iMAGiNATiON CENTRE: Image Comics

Showing posts with label Image Comics. Show all posts

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Witchblade #174 Advance Review

Writer: Ron Marz

Artist: Laura Braga

Will Sara reclaim the Witchblade? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

Is the Witchblade out to reclaim Sara as its rightful host...or is it out for revenge?

The first arc of the new creative team comes to a close and it does so in a very explosive way. The encounter between Sara and the Angelus was inevitable though well worth the wait. Calling this an exciting issue would be an understatement as the encounter between these two Witchblade wielders made for extremely entertaining reading.

Since returning to the series Ron Marz has reminded me of why I loved the character in the first place. He's also made this opening arc extremely new reader friendly as having missed the last few arcs prior to this I was personally happy to easily jump into this one. With this issue in particular however Marz gives a dynamic conclusion to Born Again with the dialogue and action being very dramatic throughout. Though obvious he also ends the arc in a brilliant manor allowing even newer readers to flow smoothly into the next issues anniversary story.

Laura Braga has been the true gem of this creative team with the artist consistently producing phenomenal artwork. The way that she's able to give intense and exciting action sequences in a smooth and sleek style is truly breathtaking with it's dynamic flow also being captivating. She also does a terrific job of giving intensity to the Sara/Angelus encounter with the facial expressions throughout adding a lot of drama and realism. Added to this we have yet more wonderful colours from Betsy Gonia with her vibrant pallet giving the perfect finishing touches to a perfect issue.

Witchblade's first arc under the creative team of Marz and Braga ends on a high with the explosive and intense events being mesmerising. Highly recommended.

10/10

Preview

Witchblade #177 is on sale tomorrow.

Friday, 21 March 2014

Aphrodite IX #9 Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Stjepan Šejic

Will a issue without any narrative be good? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

“DANGERS OF THE DESOLATE ZONE”
The ninth issue of APHRODITE IX finally reveals what the numbering system really means. Plus, Aphrodite XV’s design and build reveals more about Aphrodite IX’s future—and her past—than she could ever anticipate.

Aphrodite IX is a series that I truly can’t get enough off, and though there may be a few series that I say this about Aphrodite IX is one of the few that validate this reason the most. The sheer scope of the series is breathtaking with Aphrodite IX’s struggle for the truth giving a very humanised tone to what is otherwise a tremendous sci-fi series.

Matt Hawkins is taking a bold step with this issue by making it his first issue to have now narrative whatsoever. Now there are many writers who have do this on a regular basis so why dose this class as bold step. It does so as Hawkins is a writer renowned for his tremendous narration, being very outspoken for his reasoning of using it so frequently. Hawkins does however prove that he can write a story void of narrative with this being a smooth flowing exciting and emotional development point for Aphrodite IX. Hawkins also introduces more characters related to Aphrodite IX with the speculation of what will happen next having me more than excited.

Stjepan Šejic never fails to produce immense artwork on this series and his new style has really grown on me over the last few issues. The sheer detail of his art is simply outstanding with the crisp lines and intense layout giving a smooth flow to the story. Šejic also shows intensity in many other forms as besides the layouts the powerful facial expressions and energised action sequences also inject plenty of intensity. Despite all this it’s still the vibrant and glossy colours that I love most about Šejic’s art with this in particular being a plus to his new style.

Hawkins and Šejic continue to give us amazing issue after amazing issue and with this series crawling to it’s finale you’d be a fool to miss a single issue. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9.5/10

Preview

Sunday, 9 March 2014

Witchblade #173 Advance Review

Writer: Ron Marz

Artist: Laura Braga

Will Sara get her job back? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

BORNE AGAIN

Even without the Witchblade secured to her wrist, Sara Pezzini cannot escape the corrupting influence of the gauntlet.

Witchblade has been going from strength to strength as of late, with the return of Ron Marz giving a terrific twist to the story whilst also retaining the classic Witchblade feel. This story itself also gives mystery and excitement and with the introduction of a villains along with the speculation of what might happen it is definitely a good time to be a Witchblade fan.

Ron Marz yet again gives a exciting and intriguing script, as although he didn't manage to match last issue he still managed to amaze. The only real trouble I had with Marz' script in this issue was that he was trying to do too much, with the pace being a little to quick. In saying that the character dialogue along with the overall tone remains brilliant, with the passion that he shows in Sara's attempt to get her job back adding some tension and drama as well. Marz also does a terrific job of teasing the future of this series, with the mysterious nature of the Witchblade adding a lot of suspense.

Laura Braga has been one of the best new talents to have entered comics over the last few years with her Witchblade art never failing to impress. The sheer detail and style of Braga's art is simply amazing and added with her smooth layouts it gives a vibrant feel to the issue. Braga also shows the intense moments perfectly with the characters facial expressions, and especially Sara's giving a lot of tone and realism to the story. Combine all this with the equally fabulous colours from Betsy Gonia and the artwork of Witchblade is something you'll love time and time again.

Witchblade continues to astound as despite the fast pace it managed to show great characteristics as well as tease the future of the series perfectly. Highly recommended.