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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

Top Cow: December 2010 Solicitations

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Top Cow Items Shipping In December 2010

Witchblade #144
(W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Stjepan Sejic, Jean-Sebastien Rossbach

Witchblade 15^th Anniversary Issue!

In 1995, Marc Silvestri, Michael Turner, David Wohl, and Brian Haberlin created a new kind of comic heroine with the origin of Sara Pezzini, the latest in a long line of bearers of the mystical gauntlet known as the Witchblade. In an over-sized 15th Anniversary issue, Ron Marz and StjepanSejic tell Sara’s origin from a new perspective, planting seeds that soon will bear deadly fruit!

Featuring two spellbinding covers including a wraparound retrospective by series artist Sejic and an iconic painting by fantasy illustrator Jean-Sebastien Rossbach (Magic: The Gathering). Also including special anniversary features, pin ups, and much more! Plus ask your retailer about a FREE matching digital download of this issue with purchase.

Cover A – Stjepan Sejic

Cover B – Jean-Sebastien Rossbach

Full Color 48 pages $4.99 ongoing series
Expected Ship Date – December 29^th, 2010

Witchblade Annual 2010
(W) Ron Marz (A) Tony Shasteen (Cov) Tom Feister

Witchblade 15^th Anniversary Issue!

Sara Pezzini comes face to face with a former Witchblade bearer, a Russian soldier who served during the frozen Siege of Stalingrad, a pivotal battle in World War II. What tale does she have to tell Sara? Witchblade bearers past and present come together in a one-of-a-kind story, with amazing art by New York Times bestselling illustrator Tony Shasteen (The Talisman).

Featuring two striking covers by Tom Feister (GI Joe: Origins, The Darkness) and Tony Shasteen along with a bonus back up feature!

Cover A – Tom Feister

Cover B – Tony Shasteen

Full Color 48 pages $4.99 annual
Expected Ship Date – December 15^th, 2010

Witchblade 15^th Anniversary Stjepan Sejic Poster

(A) Stjepan Sejic

Get the iconic cover image of Witchblade by Stjepan Sejic for your office, bedroom, or comic room wall as a 24” x 36” full color poster!

Full Color $7.99 Poster
Expected Ship Date – December 29^th, 2010

Top Cow 2011 Calendar

(A) Top Cow’s Finest

Just in time for the holidays comes a 12 Month 2011 calendar featuring all of your favorite Top Cow characters including Witchblade, The Darkness, Magdalena, and many more by artists such as Stjepan Sejic, Ryan Sook, Marc Silvestri, and more!

Full Color 24 pages $7.99 Calendar
Expected Ship Date – December 29^th, 2010

Artifacts #5 (of 13)

(W) Ron Marz (A) Whilce Portacio (Cov) Nic Klein, John Tyler Christopher

Your Second Chance to Jump In!

The first chapter of Artifacts concluded 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?

From Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) andwelcoming 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 Nic Klein (Viking) as well as a variant cover featuring Michael “Finn” Finnegan by John Tyler Christopher (Witchblade).

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

Cover A – Nic Klein

Cover B – John Tyler Christopher

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 limited series

Expected Ship Date – December 29^th, 2010

Top Cow Baseball Cap

Show off your allegiance to the Herd with this stylish red one-size-fits-all baseball cap featuring a white Top Cow Productions logo. Initially available only at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Red/White $19.99 baseball cap

The Darkness #90

(W) Phil Hester (A) Sheldon Mitchell (Cov) Bane

Outer Darkness, Part 2 of 6!

Jackie Estacado has risen from mob hitman to absolute kingpin. He has defeated countless enemies of indescribable power, and even ruled an entire country. Now the only enemy left is The Darkness itself, the very source of Jackie’s power. Can he defeat it before it consumes the last shred of his humanity? And will the mysterious Foreigner join Jackie in battle, or simply put him out of his misery?

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 ongoing series

Expected Ship Date – December 15^th, 2010

Pilot Season: Stealth Sketch Top Cow Store Variant Cover

(W) Robert Kirkman (A) Sheldon Mitchell (Cov) Marc Silvestri

Get this limited edition sketch variant cover by co-creator Marc Silvestri, previously available exclusively from the Top Cow Store. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 32 pages $10.00 Top Cow Store Exclusive

Magdalena #6

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

Patience Confronts the Anti-Christ!

The moment Patience has been dreading has arrived. Slaying demons and battling evil cult members is righteous. Rebelling against a Church hierarchy she knows is corrupt is virtuous. But now, faced with executing a young boy who may bring about the end of the world, Patience will discover how far she’s willing to go to wield the Spear of Destiny and bear the mantle of Magdalena…

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 ongoing series

Expected Ship Date – December 22^nd, 2010

Top Cow Holiday 2010 Special

(W) Phil Smith (A) Alina Urusov (Cov) Alina Urusov

Featuring Witchblade, The Darkness, Angelus, Magdalena, Cyberforce, Hunter-Killer and other Top Cow Universe favorites!

When a distraught mother surrenders her baby at a New York City fire station during a winter snowstorm, Sara Pezzini, Jackie Estacado, the Hunter-Killers, and other Top Cow Universe characters find themselves pulled together in the spirit of the holidays to aid the innocent newborn. What quickly becomes apparent is there are larger sinister forces at play here with the baby as the focal point of a supernatural event that will take Top Cow greatest heroes banding together to save, not only a city, but a single child as well.

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 one shot

Expected Ship Date – December 15^th, 2010

Jingle Belle: Grounded Special

(W) Paul Dini (A) Stephanie Gladden (Cov) Stephanie Gladden

A fan favorite holiday character returns!

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 one shot

Expected Ship Date – December 1^st, 2010

Jingle Belle: Stocking Stuffers TPB

(W) Paul Dini (A) Stephanie Gladden, Various (Cov) Stephanie Gladden

A gigantic treasure trove of new and classic Jingle Belle stories!

When Jing again breaks her parents rules, she is forced to spend Christmas Eve GROUNDED. But when Santa is also caught in a lie, he has to share the same punishment! Neither father nor daughter can leave the North Pole until they apologize, and with the contentious Kringles not speaking to each other, Christmas is doomed! In SLAYBELLE, Jing teams up with Halloween witch Polly Green to create a new holiday horror movie. Their film features a psycho St. Nick’s helper (played by Jing) who offs mall Santas in gleefully gruesome ways. “It’s a Wonderful Life?” Not by a long shot!

The collection also features new and never before seen short stories, pin-ups and one-page strips staring Polly, Super Rica and Rashy, Ida Red, and other characters from the extended Jingle Belle universe. As a special bonus, it reprints the popular book-length story “Jingle Belle: Santa Claus VS Frankenstein!”

Full Color 120 pages $14.99 trade paperback

Expected Ship Date – December 8^th, 2010

Magdalena Origin Volume 1 TPB

(W) Malachy Coney, Marcia Chen (A) Joe Benitez (Cov) Joe Benitez

Discover the Origin of the Magdalena!

Patience was not the first Magdalena. Not even the first to make her presence known in the modern Top Cow Universe. Go back and rediscover the origins of the Order of the Magdalena in this first of two “Origin” trade paperback volumes.

This collected edition includes the first appearance of the Magdalena by Malachy Coney and superstar Joe Benitez when she came to slay Jackie Estacado in The Darkness Vol. 1 #15-#18. Also collected in this edition is the first three issue limited series starring the Magdalena by Marcia Chen (Wriathborn) and Joe Benitez.

Full Color 176 pages $14.99 trade paperback

Expected Ship Date – December 8^th, 2010

Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer San Diego Exclusive Hard Cover

(W) Mark Waid (A) Kenneth Rocafort (Cov) Kenneth Rocafort

Get this extremely limited edition (250 copies made) convention variant hard cover edition of Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer. Featuring a wraparound cover by series artist Kenneth Rocafort, previously available exclusively at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Quantities are limited, allocations may occur.

Full Color 160 pages $30.00 Convention Exclusive

The Darkness Accursed Volume 4 Trade Paperback

(W) Phil Hester (A) Phil Hester, Michael Broussard, Whilce Portacio (Cov) Michael Broussard & Steve Firchow

Guest-Starring Hunter-Killer!

Jackie Estacado, the current bearer of The Darkness, was blackmailed and lied to by a devil calling himself The Sovereign. Now free from The Sovereign’s grips, Jackie has assembled a motley crew of criminals with one goal – destroy every last one of The Sovereign’s reliquaries. His quest will take him to the Florida Everglades, against the Russian Mob, and even into Fort Knox. Collecting issues #80-84 and featuring art by Michael Broussard (Artifacts), Phil Hester (Firebreather, Green Arrow), and comic industry legend Whilce Portacio (Uncanny X-Men).

“If you’re ready to go deeper into a hard-boiled fantasy, then The Darkness could be for you.” – Newsarama

“…Hester totally hooked me…” – Crave Online

“The Darkness maintains a steady quality that other comics only dream of attaining.” – OneMetal.com

“The Darkness continues to be one of the best books out there right now in terms of consistency.” – NFamous Gamers

Full Color 176 pages $14.99 trade paperback

Expected Ship Date – December 22^nd, 2010

Berserker San Diego Exclusive Hard Cover

(W) Rick Loverd (A) Jeremy Haun (Cov) Jeremy Haun, Dale Keown

Full Color 160 pages $30.00 Convention Exclusive

Echoes #1 (of 5)

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

The First Shocking Suspense Series from Minotaur!

Brian Cohn is a diagnosed schizophrenic leading a simple, uncomplicated life in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. He’s expecting his first child with his wife. When he goes to visit his estranged Alzheimer’s afflicted father on his deathbed, the dying old man confesses to being a serial killer. Now Brian is faced with discovering a horrifying new side to his father and left wondering if we ever really escape familial legacies.

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 – Magdalena #3

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Brett

I’m a big fan of Magdalena written by Ron Marz with great art from Nelson Blake II. The issue picks up with Patience on the trail of the little boy she’s tasked with killing.

Descended from the bloodline of Christ, Patience is the latest incarnation of the Magdalena. Armed with the Spear of Destiny, she is tasked with destroying any and all evil… even if it takes the form of a little boy. Patience might be able to destroy the boy’s demonic protectors, but can she bring herself to murder a child who could ultimately prove to be innocent?

While the issue is a long fight it serves a pretty important purpose. We need to see Patience in a fight and what she and Kristoff can do in a brawl. The issue serves as that bridge and does it’s job well. Even without the normal out front and center character focus a lot of Top Cow comics have, the fight and interaction is entertaining. Instead any character development is subtle and pulled off well.

The series is a build up. We know Patience will confront the evil little boy in a future issue and she’ll face the task of having to kill him. Will she go that far and complete her mission? We get the build up and hints by watching her interaction here with others. We know she has it in her to do what needs to be done, but when push comes to shove, will she do it when she really has to?

Preview – Magdalena #3

Posted on August 28, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Magdalena #3

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

The Star of the Forthcoming Feature Film Gets Her Own Series!
Descended from the bloodline of Christ, Patience is the latest incarnation of the Magdalena. Armed with the Spear of Destiny, she is tasked with destroying any and all evil… even if it takes the form of a little boy. Patience might be able to destroy the boy’s demonic protectors, but can she bring herself to murder a child who could ultimately prove to be innocent?

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 ongoing series

Review – Magdalena #2

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Brett

Magdalena #2 picks up right where the first issue left off with Patience fighting the demon sent to kill her.

The Star of the Forthcoming Feature Film Gets Her Own Series!
Patience, the current Magdalena, and her mentor Kristof fight for their lives against a demonic horde. Even if she survives the encounter, Patience must decide if the Church is merely luring her back like a lamb to the slaughter…

Writer Ron Marz then does something pretty impressive. He slows the pace of the story, letting it play out at exactly the speed it should. Post battle Patience heads to church to deal with those who want her to return to work for them. The majority of the issue deals with this or the Antichrist picking his next victim to help him summon a new demon. While a child is predictable for that role, its a pick that makes me smile and giggle a bit (what can I say, I’m twisted).

The last few pages will leave you hanging as to whether Patience will pick up her mantle and charge head first to take on evil and I definitely thought the series was going to go in one direction, but I was surprised it spun and went another.

I told you to pick up the first issue, and you definitely should if you haven’t. While you’re out make sure to grab this second one while you’re at it. You won’t be disappointed.

Read on for my extended take including it’s ratings.

Preview – Magdalena #2

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

Magdalena #2

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

The Star of the Forthcoming Feature Film Gets Her Own Series!
Patience, the current Magdalena, and her mentor Kristof fight for their lives against a demonic horde. Even if she survives the encounter, Patience must decide if the Church is merely luring her back like a lamb to the slaughter…

Full Color, 32 pages, $3.99, ongoing series

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

Magdalena #1 Sold Out, Magdalena #2 In Stores on June 9th

Posted on May 26, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

MAGDALENA #1 SOLD OUT

Magdalena #2 In Stores on June 9th

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 25, 2010 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that the first issue of the Magdalena series has sold out at the distributor level, and the Magdalena #2 will arrive in stores on June 9^th.

Written by Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and featuring the art team from Pilot Season: Murderer, Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla and Dave McCaig, the Magdalena series follows the Magdalena who 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.

“I’ve been saying that Magdalena was a book that I’ve literally been waiting five years to write. I’m really, really happy that so many people thought it was worth the wait,” Marz said. “Truthfully, as proud of issue #1 as Nelson and I and the rest of the creative team are, it’s just the appetizer for what we’re serving up in this first story arc. I hope everybody comes back for issue #2 and beyond.”

Magdalena #2 finds Patience and her mentor Kristof fighting for their lives as they follow the trail of a demonic cult with a child at its head. Even if she survives the cultists in her way, Patience must decide if the Church is merely luring her back like a lamb to the slaughter. Magdalena #2 features a cover by Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics).

To support the release of issue #2, Top Cow will also be making Magdalena #1 available for purchase through their digital distribution partners online.

“Just at the first glance, it’s clear that the universe of the Magdalena is fast, fluid, and packs a real punch,” said Newsarama.

“This book surprised me more than anything else I’ve read in a long time,” said Comic Vine.

“Ron Marz is the master manipulator of the Top Cow universe with his work including this new series,” said Graphic Policy.

“Nelson Blake II is a magician, and his wand is a pencil,” said Broken Frontier.

Review – Magdalena #1

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Brett

Going into the Magdalena #1 I was a blank slate. I knew nothing about the character other than her brief appearance in some Witchblade comics I read, and that she had something to do with the Catholic Church. It was nice to come into a property with no expectations and no preconceived notion other than the writer of the series Ron Marz has previously produced some top notch material. I have to say, I’m impressed. It’s a fun, interesting series with not an original plot, but still it felt fresh.

The series follows the Magdalena’s are descendent of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene (how hasn’t this series caused more of an uproar!?) who serve the Catholic Church in fighting evil. Is it an original plot? Nope, we’ve seen it tread before, but throw in a layered history, some action, beautiful art and suddenly it stands out from similar material.

Marz does it again; pushing the plot with just enough held back that you need to work a bit on the relationships and where certain tension arises. The main characters banter is descent, and believable, with a nice flow. The pencils by Nelson Blake II, inks by Sal Regla and color by Dave McCaig create a tapestry that holds up to the high art standard I’d expect from a Top Cow comic book.

Is the comic perfect, no, it’s not? Is it entertaining, yes, it is? If you enjoy the Top Cow universe or the idea of a Catholic Church backed woman who kick’s ass appeals to you, it’s definitely worth a shot.

From the Top Cow release:

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 old mentor comes to her with a mission to prevent Armageddon, will she be able to resist the call?

From writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and the art team of Pilot Season: Murderer, Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig.

Featuring covers by Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics)!

Plot: Ron Marz is the master manipulator of the Top Cow universe with his work including this new series, Witchblade, Angelus, Velocity and Artifacts. The man can write dialogue and plots a good book, never quite laying everything out there in dialogue and knowing when to let the visuals speak for themselves. It’s definitely a fun entertaining read in that sense. Marz also masterfully introduces you to the character and hints at the rich history of those that came before her. This is truly a good starting point. Rating: 8.0

Art: Pencils by Nelson Blake II, inks by Sal Regla and color by Dave McCaig create the usual quality you’d expect from a Top Cow comic which all tend to have a similar feel in the looks department. It’s very much a line of comics you can pick out based on the style and visuals, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s definitely nice to look at, and adds to Marz’s dialogue and plot with beautiful visuals and some nice panoramas. There’s some small issues here and there with consistency in the characters or far away shots where you lose detail but none of it takes away from the comic. Rating: 7.75

Overall: As we discussed above, the series isn’t rocket science or exploring deep philosophical questions. It’s an action comic featuring a badass heroine who just so happens to be Jesus’ descendent and works for the Catholic Church fighting demons. If that appeals to you, you’ll like the series. Its clear this is a fresh starting point and is meant to be so. You don’t need to come into this series being bogged down in history of the character, you only need to focus on what’s going to happen. A perfect starting point for the new reader in Magdalena’s journey and one we’d recommend you take. Overall Rating 8.0

Recommendation: Buy

Page count: 32 pages Price: $3.99 Release: Wednesday 4/21/2010

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