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.

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.

Rating: 8/10

Preview

Witchblade #173 is on sale 12th March.

Think Tank #12 Advance Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Rahsan Ekedal

How will the first season of Think Tank end? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

“OUTBREAK,” Conclusion

What will war take from Dr. David Loren?

After twelve brilliant issues the first season of Think Tanks comes to an end. With the world on the brink of World War III the issue gives a very intense and dramatic finale to the first season, with some suspenseful outcomes.

Matt Hawkins produces his best work from this series yet, with this conclusion being very intense and exciting. The pacing of the issue is simply amazing, with Hawkins' narrations being even better than they usually are (and they're usually great as it is). Hawkins also gives some extreme developments, going from a rather casual start to a frantic and impactful finish. The ending of the issue was also very suspenseful and dramatic, having a lot of depth and layers to it. The ending is also very fitting considering the events of the series, and I for one will be anxiously waiting for season two to come.

Rahsan Ekedal also produced some of his best art yet on this issue, matching the immense tone of Hawkins script. The layouts of Ekedal's art has a lot to do with this, as despite usually being amazing, this time they'd be pure gold, giving a dramatic tone whilst also helping with the issues overall pace. Ekedal also once again handled the characters facial expressions perfectly, with David's expressions setting the overall variable mood of the issue, with it at times making the issue more upbeat, and other times making it more grimacing. On top of this Ekedal's inks and grey tones continue to give the perfect finish for his art, and I question whether the move to colours in the second season will be the right choice.

Think Tank season one ends with a bang. We do however have to wait a few months for the second season (this time in colour) but that'll just build-up the anticipation even more. Highly recommended.

Rating: 10/10

Preview

Think Tank #12 is on sale 12th February.

Aphrodite IX #8 Advance Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins 

Artist: Stjepan Šejic

What will happen when Aphrodite enters Speros? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

Is Aphrodite XV a threat? Or an ally?

Aphrodite IX has easily became one of my favourite series out the now, and is one of the best series' that Top Cow currently publishes. It's futuristic setting matched alongside the brilliant characters and amazing storyline makes this a gripping tale and I'm always left wanting to read more.

Matt Hawkins continued to do a great job with this issue, generating some intriguing development for the current story, whilst also building up more mystery at the same time. What I loved most from the issue was the way that Hawkins built the suspense, as with Aphrodite entering Speros there was always going to be some sort of conflict. Hawkins also continued to build the characteristics perfectly, having Marcus yet again make a background appearance, as well as teasing more about a new character. On top of this there was some amazing action with there also being a tremendous cliffhanger as well.

Stjepan Šejic also doesn't fail to impress with his artwork being as magical as ever. Šejic has proved over the last few issues that he's a very dexterous, going from a phenomenal style to a new style which appeals to me even more with every new issue. Either way the detail is never in question, always being to a high standard, and looking simply beautiful. Added to that the superb layouts and stunning colours and it's hard to think of many artists who are at the same level of quality as Šejic. 

Aphrodite IX continues to be a very entertaining series, with both a gripping plot and breathtaking artwork. I for one can't recommend this series enough and would be a fool not to highly recommend this issue.

Rating: 10/10

Preview

Aphrodite IX #8 is on sale 5th February.

Witchblade #172 Advance Review

Writer: Ron Marz

Artist: Laura Braga

What will happen when the Angelus comes for the Witchblade? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

Sara Pezzini will soon discover who the Witchblade chose to be its next bearer…

Witchblade has been simply astonishing over the last few issues, with the return of Ron Marz to writing bringing me back into the world of Witchblade. And boy am I happy. The transformation has been simply fantastic, with the series being one of my favourite series out the now, making me regret having not read it in almost 10 years prior.

Ron Marz has within this issue taken a major development level, forwarding the current story into the next stage. The mixture of the current and the past continues to be very well balanced, with the exciting action being an appealing bonus. It was also nice to see the addition of Tom Judge, a character that Marz is no stranger to, with his appearance making the flashbacks even more interesting. On top of this Marz also once again gave a terrific cliffhanger finish to the issue, keeping me gripped in anticipation for the next.

Laura Braga continues to amaze me with her stunning artwork, and it's one of the main reasons I look forward to reading this series each month. The detail and layout of her artwork is simply outstanding, being extremely consistent and adding a lot of depth and intensity. Braga also manages to show the dramatic tone of the story development perfectly, with the action sequences being simply phenomenal. Added to that the beautiful colours from Betsy Gonia and this becomes a truly wonderful issue both story wise and visually.

Witchblade continues to astound me, with the return of Marz proving to be a terrific decision. Added to that Braga's wonderful art and the terrific development in this issue and it's impossible not to recommend this issue.

Rating: 10/10

Preview

Witchblade #172 is on sale 29th January.

Cyber Force #8 Advance Review

Writer: Marc Silvestri
Artist: Marco Turini

Can Cyber Force continue to be an amazing addition to the Top Cow Universe? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

STRYKER UNARMED

What humanity remains of Morgan Stryker? Is he more man… or is he more a machine of death?

The Top Cow Universe has proven to be one of the most interesting developments for comics in recent years, with Cyber Force being one of the key reasons for that. The way that the series has been reinvented continually proves to be a worthy addition for the Top Cow Universe, bringing the well loved series back to live in a modern and unique way.

I do however doubt that this series would be as good as it is if it wasn’t for original series creator Marc Silvestri working as writer of the series, as despite being best known for his phenomenal artwork he is also a fantastic writer. As for this issue itself Silvestri managed to give us both excitement and drama, with there being both great character interaction as well as some outstanding action. Silvesti also added some emotional moments throughout the issue, showing the difference in idealisms between Aphrodite V and Carin Taylor perfectly.

The artwork in this issue was also great, and Marco Turini did a fantastic job. The overall detail of Turini’s art was however a little inconsistent, with there being some rough panels near the start of the issue. Despite this for the better part of the issue Turini’s art was simply amazing, having a lot of depth and tone to it. Added to that the fact that the layouts added a lot of impact to the story, as well as Turini managing to show the emotion from Silvestri’s script perfectly and you get a very dynamic finish for a spectacular story.

Cyber Force continues to be a must read comic, being a terrific revival for the much loved series, as well as a great addition to the Top Cow Universe as a whole. Highly recommended.

Rating: 8/10

Preview

Cyber Force #8 is on sale 29th January.

Aphrodite IX #7 Advance Review

Writer: Matt Hawkins
Artist: Stjepan Šejić

Will the adventures of Aphrodite IX continue to be amazing? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

BATTLE OF THE APHRODITES!

Aphrodite IX awoke in a future unfamiliar to her amidst warring civilizations battling over divergent ideologies. In the ruins of this constant strife, Aphrodite has stumbled upon her successor: Aphrodite XV! Will the lethal upgrades of this late-model Aphrodite prove Aphrodite IX’s obsolescence?

Aphrodite IX is a series that I always look forward to. It is the overall suspenseful and mysterious nature of this fine series that keeps me coming back for more, with each issue new issue being truly unmissable.

Matt Hawkins continues to deliver big time with Aphrodite IX, creating yet more amazing build-up and suspense throughout this issue. Hawkins also continues to add plenty of mystery throughout the story, with the overall intensity constantly growing with ever issue. Hawkins also develops the side-stories perfectly, as despite taking away ever so slightly from the overall suspense, he does add much more intensity and depth in it’s place. On top of that the overall character development also continues to impress me, with Aphrodite IX herself constantly growing into an more interesting character. 

The artwork from Stjepan Šejić is once again phenomenal and his new style of artwork is defiantly growing on me. The detail and depth of Šejić’s art is as usual as close to perfection as you will ever see in comics. Despite this however it is still the layouts that impress me the most in Šejić’s art, as they add so much depth and impact to the story. Talking of impact Šejić also adds a lot when it comes to the characters facial expressions, which not only add a lot of emotion, but help enhance the entire story. On top of all this Šejić’s inks and colours also never fail to impress, being extremely vibrant and impactful. 

Aphrodite IX never fails to astound, and whilst Hawkins and Šejić remain on this series I doubt it will ever be disappointing. I’d highly recommend this issue.

Rating: 9/10

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Witchblade #171 Advance Review

Writer: Ron Marz

Artist: Laura Braga

Will Sarah survive from the deadly state she was left in at the end of the last issue? Read on to find out.

The official description from Top Cow:

WITCHBLADE NO MORE!

Sara Pezzini violently ripped the Witchblade from her body and abandoned it. For Sara to begin her life anew, the Witchblade must find and bond with a new host. But not all who wield the Witchblade are worthy to bear the burden of the gauntlet.

Ron Marz returned triumphantly to Witchblade in the last issue with the brilliant Laura Braga joining as the series new artist. With this issue they continue from the suspenseful cliffhanger ending of the last issue, with Rooney worrying over Sarah’s condition.

Story wise however this issue wasn’t quite as good as the last, as although it was still a brilliant issue with plenty of drama and suspense, it wasn’t quite as exciting as the last issue, feeling more of a set-up for things to come. Ron Marz did however do a great job of continuing to show how Sarah got rid of the Witchblade, with the interaction between her and Magdalena being much more interesting in this issue. Besides that Marz would do a great job of showing the reaction to Sarah’s attack as well, as although it was disappointing to not see much of Sarah in the present, Rooney’s reaction as well as the involvement of a new character later on in the issue made it very intriguing.

The artwork from Laura Braga was once again outstanding and I’m glad that she’s been put together with Marz on this series, as her art really compliments Marz’ writing style. The detail and layout of Braga’s artwork was once again outstanding adding a lot of depth and tone to the issue. The best thing about Braga’s artwork however had to be the way she showed the characters emotions making the artwork feel more natural, with it helping the story to slow much smoother. Braga would also once again do a wonderful job with the sequences featuring the Witchblade, showing it’s powers perfectly as well as adding some excitement to the issue.

This was a brilliant continuation to the Borne Again story as although the pace has slowed down slightly, it is still very dramatic and suspenseful having me gripped for the future of this story and I‘d highly recommend this issue to anyone.

Rating: 8/10

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