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
