(Courtesy of Image Comics)
A 2017 reboot of the popular Top Cow title, Witchblade #1 (Image Comics) delivers on its own paranormal/horror goods, kicking off the comic to a great start. The first installment is easy enough for newbies to dive right in, yet there’s a nostalgic endearment for longtime fans to enjoy!
Gunned down and left for dead on a New York rooftop, Alex Underwood’s life should have ended there. But somehow, unexpectedly at the moment of death, Alex became host to the Witchblade, a mystical artifact that grants the wielder extraordinary powers. But the power comes with a heavy cost, as Alex finds herself thrust into the center of an unseen battle raging on the snowy streets of NYC.
Here are 5 reasons you should read Witchblade #1:
5) To Become A New Fan!
Go to @MidtownComics and check out Witchblade #1! https://t.co/JwWgrJqiRp
— Top Cow (@TopCow) December 6, 2017
Writer Caitlin Kittredge (Coffin Hill) tells the narrative through the point-of-view from Alex Underwood. Through her eyes, we discover everything about the Witchblade mythology just as she does. Because the story has moved away from Sara Pezzini, having a new protagonist works for new readers. Longtime fans don’t feel left out because the essence of the mythology is still there.
4) A Rookie Superheroine!
Kittredge quickly established in the opening pages that Alex is tough yet flawed. It’s a coming-of-age tale with elements of police procedural and horror. Alex is an investigative sleuth but she doesn’t who’s lying to her or when she’s been lied to.
3) The Artwork!
Happy #NCBD! Witchblade #1 is now available in stores and for digital download: https://t.co/abbgiSC7cc pic.twitter.com/SqfgReeoXB
— Top Cow (@TopCow) December 6, 2017
Artist Roberta Ingranata captures the naiveness and rebelliousness in Alex’s character design. In Alex’s closeups, Ingranata illustrates the shock and awe of the facial expressions. She’s trying to understand her extraordinary powers, while discovering her true self at the same time.
2) The Future Is Female!
I think this is actually the first time the Witchblade series has ever been simultaneously written and drawn by women. I can’t think of another example but Emma Ríos and Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Pretty Deadly quickly comes to mind. Marc Silvestri and Michael Truner started something and now Witchblade is taken to a new horizon.
1) A Great Read!
WITCHBLADE on shelves today!https://t.co/abYKzVdHah#witchblade #caitlinKittredge #bryanvalenza #robertaingranata #imagecomics #TopCowProductions #comics #womancomics pic.twitter.com/JVr1b5xMUw
— Roberta Ingranata (@Robbertopoli) December 6, 2017
With its relaunch, Witchblade #1 builds upon its fresh new look and attitude with such raw energy. I definitely can’t wait to read the second issue!
Witchblade #1 arrives in stores on December 7th, 2017.
RATING:
Three out of four emojis