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Artifacts #2 Sold Out At Distributor Level; Goes Back for Second Printing

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

ARTIFACTS RACE CONTINUES TO HEAT UP

ARTIFACTS #2 SOLD OUT AT DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL; GOES BACK FOR SECOND PRINTING

LOS ANGELES, Calif., October 26, 2010 – Artifacts, Top Cow’s latest Universe event series by writer Ron Marz (Witchblade) with the art team of Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Rick Basaldua (The Darkness), Sal Regla (Magdalena) and Sunny Gho of IFS (Velocity), experienced another sell out at the distributor level for its second issue. A second printing of Artifacts #2 has been sent to Diamond Comics Distributors to meet the demand and will be available in local comic stores tomorrow.

“The reception for Artifacts has been tremendously gratifying,” said Marz. “I feel like Artifacts #1 going back for a third printing was a pretty good indication that if you put together an event storyline that’s accessible to new readers, people will give it a try.”

“So seems like Artifacts #2 selling out is an indication that those people are sticking with the series, which is hugely appreciated. I hope everyone is in for the long haul, because there’s a lot more to come,” added Marz.

Separately, thirteen mystical artifacts guide the fate of the Universe. Together, thirteen Artifacts will end the Universe. When a mysterious antagonist kidnaps, Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini and Jackie Estacado, Armageddon is put into motion. Artifacts brings together a number of plot threads from all over the Top Cow Universe the past few years.

Artifacts #2 2^nd Printing, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores tomorrow, October 27, 2010. The saga continues with Artifacts #3 arriving in stores on November 17.

About Top Cow Productions Inc.

Top Cow Productions, Inc. (www.topcow.com), a Los Angeles-based entertainment company, was founded in December of 1992 by artist Marc Silvestri, who also co-founded Image Comics earlier that same year. Top Cow currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and two licensed) in the industry’s Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise, WITCHBLADE, was TNT’s #1 original film of 2000 and the subsequent TV series was released on DVD on July 29, 2008. WITCHBLADE is also the first American property to be fully adapted in Japan as an original anime and manga by Studio GONZO in 2006. Top Cow’s other flagship property, THE DARKNESS, was developed into a major next-generation video game release by Starbreeze and 2K Games and achieved platinum sales status. WANTED, an Eisner-nominated miniseries published by Top Cow from 2003-2005, is now a major motion picture from Universal Pictures starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman. Virtually all of Top Cow’s other properties are in development as feature films, live-action television, animation or video games. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, magnets, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, wall scrolls, mouse pads, die-cast cars, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, standees, video games and roleplaying games.

Whilce Portacio Joins Artifact’s Second Chapter

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

WHILCE PORTACIO REVEALED AS ARTIFACTS’ SECOND ARTIST

LOS ANGELES, Calif., September 29, 2010 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. is proud to announce Whilce Portacio as the new artist for the second ARTIFACTS story arc.

Portacio is best known for his work on The Punisher and Uncanny X-Men, helping co-found Image Comics and creating Wetworks. Most recently, he’s been attached to Uncanny X-Men for Marvel Comics.

ARTIFACTS recently made news as the publisher’s first title to ever sell out at the distributor level and go back for a third printing to meet demand. The limited series weaves together story lines from a number of Top Cow titles, including Witchblade, The Darkness, Angelus and Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box. The first arc, written by writer Ron Marz (Witchblade) and art by Michael Broussard (The Darkness, Unholy Union), kicked off with a mysterious figure seeking to put Armageddon into motion by bringing together all 13 artifacts.

ARTIFACTS will segue into the next four-issue arc with Portacio joining Marz on the project. The first chapter of Artifacts will conclude with a shocking cliffhanger and the second chapter shows no sign of letting up. With all of the players on the board, the antagonist manipulating the bearers of the artifacts moves to complete his plan for utter annihilation of the world. But how do the members of Cyberforce fit into the machinations of the supernatural?

Artifacts #5, a 32-page full color comic book, will be in stores December 29.

Review – Artifacts #2

Posted on September 27, 2010 by Brett

I loved the first issue of Artifacts and the second issue slows down a bit to allow reflection for the traumatic events in the first issue. For as much as a roller coaster the first issue was, the second is the exact opposite. It sets the emotional path for the rest of the event series. This is beginning of the cathartic rage that’s about to be released.

The Event FIVE Years in the Making!
Thirteen mystical Artifacts will guide the fate of the world. Thirteen Artifacts will destroy the world. A mysterious being has taken Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini, the Witchblade bearer, and Jackie Estacado, the Darkness bearer; but his intent remains in shadow. As the two frantic parents search for their missing child, other players including Dani Baptiste, the Angelus bearer, Tom Judge, Magdalena and others are brought onto the board.

From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and Top Cow superstar artist Michael Broussard (The Darkness) comes an event series, which will literally shake the Top Cow Universe to its foundation. Featuring a gorgeous cover by superstar artist Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics) as well as a variant cover series featuring each of the 13 Artifact bearers by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).

Each issue will also feature a Top Cow Origin backup written by Marz and drawn by a superstar collection of artists.

Written by Ron Marz, there’s some great scenes, and the art by Michael Broussard is amazing. We’re only two issues in and I’m sucked in. While I wish there was a bit more emotional reaction from some of the characters the direction is logical and events unfold as you’d expect.

Definitely a good issue for what seems like it’s going to be an impressive event.

Preview – Artifacts #2

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

ARTIFACTS #2

(w) RON MARZ (a) MICHAEL BROUSSARD (cov) RYAN SOOK, JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

The Event FIVE Years in the Making!
Thirteen mystical Artifacts will guide the fate of the world. Thirteen Artifacts will destroy the world. A mysterious being has taken Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini, the Witchblade bearer, and Jackie Estacado, the Darkness bearer; but his intent remains in shadow. As the two frantic parents search for their missing child, other players including Dani Baptiste, the Angelus bearer, Tom Judge, Magdalena and others are brought onto the board.

From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and Top Cow superstar artist Michael Broussard (The Darkness) comes an event series, which will literally shake the Top Cow Universe to its foundation. Featuring a gorgeous cover by superstar artist Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics) as well as a variant cover series featuring each of the 13 Artifact bearers by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).

Each issue will also feature a Top Cow Origin backup written by Marz and drawn by a superstar collection of artists.

32 Pages Full Color Limited Series $3.99

Review – Witchblade #138

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Brett

Some times you need to catch folks up on what’s happened. On television, that’d be a clip show (often times it’s filler). In comic books, there’s various forms, but rarely are they this creative. Instead of a boring catch up comic, with Witchblade #138 writer Ron Marz weaves a fantasy tale that pretty much covers everything we need to know about the series.

The Witchblade has borne many wielders in many eras, perhaps even in other realms. Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic tell a fantasy tale of epic proportions as only they can. And the connection to Sara Pezzini may surprise even the most devoted fan!

The story is a fantasy take, but really, it pretty much explains what the hell is going on. All the major plot points are covered, and it’s a great spot to start if you want to dive into the major event Artifacts.

But on top of the entertaining story is Stjepan Sejic‘s beautiful art. This man was made to draw, paint, what ever you want to call it, fantasy scenes. The comic is just beautiful, and you’ll find yourself lingering on pages looking at what he’s laid out.

This is a great single issue, and a perfect place to catch up. And even if the story isn’t appealing, it’s hard to not enjoy the beautiful scenery. A definite buy for the week.

Review – Velocity #2

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Brett

I’ve seen some amazing art in comic books, but Velocity #2 had multiple points where my jaw dropped. Let me get the bad thing out of the way, who decided fluorescent orange on bright green was good and easy to read? Now, that being said, holy shit is this issue awesome. I loved the first issue, and was just as pumped after reading the second. Writer Ron Marz and artist Kenneth Rocafort are an amazing team and this is the issue you hold up to show it.

As the members of Cyberforce lay dying from a fatal techno-virus, their only hope for survival is their teammate Velocity. Carin Taylor has never been more in need of her super-speed as the races around the globe, trying to find and cure her teammates before the same virus kills her. The issue continues the inaugural creative union of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer).

First the story. Marz has a hit here. It’s a race against time as Velocity has to save her teammates. There’s a great gimmick with time literally counting down on each page. Some good banter, awesome pacing, this is just a great read.

Rocafort’s art is off the hook. There’s numerous pages that made me stop and say “holy shit.” The art is amazing, the use of panels match Velocity’s frenetic life, it’s just perfect on so many levels.

I can’t recommend this issue enough. Get down to the store and make sure this is a purchase.

Preview – Witchblade #138

Posted on September 21, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Witchblade #138

(W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Stjepan Sejic

The Witchblade has borne many wielders in many eras, perhaps even in other realms. Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic tell a fantasy tale of epic proportions as only they can. And the connection to Sara Pezzini may surprise even the most devoted fan!

Full Color, 32 pages, $2.99, ongoing series

Review – Witchblade Volume 8 “War of the Witchblades” Trade Paperback

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Brett

How did Sara Pezzini get back the full Witchblade? You’ll find out all of that here. Witchblade Volume 8 follows her decent into the Darkness and battle to reclaim her whole self. There’s also some pretty important moments involving the Angelus. If you want to catch up on some pivotal plot points, this would be a good place to start.

The biggest storyline in Witchblade to date is finally collected!
Don’t miss your opportunity to find out what all the excitement was about. Sara Pezzini gives in to the dark side of the Witchblade and only Dani Baptiste can bring her back into balance. And with an ambitious Angelus Lieutenant and an Angelus force without a host circling, neither Sara nor Dani may survive the battle.

Collects Witchblade #125-130 including the bonus story “Augury” from issue #125.

Ron Marz puts forth an entertaining story of dark and light battling it out for balance. It’s a pretty familiar story, but this is done very entertainingly, with some great human moments. Pezzini slowly descends into darker and darker territory as her half of the Witchblade corrupts her while Dani Baptiste goes the whole other direction laying the ground for the current Angelus comic book.

Stjepan Sejic‘s art is fantastic as usual, with some awesome visuals that back up Marz’s entertaining story.

While the overall arc might not be too deep, and tread familiar territory, the package is entertaining and well worth the read. This lays the ground for a lot that’s being explored in current story lines, so it’s perfect way to catch up. I definitely recommend the purchase for those wanting to catch up on Witchblade.

Preview – Velocity #2

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Velocity #2

(W) Ron Marz (A) Kenneth Rocafort (Cov) Kenneth Rocafort

The Pilot Season Winner is Back!

As the members of Cyberforce lay dying from a fatal techno-virus, their only hope for survival is their teammate Velocity. Carin Taylor has never been more in need of her super-speed as the races around the globe, trying to find and cure her teammates before the same virus kills her. The issue continues the inaugural creative union of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer).

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 limited series

Review – Angelus #5

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Brett

At Baltimore Comic Con Ron Marz, the writer of Angelus #5, asked if I read it yet. Now I know why. All I can say is holy shit. This issue is character development wrapped around action. A perfect example of how the two can be blended and what can be done when you’ve got a writer who understands the two don’t have to be separate from each other.

Just as Dani and Finch’s relationship reaches a turning point, Dani must embrace the role of the Angelus once again, finally facing down an enemy who has lurked in the shadows and plotted her doom. Forced to make a choice between her humanity and her life as the Angelus, what will Dani choose?

First you have the relationship between Dani and Finch and the shocking ending of last issue with Dani’s father walking in on the two of them. That’s resolved and in a fairly realistic way with realistic reactions.

Next you have the focus back on Dani and Finch in some scenes that Marz mentioned involved a lot of discussion about. I’ll just say they were very hot and pushed the envelope in just the right way without going over the top. But I’d say it definitely falls into the mature side of things.

Finally, you have Dani having to choose between being Angelus and saving Finch. It works really well and everything in the issue builds up to this so that you care about this point. Things are going well and by the time you get to the end, you don’t want anything bad to happen to the two. Marz pulls it off really well. Stjepan Sejic‘s art also really adds to it all and this is the first time I think the story was enhanced by it.

The entire issue is top notch and pays off really nicely from the previous issues. It’s a definite buy.

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