover summarizes Sara Pezzini’s saga up through the present-storyline.  There’s a full-page cover reveal for Witchblade # 123.  In addition to a single-page letters-and-answers column, there is a page-length letter to fans from Assistant Editor Joshua Cozine that explains the inspiration behind this storyline came from a National Geographic article.  A single-page “Top Cow World Moos” news-and-notes column is included.  The back inside cover has a single-column “Herd Through the Bo-Vine” interview with writer-collaborator Paul Dini.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     7 Stars