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
