I’m still getting my feet wet in the Top Cow universe and every so often need a good fresh start where everything is laid out for me.  There’s also the enjoyment where facts are given and you still need to do a bit of work.  This Free Comic Book Day entry introduces you to the upcoming Top Cow event Artifacts.

Written like a dossier, it gives a breakdown of the thirteen artifacts the series is centered around giving a tease of what to expect.  When I got to the end, I felt like a had a good handle as to what to expect in future issues, but also not overwhelmed with dense history.  A perfect blend.

Plot: Ron Marz is the puppet master for the newly resurgent Top Cow universe writing a good chunk of the books and his writing is top notch.  He’s an expert at drawing you in, just giving you enough information to understand what’s going on, and leaving out just enough leaving a hint of mystery.  This issue’s goal is to introduce new people to the Top Cow universe and draw them in for the event, it does all of that and more.  Bravo.  Rating: 9

Art: I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of Stjepan Sejic’s art style, it has a painted feel that, to me, misses the details I enjoy in line drawings.  There’s something missing, not sure exactly what though.  What’s interesting though, is in this issue, that style works.  Each page and panels blend beautifully and there’s a bigger feel to them that I haven’t noticed in his other works.  All the panels tie together in a way.  The art style is definitely different, and hope those checking out his work for the first time enjoy it.  Rating: 8

Overall: Again, the goal of this issue is to introduce newcomers to the Top Cow universe, tease the upcoming event, and get people to come back for me.  It achieves all of that and it’s free!  What more can you ask for?  Overall Rating: 8.75

Top Cow provided Graphic Policy with an advance copy of this issue for FREE for review (though this one is free for everyone).