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
