Category: Independent Publishers (Comic Books & Graphic Novels)

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Stjepan Sejic; Troy Peteri; & Chaz Riggs

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

SUMMARY:

Published by Tow Cow Productions / Image Comics for May 2008, it’s the second installment of the three-part “Advent.”  Interspersed with Sara Pezzini’s present-day homicide case is a sub-plot amidst the Third Crusade, as a vast army of Templar Knights storm a Sacaren fortress to find ‘the one, true Grail.’  NYPD Detectives Sara Pezzini and Patrick Gleason investigate the gruesome discovery inside a church of an unknown homicide victim.  It appears that the victim is the latest to be murdered by a serial killer in a manner ominously linked to the Apostles.  As the two detectives interview the church’s staff, Sara is briefly accosted by a young female journalist she has encountered before.

Elsewhere, it appears that a vengeful Knight exists in the present-day.  Babysitting Sara’s infant daughter, Hope, Dani Baptiste is seduced and ambushed by her new boyfriend, David.  Sara returns home to face David, who now possesses Dani’s half of the Witchblade.  Another glimpse of the flashback is a revelation that, among the four Templar Knights who have gained immortality from the Holy Grail, is Sara’s future adversary.       

Note: There is at least one variant cover, though neither the artist(s) nor the variant image are identified.

REVIEW:

Aside from some unprofessional (and unnecessary), macho-sounding potty language writer Ron Marz attributes to Gleason, this issue is a pretty solid read.  Even better is artist Stjepan Sejic’s stellar visuals, particularly of the medieval flashback.  The uncredited cover image is also excellent.  However, one should be advised that Sejic’s images (including close-ups) of the ‘flayed’ homicide victim are predictably gross.  Despite some qualms about Marz and Sejic’s creative choices, Witchblade # 117 continues an intriguing storyline.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a single-page cover reveal of Witchblade # 118, as well as Top Cow’s single-page “World Moos” news-and-notes column.  There is also a two-page letters-and-answers column.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             8 Stars

Written by Ron Marz & Ian Edginton

Art by Sami Basri (of IFS); Imaginary Friends Studio; & Troy Peteri

Cover Art by Mike Choi; Eric Basaldua; & Sami Basri

SUMMARY:

Entitled “The Residents,” it was released by Top Cow Productions/Image Comics for February 2008.  On maternity leave with her infant daughter, Hope, NYPD Detective Sara “Witchblade” Pezzini is settling into a new apartment.  Yet, could their new home (especially Hope’s nursery) be haunted by former tenants?  Elsewhere, her co-Witchblade, Dani Baptiste, has dinner with relic hunter David Worthy, as she reveals to him the Witchblade’s existence.         

REVIEW:

Including the cover image as this issue’s best asset, crisp visuals by the art team make up some of the difference for co-writers Ron Marz & Ian Edginton’s unremarkable script.  For what it simply is, Sara’s encounter with resident poltergeists makes an okay read.  Yet, there’s no depth or backstory as to any ghostly ‘why’s’ to bolster this clichéd haunting.  Short of spookiness re: a nursery rhyme, the matter is too easily resolved by Sara’s ghostbusting.  Had its plot been developed as a two-parter to set up a spectral showdown, Witchblade # 114 might have been memorable.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The first page is a premise/recent summary-to-date.  In the “World Moos” column, one segment offers a thumbnail of artists Mike Choi & Sonia Oback’s two-part diptych cover for Witchblade # 115.  There’s also a full-page ad of Sara’s cover for  Witchblade # 115.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6½ Stars

Written by Ron Marz

Art by Michael Choi; Sal Regla; Brian Buccellato; Dreamer’s Design’s Robin Spehar;  & Troy Peteri

Cover Art by Greg Land; Jay Leisten; & Justin Ponsor

SUMMARY:

Released by Top Cow Productions/Image Comics for May 2005, it’s “Witch Hunt, Part 5 of 6.”  Now teaming with fellow NYPD Detective Patrick Gleason, Sara “Witchblade” Pezzini visits the mysterious Curator for possible intel re: the Church’s nefariously secret cabal.  Sara & Patrick infiltrate the wooded estate where the cabal summons its infernal dragon-like god.    

REVIEW:

Writer Ron Marz’s penultimate chapter of his “Witch Hunt” makes a pretty good read, even if not a lot is accomplished.  Though a Witchblade action sequence vs. a demonic predator is the highlight, Marz pens likable dialogue exchanges between Sara & Patrick.  For instance, her new partner’s admission of a horse patrol misadventure from earlier in his career involving George Steinbrenner is a witty touch. 

Yet, the flashy visuals (especially the awesome Greg Land cover) steal the show from Marz,  For faithful Sara Pezzini fans, Witchblade # 84 is worth collecting to help complete the pivotal “Witch Hunt” storyline.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover briefly explains the series premise and summarizes the last issue in detail.  Including a sample of Witchblade fan art, there is a single-page letters-and-answers column.  There’s also a single-page “World Moos” news-and-notes column, with thumbnail cover reveals for Witchblade # 86, Darkness/Vampirella # 1; and Magdalena/Dracula # 1.  This column also gladly plugs rival DC Comics’ “Catwoman: When in Rome # 1.”      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             7½ Stars

Written by Paul Jenkins

Art by Bring Ching; Martin Montiel; D-Tron·.; Team-Tron; Steve Firchow; John Starr; Val Staples; Monica Rodriguez; Dreamer’s Design’s Robin Spehar; & Dennis Heisler

Cover Art by Brian Ching; D-Tron·; & Steve Firchow

SUMMARY:

Continuing from Issue # 50, this untitled issue was released by Top Cow Productions/Image Comics for October 2001.  In the New York City sewers, NYPD Detective Sara “Witchblade” Pezzini and the Excalibur-wielding Ian Nottingham face off vs. a grotesque demon capable of affecting their memories.  A mesmerized Sara envisions herself in an alternate reality as an elementary school teacher and caring for her wheelchair-bound father (this time, having survived assassination).  Ian recalls the fateful night in South Korea ten years before where he reluctantly obeyed an assassination order.  It’s up to Sara & Ian to trust each other by ensuring their heartbreaking destinies unfold as they must.

REVIEW:

In a noticeable improvement over a lackluster Issue # 50, writer Paul Jenkins smartly plays out this issue’s storyline.  In both flashback sequences, even their predictable outcomes are surprisingly effective.  Combined with some solid visuals (including the high-caliber cover image), a satisfying Witchblade # 51 delivers the goods.     

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover has a paragraph-long plot summary-to-date.  There is a single-page “Disciples of the Blade” letters-and-answer column.  There is a heartfelt “Moos” September 2011 letter from to fans from Top Cow, Minotaur Press, & Joe’s Comics reflecting on 9/11.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    7½ Stars

Written by Paul Jenkins

Art by Brian Ching; D-Tron; Team-Tron; Victor Llamas; Bill Tan; Jason Gorder; Steve Firchow; John Starr; Matt Milla; Dreamer Design’s Robin Spehar; & JD Bruce

Cover Art ‘A’ Wraparound by Brian Ching; D-Tron; & Steve Firchow

SUMMARY:

Published by Top Cow Productions/Image Comics for August 2001, the untitled 32-page story begins with Sara Pezzini visiting her father’s gravestone.  Sara recalls the last time that she and her mother saw Vince Pezzini before his murder that same night.  A demonic monster in the New York City sewer system is revealed.  A flashback reveals that Sara has resigned two days earlier from the NYPD.  Guided by the mysterious Adrian Smith, Sara & a troubled Ian Nottingham tag-team vs. the sewer demon and his human-like disciples, knowing full well that it likely means their doom.     

Note: Though the images aren’t included, the variant cover art teams are: Marc Silvestri, Billy Tan, and Liquid! [Cover B]; Dale Keown, D-Tron, and Steve Firchow [Cover C]; and Michael Turner, D-Tron, and Steve Firchow [Cover D].

REVIEW:

Boasting an extensive art team, this comic’s visuals are predictably terrific.  The only off-note is that the flashback resorts to an artistic cliché by rendering Sara’s mother as if she’s an identical twin to the present-day Sara.  As for the potentially intriguing storyline, the intent is to delve into the Witchblade’s origin and apparent destiny.  Part of this revelation refers to Ian’s possession of the Witchblade’s masculine counterpart, ‘Excalibur.’  Yet, for a fiftieth milestone issue, its unimpressive plotting doesn’t deliver much.  It feels even more of a cheat when one reaches the “to be continued” tagline.  As a result, Witchblade # 50 is hampered by favoring artistic style over not enough storytelling substance.             

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There is a half-page thank-you note from Top Cow.  Artists Drew Johnson, Jay Leisten, and Beth Sotelo provide a single-page Witchblade pin-up. A two-page “The Genesis of the Universe” timeline introduces the Universe preview.  With a single page in color identifying protagonist Tom Judge, it sets ups an eight-page, black-and-white preview of Universe # 1.  Finally, a five-page preview of Inferno: Hellbound is also included.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6½ Stars

Written by Paul Jenkins

Art by Michael Zulli; Steve Firchow; Dreamer Design’s Robin Spehar; & Dennis Heisler

Cover Art by Michael Zulli & Steve Firchow

SUMMARY:

Published by Image Comics for June 2001, this untitled comic depicts NYPD Detective Sara Pezzini’s bleak investigation of a young girl’s bloody suicide in her own bedroom.  Accompanied by partner Jake McCarthy, Sara confirms that the girl, Mary, killed herself exactly a year after her older brother Jack’s suicide by hanging.  Between the incredulous parents and the case’s ugly circumstances, Sara doesn’t sense an actual case until her mysterious contact urges her to look deeper.  After she and Jake bring a psychic to Mary’s bedroom, Sara finally realizes the horrific truth.  Meanwhile, while drinking with a fellow cop, a downbeat Jake worries about Sara’s well-being. 

REVIEW:

Witchblade # 47 is the vile solution of equating Witchblade to a Law & Order: SVU-style storyline.  Writer Paul Jenkins evidently sought to create a realistic Witchblade noir-type story with suburban shock value.  Hence, his exploitation of plot elements, such as child suicide, sibling incest, and chilling parental indifference for the alleged purpose of  entertainment is reprehensible.  Even a few of Jake’s hardened-cop comments are stunningly inappropriate, especially as Sara doesn’t take offense or merely ignores them.  The only decent creative choice in Witchblade # 47 is heavily implying the children’s stomach-churning secret vs. spelling it out.         

Unsurprisingly, this issue’s frequently crummy artwork corresponds with Jenkins’ repugnant script.  Even an unnecessary Witchblade cleavage-ogling panel is included for good measure.  The comparatively innocuous cover image is this comic’s sole asset.  Among the thousands of comics this reviewer has collected in nearly forty years, this one dismally rates among the worst excuses for garbage posing as a comic book.       

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There’s a double-page spread of black-and-white sketches previewing Witchblade # 48-49.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               0 Stars

Written by Paul Jenkins

Art by Keu Cha; D-Tron·; Steve Firchow; Dreamer Design’s  Robin Spehar; & Dennis Heisler

Cover Art by Keu Cha; D-Tron·; & Steve Firchow

SUMMARY:

This untitled issue was released by Top Cow Productions/Image Comics for January 2001.  NYPD Detectives Sara “Witchblade” Pezzini and Jake McCarthy seek a new lead in a series of gruesome slayings where a demonic Pez dispenser is left behind as the killer’s trademark.  Sara warily copes with the predator’s romantic fixation on her.  Discovery of the latest victim puts Sara and McCarthy under fire from their boss.  The sadistic culprit’s identity is possibly revealed, as a showdown with Witchblade may be imminent.

REVIEW:

Aside from a full page of panels unnecessarily depicting a scantily-clad Sara, both the visuals and the cover image are well-produced.  Writer Paul Jenkins’ supernatural serial killer storyline, which openly alludes to both ancient Sumerians and Jack the Ripper, makes for a fairly good read.  Though Jenkins’ plotting isn’t remarkable, the Pez dispenser gimmick is at least a novel touch.  Witchblade # 44 gets the job done for fantasy-horror fans without reveling in gore.   

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The inside front cover’s quick synopsis gets readers caught up.  A single-page letters-and-answers column includes two fan images of Witchblade.  Beyond cover reveals for The Darkness # 36 and Midnight Nation # 4, there’s lots of ads.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               6½ Stars

Written by Christina Z.; David Wohl; & Michael Turner

Art by Michael Turner; D-Tron·; Jonathan D. Smith; & Dennis Heisler;

Cover Art by Michael Turner; D-Tron·; Jonathan D. Smith

SUMMARY:

This untitled issue was released by Top Cow Productions/Image Comics for July 1997.  While New York’s Yakuza faction covertly seeks a high-profile assassination, NYPD Detectives Sara “Witchblade” Pezzini and Jake McCarthy are suspended from duty for their suspicious on-duty behavior.  McCarthy returns home to San Diego to resume his personal life.  Sara is recruited by a shadowy government agency already aware that she is Witchblade.  Her first assignment is in Rio de Janeiro.  The assassin Tora No Shi and his team initiate a devastating terrorist strike.     

REVIEW:

It isn’t a shocker that this issue pushes flash over substance.  Including the accurate cover image,  Michael Turner’s visuals (including a gory silhouette) are good and flawlessly inked by the art squad.  Yet, a reliance on ultra-muscular stock body shapes and minimal facial expressions is readily evident.  Mustering mere glimpses of character depth, the simplistic story still works, in terms of what little it offers.  A glaring caveat is that that Sara’s all-too-convenient, clandestine job offer should have spurned far more of her streetwise scrutiny.  Still, Witchblade # 15 should please fans of this series, but it’s likely a forgettable read for others.  

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None (just lots of ads).  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               5 Stars

Written by (See Credits Below)

Art by (See Credits Below)

Wraparound Cover Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams

SUMMARY:

Published by Image Comics (Jim Lee’s WildStorm Comics) for June 1998, this 40-page anniversary (and temporarily last) issue consists of three tales, each with different creative teams.

“Old Feelings” (8 pages): Story by James Robinson, with art by Jim Lee; Scott Williams; Tad Ehrlich; Justin Ponsor; Tony Washington; and Bill O’Neil.  In a subway tunnel, Voodoo & Hadrian re-evaluate their relationship while facing down the villainous Slag.

“The Last Goodbye” (16 pages): Story by Brandon Choi & Jonathan Peterson; with art by Ed Benes; Al Vey; JD; Matt Milla; Joel Benjamin; WildStorm FX; and Bill O’Neil. Grieving over his brother’s murder, an incensed Grifter works New York City’s streets in search of the culprit.  Providing back-up, the WildCATS learn the truth of the brother’s homicide.    

“Reincarnation” (8 pages): Story by Alan Moore, with art by Travis Charest; JD; Alex Sinclair; and Bill O’Neil. Majestic, Grifter, and Ladytron, among a few others, discuss assembling a potential reserve squad.  T Halo Inc. building attacks them under the influence of an alien presence.  The finale signals the series’ momentary conclusion.

REVIEW:

As a whole, this issue’s visuals are top-caliber, including the terrific wraparound cover.  The individual stories vary in readability depending upon one’s interest in these characters.  As the issue’s best tale, “Old Feelings” is an intriguing vignette updating fans on a revitalized Voodoo’s past and possibly future romance with the android Hardian.  Although it is still relatively entertaining, “The Last Goodbye” doesn’t cover new dramatic ground, as super-hero clichés re: avenging a murdered brother play out as expected. 

Unlike the other two stories, “Reincarnation” relies on some nasty profanity-laced dialogue, which is likely the biggest creative element going against it.  The absence of some of the franchise’s more charismatic heroes adds to the downbeat ambiance.  Writer Alan Moore’s use of a letter is a nice storytelling device for readers, but only Majestic does anything remotely interesting in this story.  Including its extras, WildC.A.T.S. # 50 is a worthwhile keeper for fans.      

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Scott Williams includes a single-page team pin-up.  Series co-creator Jim Lee pens a single-page message to fans, as he dedicates this issue to his late mentor, Archie Goodwin.  Artist Travis Charest offers three color pages of WildC.A.T.S. character sketches.  There’s also a full-page advertisement for a new WildC.A.T.S. # 1.  A single-page interview with Williams & Charest discusses their plans for a re-launched WildC.A.T.S. series.  The last page is a WildStorm News column.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             7½ Stars

Written by Brandon Choi & Jim Lee and Steve Seagle

Art by Jim Lee; Richard Bennett; Scott Williams; Chris Eliopoulos; Travis Charest; Tom McWeeney; Bill Oakley; Joe Chiodo; Joe Dunn; Ben Fernandez; Jessica Ruffner; Rich Johnson; John Tighe; Monica Bennett; Wendy Fouts; & Paige King

Cover Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams

SUMMARY:

Published by Image Comics for February 1994, this 32-page comic features two stories: the 23-page “Down Time” and Voodoo’s 9-page “Passed Lives.”  In New York City, Zealot & Grifter’s billiards night turn into a barroom skirmish with some boozy thugs.  Warblade & Maul meet new lady friends are at a Soho art exhibit.  Aboard the posh Caribbean Princess cruise liner approaching Bermuda, an undercover Lord Emp, Voodoo, & Hadrian investigate a previous cruise ship’s disappearance.  Before going comatose, Void warns the team after a mysterious vortex swallows their vessel in the Bermuda Triangle.  The abducted trio meet their captor.

Set after WildC.A.T.S. Trilogy # 1, “Passed Lives” has exotic dancer Voodoo return to action in a Washington D.C. nightclub where she faces the hideous Coda assassin stalking her.  It’s a personal vendetta for both of them.    

Note: X-Men newlyweds Phoenix & Cyclops briefly make a cameo in “Down Time.” 

REVIEW:

Aside from some gratuitous bikini poses (including the cover image), this issue is a total creative package.  Not only is the artwork dynamite for that era, the writing for both stories is well-played.  In particular, most of the regular cast gets something meaningful to do, at least in “Down Time.”  Voodoo’s solo tale adds some commendable depth to her character, without resorting to sleaze.  This issue’s secret gem is a nice in-joke paralleling Voodoo & Hadrian’s developing romance with that of a honeymooning Jean Grey & Scott Summers.  All said, Image Comics ensures that WildC.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams # 8 makes a great read for fans.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

A welcome treat is no ads.  The back inside cover is the “Call of the Wild” letters-and-answers column.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8 Stars