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
