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Review – Angelus #6

Posted on November 9, 2010 by Brett

When it comes to a lot of the mini-series going on at Top Cow right now, they’re goal is to lead up to their major event Artifacts. Angelus #6, plays right into it, setting us up for what will be some pretty important plot points down the road. The series has been it’s best when it focuses on the relationship between it’s main characters Dani Baptiste and Finch and falls into a habit of fight by numbers when it doesn’t. Unfortunately, this issue falls into the latter, but then again, it needs to.

The ARTIFACTS lead-in series concludes!
The final battle for the mantle of the Angelus reaches its climax as Dani Baptiste takes on a foe who knows her every weakness, inside and out. Will Dani have to sacrifice everything dear to her, even her humanity, to survive?

The issue is a giant fight scene, but that’s what I expected going into it. There has to be a showdown with the bad guy, and Dani needs a chance to save her girl. As a single issue, I can’t say this really stands out, but this is part of a mini-series, and it’s the conclusion to it. So, is the conclusion satisfying? The answer is yes.

If you’ve been following Angelus, you’ll definitely pick up the issue to see how this mini-series concludes. For those who didn’t pick up the first five issues, wait and pick up the trade paperback. This definitely doesn’t stand on it’s own, but it’s still a satisfying ending.

Preview – Angelus #6

Posted on November 8, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Angelus #6

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

The ARTIFACTS lead-in series concludes!
The final battle for the mantle of the Angelus reaches its climax as Dani Baptiste takes on a foe who knows her every weakness, inside and out. Will Dani have to sacrifice everything dear to her, even her humanity, to survive?

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 limited series

Top Cow: January 2011 Solicitations

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Twilight Guardian #1 (of 4)

(W) Troy Hickman (A) Siddharth Kotian (Cov) Eric Jones

The Pilot Season Winner Returns!

The tale of a lone, dedicated hero patrolling her nine block suburban neighborhood captured the imaginations of fans during 2008’s Pilot Season and after heated voting emerged as one of the winning titles.

Now Eisner-nominated creator and writer Troy Hickman (Common Grounds) returns with a four issue limited series, which will delve into Twilight Guardian’s past, her motivations for crime fighting, and even give her an arch-nemesis in the terrifying Dusk Devil! Joining Hickman is talented up-and-coming artist Siddharth Kotian (Eat The Dead). Issue #1 features a beautiful painted cover by Eric Jones (Hack/Slash, Unknown).

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – January 12^th, 2010

Artifacts #6 (of 13)

(W) Ron Marz (A) Whilce Portacio (Cov) Phil Noto, John Tyler Christopher

The Battle Begins in Earnest!

The mysterious villain’s plans continue to unfold with deadly precision as Witchblade, The Darkness, Angelus, Tom Judge, and Magdalena are drawn into a conflict with the heroes of Cyberforce. But even as friends become foes, Aphrodite IV arrives with murderous intentions. Can an opponent who doesn’t tire or even feel pain be defeated?

From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and legendary artist Whilce Portacio (The Darkness, Uncanny X-Men) comes an event series, which will literally shake the Top Cow Universe to its foundation. Featuring a gorgeous cover by Phil Noto (Pilot Season: 7 Days From Hell, Jonah Hex) as well as a variant cover featuring Aphrodite IV by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).

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

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – January 26^th, 2010

Artifacts #2 New York Comic-Con Variant Cover

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

Get this haunting convention variant cover by Witchblade artist Stjepan Sejic, previously available exclusively at New York Comic-Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

Witchblade #145
(W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Stjepan Sejic

”Boogey Man” Part 1 of 2!

Sara Pezzini has investigated countless bizarre crimes, but her latest case may be the most shocking yet! Pezzini and her detective partner have encountered monsters and demons before, but these latest supernatural terrors seem to be born from the imagination of an innocent child.

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 ongoing series
Expected Ship Date – January 26^th, 2010

Witchblade #138 New York Comic-Con Variant Cover

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

Get this convention variant cover by series artist Stjepan Sejic showing Sara Pezzini on the job, previously available exclusively at New York Comic-Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

Angelus Volume 1 Trade Paperback

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

A New Heroine Takes Flight!

Danielle Baptiste is trying to find her place in the world, like so many other twenty-somethings. But unlike most girls her age, Dani is also the bearer of one of the primal forces in the Universe – the Angelus! Returning to her hometown of New Orleans with her friend and romantic interest Finch, Dani must not only shoulder the burden she has inherited, she has to survive it! But her ancient enemy, The Darkness, and even her own Angelus warriors have other plans…

Collected in this volume are issues #1-6 of the smash sellout series by the Witchblade creative team of Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic. Featuring behind-the-scenes sketches, script pages, and cover gallery by Sejic and Eric Basaldua.

“Stjepan Sejic… uses his brush to create almost fine art paintings for each page…” – Crave Online

“This is definitely a must-read, so drop everything and run and pick it up.” – Geeks of Doom

“…an interesting storyline but also some killer art.” – Geekweek

“…this is a book to have an eye on.” – Best Shots @Newsarama

Full Color 160 pages $14.99 trade paperback

Expected Ship Date – January 5^th, 2010

Artifacts #2 Armageddon Expo Variant Cover

(W) Ron Marz (A) Michael Broussard (Cov) Georges Jeanty & John Tyler Christopher

Buffy artist Georges Jeanty teams with Artifacts cover artist John Tyler Christopher to create this fun “down under” cover, previously available exclusively at Armageddon Expo in Australia and New Zealand. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

Magdalena Volume 1 Trade Paperback

(W) Ron Marz (A) Nelson Blake II (Cov) Ryan Sook

Legacy of the Magdalena Restored!

The Magdalena has been the official protector and warrior of the Catholic Church for over two thousand years, sworn to defend the Faith with the Spear of Destiny against all manner of supernatural threats. However, Patience, the latest Magdalena, has seen through the hypocrisy of her masters and struck out on her own. When her former mentor comes to her with a mission to destroy the Anti-Christ, will she be able to resist the call?

Collected in this volume are issues #1-6 of the hit series by writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Artifacts) and the art team of Pilot Season: Murderer, Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig. Featuring behind-the-scenes sketches, script pages, and cover gallery by Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics)!

“…one absolutely gorgeous read…fast, fluid, and packs a real punch…” – Best Shots @Newsarama

“…provides readers with enough juice to fuel their appetite for more.” – Crave Online

“Marz proves you can take a well-worn story, completely re-tool it and make it your own.” – Geekweek

“The entire team from start to finish works wonderfully together…” (5 out of 5) – Geeks of Doom

Full Color 160 pages $14.99 trade paperback

Expected Ship Date – January 19^th, 2010

Madame Mirage Volume 1 Trade Paperback (New Printing)

(W) Paul Dini (A) Kenneth Rocafort (Cov) Kenneth Rocafort

The Out of Print Series Returns!

Who is this beautiful woman who appears out of the mist? As deadly as she is beautiful, she is cutting a bloody path through the city’s villains, who now wear suits and have “legitimate” businesses. But who is her ultimate prey? And how does this Mirage take form? These and many other questions will be asked along with the most pivotal question of all – Who is Madame Mirage?

Paul Dini (Tower Prep, Zatanna) and Kenneth Rocafort (Velocity) weave a tale of murder, intrigue and revenge in a world of high-tech espionage and treachery. This volume collects the complete first six-issue limited series. Madame Mirage – you’ll never forget her… if you can make her acquaintance and live to tell the tale…

“This book gets better with each issue.” – Best Shots @Newsarama

“The real brilliance of this tale is that, just as the reader decides they know exactly how the story will play out, Dini pulls the rug out from under them.” – IGN

“Pulpish and noir, mystery and intrigue coupled with great art.” – Crimespree Magazine

Full Color 176 pages $14.99 trade paperback

Expected Ship Date – January 12^nd, 2010

Velocity #2 Project: Comic-Con Variant Cover

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

Get this convention variant cover by series artist Kenneth Rocafort showing Velocity doing what she does best, previously available exclusively at Project: Comic-Con in St. Louis. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

Echoes #2 (of 5)

(W) Joshua Hale Fialkov (A) Rahsan Ekedal (Cov) Rahsan Ekedal

A Tale of Suspense and Psychological Horror!

Brian Cohn has discovered his recently deceased father may have been a serial killer. As Brian struggles what to do with his father’s legacy and flesh doll trophies, a young girl goes missing in town and when the police come to his door, Brian must question if he is responsible…

From acclaimed author Joshua Hale Fialkov (Tumor, Pilot Season: Alibi) and rising artist Rahsan Ekedal (Creepy) a disturbing story of murder and mystery wrapped in questions of sanity.

Grayscale 32 pages $2.99 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.

Preview – Angelus #5 (of 6)

Posted on August 30, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Angelus #5 (of 6)

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

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?

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 limited series

Review – Angelus #4

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Brett

So Angelus #4 gets the distinction of being the first full comic book I’ve read on my iPad (which should up the productivity when it comes to reviews). I can already tell the new medium will impact how I read, and review as you get the whole view of the page (though two page spreads don’t quite work) and the colors pop. But enough about my technology geeking out, on to the review.

Angelus #4 picks up right where the last issue left off with Angelus fighting the Darkness and some nefarious dealings with Angelus’s nemesis Sabine. Much like the last issue (the first I’ve read of the series) a lot works and a lot doesn’t.

Casting The Darkness behind her, Dani moves further into the Light to accept her new role as The Angelus. But a familiar adversary is not about to let her and her companion Finch settle into New Orleans without incident! Will Dani see the vipers in her midst before it’s too late?

The bad I’ll get out there right away, there’s a lot of fighting going on which is all for nothing (though with writer Ron Marz you can never be too sure of that). The battle with the Darkness feels like filler and isn’t anything special.

What really works is the relationship between Dani and Finch. The great is here’s two strong women who like each other. So, you can actually make that two strong gay women who like each other. The relationship angle is the strongest thing the series has going for it. Especially since Dani is still closeted to her father. That plot line alone could make this series a contender for an award from GLAAD.

Check out our extended review below.

Preview – Angelus #4

Posted on June 26, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Angelus #4

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

An ARTIFACTS lead-in series!
Casting The Darkness behind her, Dani moves further into the Light to accept her new role as The Angelus. But a familiar adversary is not about to let her and her companion Finch settle into New Orleans without incident! Will Dani see the vipers in her midst before it’s too late?

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 limited series Release Wednesday, June 30th

Top Cow: August 2010 Solicitations

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Top Cow – August 2010 Solicitations

Artifacts #2 (of 13)

(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.

Cover A – Ryan Sook

Cover B – John Tyler Christopher

Retailer Incentive Covers also available

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – August 18^th, 2010

Artifacts #1 San Diego Comic-Con Broussard Wraparound Variant Cover

(W) Ron Marz (A) Michael Broussard (Cov) Michael Broussard

Get this stunning wraparound convention variant cover by series artist Michael Broussard, previously available exclusively at San Diego Comic-Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

The Darkness: Four Horsemen #1 (of 4)

(W) David Hine (A) Jeff Wamester (Cov) Jeff Wamester

The Darkest Tale of The Darkness Yet!

Jackie Estacado has known little fear since he inherited the power of The Darkness on his 21^st birthday. But when an old mafia boss blackmails him to hunt down four fiendish bikers in the California desert, he will find that even The Darkness can know fear.

From David Hine (Batman: Arkham Asylum) and up-an-coming artist Jeff Wamester (RAZE).

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – August 4^th, 2010

The Darkness #87

(W) Phil Hester (A) Sheldon Mitchell (Cov) Dale Keown

The Darkest Tale of The Darkness Yet!

Just as the Brotherhood of The Darkness existed to serve the interests of The Darkness on Earth, another cult has existed in secret serving the needs of The Angelus on this world. Now armed with a legendary weapon crafted from the heart of a sun itself, a servant of the cult within Jackie’s inner circle moves to end the Estacado line once and for all.

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 ongoing series

Expected Ship Date – August 4^th, 2010

Magdalena #1 Albany Con Variant Cover

(W) Ron Marz (A) Nelson Blake II (Cov) Matt Smith

Get this limited edition convention variant cover by Matt Smith (Doctor Who), previously available exclusively at Albany Comic Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

Magdalena #4

(W) Ron Marz (A) Nelson Blake II (Cov) Ryan Sook

The Star of the Forthcoming Feature Film Gets Her Own Series!

Patience, the latest in a long line of The Magdalena, bearer of the Spear of Destiny, and Kristof, her mentor and Knight of Malta, continue to race around Europe hunting a demonic cult intent on bringing about the era of the Anti-Christ. With Patience doubting whether she will be able to fulfill her duty or not, the Church moves to ensure that their servant will do its will… even if that servant is not Patience.

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 ongoing series

Expected Ship Date – August 18^th, 2010

Magdalena #1 C2E2 Blake Wraparound Variant Cover

(W) Ron Marz (A) Nelson Blake II (Cov) Nelson Blake II

Get this limited edition convention variant cover by series artist Nelson Blake II, previously available exclusively at Albany Comic Con. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

Witchblade: Due Process #1 One Shot
(W) Phil Smith (A) Alina Urusov (Cov) Alina Urusov

Sara has to make amends with an innocent man she sent to prison.

Before young Sara Pezzini was called to bear the Witchblade she made a horrible mistake that destroyed a man’s life. Today that man is being released from prison and has to put the pieces of his life back together. In order to protect his family, this desperate father made a deal with demonic forces, and now it is time to pay. When Sara tries to reach out and make her past wrong right, she’s confronted by demonic forces. The stakes: a man’s very soul.

Written by Phil Smith (Trinity: Blood on the Sands) with art by Alina Urusov (X-23, Young Avengers).

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 one-shot

Expected Ship Date – August 4^th, 2010

Witchblade #136 Washington DC Comicon JG Jones Variant Cover

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

Get this limited edition variant cover by master artist JG Jones (Wanted, Final Crisis), previously available exclusively at the Washington DC Comicon. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

Velocity #4 (of 4)

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

The Pilot Season Winner is Back!

The clock counts down to zero as the taut, pulse pounding series races to its conclusion. Carin Taylor, the hero known as Velocity, has been infected with a deadly techno-virus. Thus far she has been successful in saving most of her teammates from the same virus, but now the exertion is taking its toil and the fastest girl in the world may not be able to win this race. The issue concludes the creative collaboration of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer).

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – August 25^th, 2010

Angelus #3 Calgary Expo Stjepan Sejic Variant Cover

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

Get this limited edition sketch variant cover by series artist Stjepan Sejic, previously available exclusively at Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Convention Exclusive

Witchblade: Redemption Volume 1 Trade Paperback

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

Only $4.99 in Direct Market Stores!

In the aftermath of “War of the Witchblades,” Sara Pezzini must reclaim the full mantle of the Witchblade and come to terms with her dark actions. In this first volume of the “Redemption” trade line, readers are reintroduced to Sara, boyfriend and partner, Patrick Gleason, and the strange, supernatural world of the Witchblade. Fans are also re-introduced to Aphrodite IV, the emerald haired cyborg assassin.

This volume collects issues #131-135 by long time writer Ron Marz (Artifacts) and artistic partner Stjepan Sejic (Angelus) and is a perfect introductory volume for new readers. Also included in the volume is a cover gallery, behind the scenes sketches, designs, and more at a special introductory price point of $4.99 (only in comic shops)!

Full Color 176 pages $4.99 trade paperback

Expected Ship Date – August 25^th, 2010

Review – Angelus #3

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Brett

There’s a problem starting with a series in the third issue, by then the plot is rolling the folks you aren’t interested have left and you’re left with those invested. Even with a page recounting what’s occurred before, I’m still left scratching my head. Angelus #3 is hard to review as it’s not a bad issue, there’s parts I very much enjoyed, but mixed with unfamiliarity with what’s gone on for the previous two issues makes it a tough task. But, I’ll do my best and judge it as best as I can as a stand alone issue.

Ron Marz has the story duty weaving a tale about the bearer of light a primal force of the universe (the Angelus), Danielle Baptiste and her return to her hometown of New Orleans. She’s accompanied by Finch a female friend who wants a romantic relationship with Danielle. Points are scored for having a lesbian main character and the subtlety of having to deal with her father, who doesn’t know. It’s fresh territory and handled really well. There’s also some plot of some Angelus warriors trying to get some object (that’s the part I’m baffled about). But lets skip that.

The second half of the story sees the return of Jackie Estacado the bearer of the Darkness, the enemy of the Angelus. Really the issue turns into one giant fight scene with Mardi Gras as the backdrop. That’s the low point. It’s a predictable fight with predictable dialogue and I could of done without it. Issue four could make the fight worthwhile.

But, it’ll be easier to critique and dissect the finer points in the review below.

From the Top Cow release:

Guest Starring the Darkness!
Since the beginning of time, the Angelus has been diametrically opposed to the Darkness. But will Danielle Baptiste, the newest bearer of the Angelus, be able to choose her own path when confronted by sometimes ally Jackie Estacado, bearer of the Darkness?

Plot: Ron Marz is the master of the Top Cow universe handling some of the major titles like Witchblade and Magdalena. It’s refreshing to see a lesbian as a main character out of these three series that all star women. There’s potential gold here that GLAAD should keep their eye on come time next year to recognize these types of things. The banter between Danielle, Finch and Danielle’s father was fantastic and a series that had that as a major point would definitely be worth the purchase. The plot derails for me in the fight with the Darkness which is predictable down to the dialogue. The usual “I want to be your friend” statements are thrown around and my guess is we’ll see the fight either interrupted or a bigger threat come where they have to team up in the next issue (or further down the road). Then again I could be surprised. Rating: 7.25 (it’d been so much higher without the fight).

Art: Stjepan Sejic provides the art duties for the comic with an almost painted feel. I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of the style. At times it leaves out the much needed details that add those small touches that I tend to enjoy in my art, but you’re preference may vary. My biggest issue with the art style is there are quite a few instances where the demons look mighty familiar and there’s clear inspiration from other works. In a scene where the Angelus warriors are confronted by various demons the one on the left looks a lot like one from Hellboy, the big one screams Warhammer 40K Demon Prince and then we have Cthulhu to round out the bunch. It’s nice to look at and at times the style is very cool, but overall for a comic, it’s just not my thing. Rating: 7.0

Overall: Again, I’m torn. The character interaction is fantastic and with a focus on that and their personal lives the series is a winner. Throw in the backdrop of New Orleans (and I hope Katrina is addressed) and you have potentially an amazing must read series, just bring us something new with the action or dial it back. There a fork in the road as to where this series goes, and I’m hoping it’s the one dominated less by cheesy fights and mores o by characters with depth and layers. Overall Rating: 7.25

Recommendation: For new readers, pass.

Page count: 32 pages of story Price: $2.99 Release: Wednesday 4/7/2010

Top Cow provided Graphic Policy with an advance copy of this issue for FREE for review.