Witchblade #173 Review

Publisher: Top Cow Productions
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Laura Braga
Colorist: Betsy Gonia
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Cover Artist: Stjepan Sejic
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: March 12th, 2014

Witchblade #173, “Borne Again Part Four” continues Sara Pezzini’s time without the Witchblade. Two years ago, Sara relinquished the Witchblade. In recent events, she was shot and is now attempting to get back in the field. The Angelus, however, has other plans in store.

I’ve been a fan of the series and Sara as a character for some time. Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic really made the character during their run. But Sara and I parted ways during Tim Seeley and Diego Bernard’s run. Though I thought about staying away, the lure of Marz’ return was too much to pass up. This time he’s joined by artist Laura Braga and colorist Betsy Gonia. Two talented folks I suspect the industry will be seeing more of in the future.

Part of the book is exposition dedicated to catching readers up to current events. The rest is set-up for what should be an entertaining next issue. Your mileage might vary in regards to the pacing. Overall, this is a fairly uneventful issue.

While the events of this issue don’t progress much, Braga and Gonia provide some lively scenery for the journey. The right artistic talent can make something special of the supernatural tales of the Witchblade and this art team is producing some quality work. Beyond a couple awkward-looking panels, this is a gorgeous comic. Braga’s characters look great, with her interpretation of the Angelus standing out. Her detailed scenery makes every setting truly come alive. Her line work combined with Gonia’s colors give the book a vibrant look. This is especially true for the scenes involving the Angelus and the Angelus Realm.

During his previous run, Marz elevated Sara to an entirely different level. He writes as if he created the character. The fantastic art team of Braga and Gonia inject a new and much desired life in this series. The slower pace and recap make for a perfect jumping on point for new and lapsed readers. Those same aspects could also turn away regular readers. If you stepped away from the title, you should consider jumping back on. I sure am.

Score: 3/5

Witchblade #173 was provided by Top Cow for review purposes.

Comic Book Secret Santa

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! And happy whatever holiday you celebrate. Tis the season of giving. In that spirit, our favorite comic book characters put in for vacation time from their usual antics to do their Secret Santa shopping. Let's see how that turned out.

I'm sorry, I thought people
would've liked the change.

To: Black Canary
From: Alfred

My dear Dinah, for you I have a(-nother) new costume. I have no doubt you've become quite accustomed to your recent look, but I must suggest another change. This look is not becoming of a hero of your stature. I have taken the liberty of making another costume for you which is certainly more fitting for a Bird of Prey. As the rest of the team would say "kick some..." *ahem* "...ass." Do take care.

Nuff said.

To: Johnny
From: Reed

Johnny, I've designed some contraceptives attuned to your specific DNA. Stop laughing Johnny. No, it isn't my place to dictate what you do in your off time and with whom you do it with. I do, however, suggest you protect yourself. Without going into detail, I deduce that your powers may burn away protection and possibly anything else. While Franklin and Valeria would love a cousin, I think we can all agree that a little Torch (heaven help us if that were plural) running around would be a monumental disaster. I have not discussed this with Sue or Ben, so this is between us. Please do wear these. For everyone's sake.

Herald? Herald?! Are you listening
to me? Turn that device off.

To: Silver Surfer
From: Your friends, the Fantastic Four

Dearest friend Norrin, we bring you the gift of entertainment. We're sure you get bored, so we fitted your board with an amped up XM Radio. While you're out heralding and scouting planets (preferably not Earth) for your master, the Devourer of Worlds, you'll have access to what Johnny and Ben refer to as the "hottest jams." Johnny's taste is quite questionable at best, but it's the thought. Enjoy.

For the man who
has everything.

To: Batman
From: Joker

Hey Bats ol' buddy. Let's say we put our differences aside for a while. For such a great detective, you sure can make some questionable choices. Naughty, naughty. So I got you a little gift, Sidekicks for Dummies. And talk about the gift that keeps on giving. While you read it, I won't even try to kill any of your adopted teammates. As for the rest of Gotham, well that's a different story. AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. See ya around Batman.

A steady gig is just what
I need right now.

To: Sara Pezzini
From: Jim Downing (I'm the new Spawn guy over at Image)

I know we haven't met, but I could use your help. I've been getting closer to figuring out who I am, but I could use some assistance. Your detective skills are some of the best in the biz and your other skills would come in handy as well. I know your move to Chicago has been kind of crazy. With all the attention I've received, I've gained a bit of wealth, so money is no object for your services. You've been off in these fantasy lands and dealing with all these other supernatural shenanigans. Hopefully, this will help you get a bit more stabilized. Oh, and don't worry, I won't tell anybody about the Witchblade.

I am grateful,
Asgardians. I love
the new toys.

To: Hela
From: All the Asgardians not doing anything with thyselves right now.

Our gift to thee be some damn(-ed) souls. Most of thy clan has been thirsty for battle. Enemies appeared. There was bloodshed. Thou now has souls.







Which of these gifts would you have liked? Do you think these gifts came from the heart? Let the world know. Happy holidays to everyone. Safe travels. Happy reading.

Thursday Thoughts - 3-29-12

Welcome back to Thursday Thoughts comic book fans. This weeks' thoughts all deal with comics, which shouldn't surprise you, but who knows. I'm starting off with a few topics dealing with some awesome female stars.

1. Witchblade was pretty bad until Ron Marz took over. I struggled to get through it before he took over. It really was bad. I started reading the series with a run of issues from #115 or 116 through 125 or so. The writing and the art made me an instant fan. I then spotted the compendiums and figured she's awesome maybe she's got a ton of great stuff behind her. Wrong. The first volume especially was quite horrid. As I've already stated, I struggled reading it. That was until Marz' pen guided Sara's adventures. I honestly would not recommend anything before he took over unless you really just want to read it all.

2. I think Power Girl’s costume with the tit window was one of the worst visuals ever. Other than that, I liked the costume. Simply put, it was stupid. Seriously. And I believe they even tried to explain it in a conversation with Superman. But I could be wrong. People only knew about her because of her large breasts. Just unnecessary. And her new one sucks too by the way.


3. Pre-ordering is great for everybody. It guarantees you a copy of a book you want. Plus it gets creators paid. With that, it increases the chances of creators doing more solo work. But I hate the idea of pre-ordering subsequent issues of a book before I even get the first in hand. I was thinking about that when I put in orders for the second and third issues of a series. Just odd. But that won't stop me from pre-ordering though.


4. There should be some kind of ongoing ninja vs. pirate book. I'd like to write one. This match-up is a favorite on the internet. Just google or bing it and have a laugh or a hundred. Now we ALL know ninja would destroy pirates, but it'd be nice to see it play out on the pages. What side are you on?


5. John Stewart and Guy Gardner are the best Green Lanterns. They really are. Be honest, Hal and Kyle are kinda weak and boring. John and Guy just hold my interest more. And they have more imagination.

What do you think people? Have a subject you want to know my thoughts about? Let me know and I'll throw it in. Keep it nerdy my friends. Thanks for looking.