Top Cow In July
Top Cow’s solicitations for their July releases are now out. This is the complete list.
Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 Mark Waid/Kenneth Rocafort/Mike Choi
Berserker #2 Rick Loverd/Jeremy Haun/Dale Keown
Fusion #3 Abnett/Lanning/Kirkham/Choi
Dragon Prince #1-4 Reader Set Marz/Moder
Impaler #5 William Harms/Matt Timson
Witchblade #128 Ron Marz/Stjepan Sejic
Witchblade #125 ECCC Var Cvr Marz/Sejic/Silvestri
Art of Top Cow HC Silvestri/Top Cow’s Finest
Witchblade Vol 7 TPB Marz/Sejic
Witchblade/Darkness/Angelus: Blood on the Sands Sgn Smith/Mitchell/Grindberg/Admira
And here’s what I’d pick – actually all of them if I could. Berserker started strong, Witchblade continues to intrigue and Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer is by Waid and Rocafort, so what’s not to love there? Art books seem to be coming out of the woodwork lately, and we should be thankful for that. The Art of Top Cow should be dream to the eyes, and for newbies who like horror, you can’t go wrong with Impaler or if you prefer you entretainment less adult – go for the complete set of Dragon Prince. The conclusion to the 3 part x-over with Marvel, Fusion should also be a beauty. That’s enough to keep you busy.
Top Cow Freebies For April
Official press release below from Top Cow, listing the 25 US and Canadian comic shops taking part in their unique free comics initiative this month. See if your comic shop is on the list!
TOP COW CONTINUES ‘LET US WIN YOU OVER’ INITIATIVE WITH WITCHBLADE #126
Top Cow Productions, Inc. revealed today the names of the participating retailers in their “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative for April and the program would continue the second part of their “War of the Witchblades” storyline – Witchblade #126.
The “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative is a yearlong campaign by Top Cow Productions to give out free copies of its regular comics to potential fans in the U.S. and Canada through participating comic book stores. Each month, a different set of stores, each month a different free comic. The stores vary by geography and demographics. Top Cow has partnered with ComicsPRO to bring this promotion to fans and all of February’s retailers are members of ComicsPRO.
Witchblade #126 continues the six-part “War of the Witchblades” storyline, which promises to shake the status quo of Witchblade to its foundation. Since the events of First Born, Detective Sara Pezzini and dancer Danielle Baptiste have shared the mystical gauntlet, the Witchblade; but recently cracks have appeared in their relationship. The cracks widen in issue #126 pointing an inevitable battle. Regular writer Ron Marz writes the story with art by ongoing artist Stjepan Sejic. The issue will be in comic shops on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 and normally retails for $2.99.
“It’s not a coincidence that we decided to run Let Us Win YOU Over in conjunction with one of our best stories in Witchblade to date,” said Filip Sablik, Publisher of Top Cow. “The second chapter of “War of the Witchblades” digs deeper into the roots of Sara and Dani’s conflict and serves as another great jumping on point for new readers.”
“We are very excited to be a part of this Top Cow promotion,” commented Anna Warren, owner of Illusive Comics & Games of Santa Clara, CA, “Readers love free samples as a generous way to get a taste of a series they might not have otherwise picked up. And the promotion Top Cow has been doing is a great help to comic book stores, getting new comic book fans into stores. ”
“Top Cow has really listened to retailers and is doing what it takes to fully market Indie titles to the average comic book reader,” added Warren.
A list of the participating retailers during the month of April (listed alphabetically by state) is included below. Additional information can be found at the official online home of the “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative – www.topcow.com/freecomics. Customers who currently purchase Witchblade at the stores below will be able to purchase an extremely limited “All Beef” Edition (limited to just the stores listed below) at the regular cover price. Fans are encouraged to contact the retailer they wish to visit for specific details:
The Gallery: The Darkness #76
On sale now is The Darkness #76 from Top Cow. Written by Phil Hester with art by Michael Broussard, a gruesome preview as well as Top Cow’s description of the issue, is below.
Jackie’s face-off against his deadliest foe yet continues as the Legacy numbering of The Darkness goes into full effect, taking into account every issue ever published, regardless of volume.
The Sovereign’s bloody mission for Jackie has finally driven him to despair. Broken and lost, Jackie falls for an otherworldly seductress who seeks to exact a centuries-old curse against The Darkness. Plus, who is The Foreigner and how does his connection to The Darkness predate Jackie Estacado’s?
The Gallery: Witchblade #125
The 40 page anniversary issue, Witchblade #125 is out from Top Cow on March 18. It’s another biggie in the series, and also the start of the War of the Witchblades story arc. It’s by the usual dynamic team of writer Ron Marz and artist Stjepan Sejic. Below is the official lowdown on the info, plus some preview pages at the link.
Witchblade #125
Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Chris Bachalo, Stjepan Sejic
One of the longest-running series in comics reaches a milestone: 125 issues and still going strong! There’s no better way to mark this occasion than with the start of the biggest Witchblade story arc ever!
For more than a year now, the Witchblade has been split between two bearers—NYPD Detective Sara Pezzini and dancer Danielle Baptiste—and they have coexisted peacefully. But that’s all about to end.
Beginning in this issue, the six-part “War of the Witchblades” arc will change Sara, Dani and the Witchblade forever. Sara has been Dani’s friend and mentor, but now she becomes her bitter enemy. By the end of the storyline, only ONE bearer will remain.
The critically acclaimed team of writer Ron Marz and artist Stjepan Sejic is joined by cover artist Chris Bachalo (Uncanny X-Men, Amazing Spider-Man), who contributes a two-part cover of Sara and Dani.
Cover A – Chris Bachalo
Cover B – Chris Bachalo
Cover C – Stjepan Sejic
Top Cow Covers The Darkness
Press release (and awesome covers) below regarding Top Cow’s The Darkness #76.
Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that The Darkness issue #76, which will be released in March 25th, will contain a variant cover contributed by artist Josh Medors (30 Days of Night, Runes of Ragnan). As many in the comic community are aware, Medors has been courageously combating a rare form of cancer since 2008. A second cover for The Darkness #76, illustrated by artist Frazer Irving (Silent War), will also be offered.
“I had a great time working on this. Jackie has always been one of my favorite Top Cow characters, so to get a chance to work on a Darkness cover was amazing,” explained Medors, “I was a bit nervous going in to it, but the gang over at Top Cow was great. I think the finished piece turned out fantastic.”
(Fans and retailers should note that the Legacy Issue Numbering has taken effect and that The Darkness #76 is actually #12 of the current volume. Legacy Numbering denotes the total number of issues of The Darkness ever published, regardless of volume.
The story, penned by current series writer Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Firebreather), picks up where issue #74 left off with current Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado in service to The Sovereign. The manipulative Sovereign is an ancient demon who can project his conscience into any object bearing his likeness. This issue will also introduce a brand new character who will change Jackie’s perception of The Darkness forever. Penciler Michael Broussard and inker Ryan Winn also return as the art team with The Darkness #76.
According to Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, Countdown, Deadpool),“The team of Hester and Broussard are in top form and The Darkness never looked or read better. In a time when more and more books are not what they used to be, The Darkness is proving to be one of the most twisted fun titles out there. Take it from a guy that enjoys evil fun. The Darkness team of Hester and Broussard are delivering some of the best work of their careers.”
Top Cow Freebies For March
Official press release below regarding Top Cow’s unique initiative to give out free comics to participating comic shops in the U.S and Canada. See if yours is on the list!
Top Cow Productions, Inc. revealed today the names of the participating retailers in their “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative for March and the program would continue with another highly anticipated anniversary issue – Witchblade #125.
The “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative is a yearlong campaign by Top Cow Productions to give out free copies of its regular comics to potential fans in the U.S. and Canada through participating comic book stores. Each month, a different set of stores, each month a different free comic. The stores vary by geography and demographics. Top Cow has partnered with ComicsPRO to bring this promotion to fans and all of February’s retailers are members of ComicsPRO.
Witchblade #125 is an over-sized 40-page comic, which launches the six part “War of the Witchblades” storyline. Since the events of First Born, Detective Sara Pezzini and dancer Danielle Baptiste have shared the mystical gauntlet, the Witchblade; but recently cracks have appeared in their relationship. The story is written by regular writer Ron Marz and ongoing artist Stjepan Sejic. The issue will be in comic shops on Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 and normally retails for $3.99.
“Let Us Win YOU Over is off to a great start,” said Filip Sablik, Publisher of Top Cow. “The reaction from retailers and fans at the copies of The Darkness #75 given away was very gratifying and we’re equally excited to give potential fans a taste of our flagship title, Witchblade.”
“”With a Witchblade movie in the works, and writer Ron Marz working on a long-term plan for the character, issue #125 is a great place to jump on to the series,” said Matt Price, co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, OK. “And getting that first taste for free is even better! I applaud Top Cow for making this effort to draw in new readers to direct-market stores.”
“”Top Cow is to be commended for ‘putting their money where their mouth is’ with this promotion — there’s no better tool to create new readers than a free sample. I’m certain this will widely increase the number of eyes looking at Top Cow comics this year”,” added Brian Hibbs, owner of Comix Experience in San Francisco, CA.
A list of the participating retailers during the month of March (listed alphabetically by state) is included below. Additional information can be found at the official online home of the “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative – www.topcow.com/freecomics. Customers who currently purchase The Darkness at the stores below will be able to purchase an extremely limited “All Beef” Edition (limited to just the stores listed below) at the regular cover price. Fans are encouraged to contact the specific retailer they wish to visit for specific details, below.
Impaler #2 Review
Top Cow has done it again. Picking their projects wisely they appear determined to create books that are distinctive in a spandex-driven market. Impaler is their latest high concept book, to use Hollywood slang. The set up is this: blizzard in New York, adrift freighter discovered with dead crew, vampires descend upon the city, cop teams up with ageless vamp killer Vlad Tempes, military struggles to keep up. Thankfully the Cow throw a handy guide in their titles these days, so this is a good place to jump in as any, in case you missed the first issue. This ish begins with two archaeologists arguing over the find of a corpse in a Moroccan dig site, while the object of their discussion seems to stir.
Three weeks later we discover how really desperate the U.S military are. With the vamps gaining ground with alarming speed soldiers are ordered to take them down at any means, even at the cost of civilian lives. This is a movie waiting to be made. Less of a vampire film than a disaster one, if made, it could easily sit next to Cloverfield or I Am Legend or 28 Days Later. There is a feeling of desperation running throughout the issue, but it isn’t swamped by it. This disaster very much has a human face amongst the devilish horde. Vlad perhaps unwisely, gives his new partner, Detective Victor Dailey, a second chance at life, after receiving radiation poisoning, and Lieutenant George Wagner has a conflict of interest when faced with the insurmountable odds. Finishing off with a scene that ties in to the awakening corpse of the intro, things look unsurprisingly bleaker for our band of heroes in the future issues.
Writer William Harms and artist Matt Timson are on a winner here. It’s obvious they understand one another and are building something eerily incredible. Harms knows when to let Timson unleash his blood soaked art upon us, and when to quiet things down (slightly) although every page is brimming with sweaty intensity, as well as very impressive art.
The vampire creatures are a great work of design. Not resembling the typical neck biters from pop culture, Timson gives the ghouls more of a zombie feel, with a touch of Venom thrown in for good measure. Their blank eyes, shadow like tendrils and scorched skin make for a creepy visual combo. Timson is skilled in every area of art that the comic book page requires. The subtle earthen colours of the opener to the surveillance footage shown to the military to Dailey’s hallucinations that are suitably ethereal. He shows he has the mad skills needed for this mad tale. With Stjepan Sejic and now Matt Timson, Top Cow should give their talent scouts a hearty pat on the back.
Be aware that Impaler wisely carries a Mature Audience stamp for graphic content and profanity and blood are both plentiful. It is a gritty, harsh adventure and one that has me hooked.
For a preview of this ish, go here.
War of the Witchblades
Official press release below, regarding another milestone issue for one of Top Cow’s most famous titles (following The Darkness #75). You can also check out the three covers available, all of varying raunchiness.
Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that the company’s flagship title, Witchblade, will reach issue #125 in March 2009, and the publisher will celebrate this landmark event with an oversized issue including a bonus story.
Witchblade #125 brings the series’ critically acclaimed team of writer Ron Marz and artist Stjepan Sejic together to begin the six-part story arc “War of the Witchblades” which the publishers note is the biggest and most ambitious plot they’ve attempted with their flagship character. Following the events of 2008’s First Born, the Witchblade was split into two halves and the responsibilities split between long time bearer Sara Pezzini and newcomer Danielle Baptiste. Up to this point, Sara and Dani have worked together and developed a sisterly relationship, but that will all change beginning in issue #125.
Witchblade #125, which will wrap up long standing plot conflicts Ron Marz has been adding to Witchblade since he first took over writing duties for the series in 2004 with issue #80, will begin a new era for the comic that the publisher aims to refresh the series for long-standing readers as well as make an attractive jump-on point for new readers unfamiliar with Witchblade. Sejic and Marz have committed themselves to working on Witchblade as the core creative team through issue #150. Sejic has been the regular artist for Witchblade since issue #116.
Artist Chris Bachalo (Uncanny X-Men, Amazing Spider-Man) joins Marz and Sejic for Witchblade #125 to contribute a two-part cover variant featuring protagonists Pezzini and Baptiste. A third cover by Sejic will also be offered.
Witchblade, which has been translated to TV as TNT’s #1 original film of 2000 and its subsequently successful TV series, has been Top Cow’s longest-running series. “Writer Ron Marz continues to plow up so much new ground on Witchblade that I’m beginning to suspect that rather than using a keyboard to pound out his scripts, he might actually be utilizing a 40-ton earthmover instead,” attests comic book talent Terry Austin (Uncanny X-Men).
Jim Cheung, artist of Young Avengers and New Avengers comments, “With compelling stories by one of my favorite writers, and astonishing artwork that makes me want to tuck myself into a corner and cry, I can’t think why Witchblade shouldn’t be on everyone’s reading list.”
Witchblade #125 will also feature a bonus story written by Rob Levin (Darkness: Butcher) and Marco Castiello (Secret Invasion: Frontline).
The Darkness #75 Review
In what could be perceived as a stand alone tale, there is also the sense that this milestone issue for The Darkness reflects upon its past and throws it forward into a bleak future, yet one not without hope.
Writer Phil Hester seems to be enjoying himself more than usual in this issue, titled Absolute Darkness. Fans of the multitude of future X-Men stories will lap this stuff up, as will fans of The Darkness – obviously. This is the 75th issue of Jackie Estacado and his crazy adventures, if you consider all three volumes of this title since launching way back in 1996. That’s an event worth celebrating, and I have to say when the series debuted back in those wonder-filled days of the 90s I certainly didn’t expect it to last this long. I’m very happy to be proven wrong though. Over the decade it’s been published, it has gone from more than just a morose long haired hitman with evil powers book, to an engrossing world building epic.
This special anniversary issue basically sees Jackie peering into his future, or a possible future, as he begins to understand the powers he has could be devastating. The choice will be his. With cameos from familiar characters in the Darkness universe, Jackie is now an old man, with flowing grey hair and few friends. The world is a desolate place filled with the typical betrayals and battles that seem to follow Estacado wherever he goes.
I can’t really say much more than that, but regular readers of this title will get more out of it. However, fans of eye candy will certainly be pleased too. With issues like this, where different artists are brought on for the celebration, the wealth of pencillers can sometimes give the book a hodge podge feel. This isn’t the case here. With only a few pages to work with each artist brings their best, and scenes are wisely chosen for each of their strengths. From Matt Timson (Impaler) to Dale Keown (Hulk) to a host of others, your eyes are treated with a variety of styles; each one a thing of dynamic beauty.
Berserker #0 Review
Top Cow is making a name for themselves these days as a publisher of in-your-face comics. With The Darkness, Impaler, Wanted and now this series, they showcase brutal stories in which characters are thrust into gloriously bloody worlds. Like the best genre films of the 80s, these concepts revel in over the top violence, which make you wince and laugh in equal doses. In a fashion similar to the previously mentioned titles, Berserker knows how to wrap such blood letting in an engrossing story. That’s the key to books like this. Devoid of a great premise, they simply become mindless gore fests. Berserker is a head above (pun intended) such exploitation and delivers the goods in a brief package.
With a well crafted story by Rick Loverd we are dropped into the action immediately, or rather Jorn Farris’ hypnotically induced memories of action. Sitting on a doctor’s couch for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Farris relives his time in Afghanistan as part of a military deployment. Kicking in doors and taking names (or prisoners, at least) Farris and his army buddies seem to be enjoying themselves too much until Jorn and his pal Clint become prisoners themselves after destroying a room full of unarmed men.
Finding the man they were after in an unconventional way, the two prisoners receive torture before Jorn wigs out – big time. Breaking his restraints like a madman he rips one of his captor’s arms off, punches another through the face and soon runs out of targets for meat tearing practice. His thankful and surprisingly calm buddy Clint then speaks up, assuming Jorn will free him and they’ll jet off to safety. Um…no. Poor Clint faces the wrong end of Jorn’s Hulk like madness himself and gets his head separated from his body. The end. Wow. Now comics like hyperbole, but I must say this last page is a stunner.
Jeremy Haun’s pencils with Dave McCaig’s colours really sell this tale. Sure there’s heaps of blood, but it’s not over the top. It all appears real and gives a horror edge to this military adventure. It’s filled with darkness and texture in the Afghanistan scenes and real emotion throughout its pages. By now, you’re guessing that this isn’t one for young eyes and you’d be right. Apart from the violence there’s also profanity one every page of this brisk tale.
This is a teaser for this ongoing series and it’s got me hooked. To fill out the pages there’s a great interview with Loverd and Haun, and also actor Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes, Rocky Balboa) and Ross Cundiff, both from DiVide Pictures. It’s a candid and revealing discussion about the unique Norse inspiration behind this book and is well worth a read. I know we fanboys are easily sceptical of actor’s names on the covers of comics, but Ventimiglia seems to know a good idea when he sees it and helps such concepts come to fruition in some form. His Rest series for Devil’s Due was another great concept, so the hunky actor has a good eye for ideas. Rounding out this 24 pager are interviews and art focusing on Top Cow’s upcoming Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer and War of the Witchblades series. Yes, it’s short on story pages, but makes up for it with cool extras an an action laden narrative.
I’m impressed with Berserker. It’s a great intro to a new series and should be lapped up by fans of Paul Verhoeven’s (Robocop) films. Hopefully it can live up to such high expectations. Check out Dale Keown’s two covers above, and an interview with Ventimiglia about this title here.
Top Cow Freebies
Those lovely people at Top Cow are launching their new Let Us Win You Over promotion during February. This bold initiative sends free copies to random comic shops, giving people the chance to trial one of Top Cow’s titles for free. The official press release is below,a s is the link for the shops carrying the free copy of The Darkness #75. See if your shop is on the list (if you live in America or Canada, that is).
The “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative is a yearlong campaign by Top Cow Productions to give out free copies of its regular comics to potential fans in the U.S. and Canada through participating comic book stores. Each month, a different set of stores, each month a different free comic. The stores vary by geography and demographics. Top Cow has partnered with ComicsPRO to bring this promotion to fans and all of February’s retailers are members of ComicsPRO.
The publisher decided to launch the program with a special celebratory anniversary issue of one of their flagship titles, The Darkness #75. The issue, which is an over-sized 48-page comic, commemorates the 75th overall issue of the series regardless of volume. The list of artists includes: Michael Broussard (current series artist), Jorge Lucas (Pilot Season: Ripclaw), Dale Keown (Pitt), Joe Benitez (Justice League of America), Ryan Sook (Superman/Batman), Steve Firchow (Ultimatum), Frazer Irving (Silent War), Lee Carter (2000 AD), Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade) and Matt Timson (Impaler). The story, which will examine what a possible future would be like for current Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado, will be penned by current series writer Phil Hester. The issue will be in comic shops on Wednesday, February 11th, 2008 and normally retails for $4.99.
“This initiative our most ambitious attempt yet to recruit new readers,” explained Filip Sablik, Publisher of Top Cow. “We wanted to kick it off in a big way and what better way than one of our biggest books of the year, both literally and figuratively. This is a great jumping on point for new fans as it is a standalone story, featuring the best art we have to offer, and an awesome value.”
“I’m looking forward to getting the Top Cow ‘Let us Win You Over’ promotion started. This is one of the more innovative ways a publisher has chosen to work with our membership,” said Joe Fields, President of ComicsPRO and owner of Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff in Concord, CA, “Our goal is nothing short of more readers for Top Cow’s cool comics and more customers for ComicsPRO member stores.”
“We are so excited about this opportunity to bring Top Cow comics to more readers! Top Cow is at the top of their game and we cannot think of a better time to bring new people to their titles! We are ready to win over some more readers,” added Norah Curry, Promotions Director, Laughing Ogre Comics in Columbus Ohio.
A list of the participating retailers during the month of February (listed alphabetically by state) is included below. Additional information can be found at the official online home of the “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative – www.topcow.com/freecomics. Customers who currently purchase The Darkness at the stores below will be able to purchase an extremely limited “All Beef” Edition (limited to just the stores listed below) at the regular cover price. Fans are encouraged to contact the specific retailer they wish to visit for specific details:
Top Cow in April
Publisher Top Cow (The Darkness, Witchblade, Impaler and so much more) has just released a few cover images for their books launching in April. Below are my favourites, for your viewing pleasure. The pictures are of the The Darkness #75 by Michael Broussard, Impaler #4 by Matt Timson, Jingle Belle: Santa Claus vs Frankenstein by Greg Horn and Witchblade #126 by Stjepan Sejic.
The Gallery: Broken Trinity Angelus #1
From Top Cow, this one-shot comes with a handy intro page for new readers and focuses on the adventures of Celestine, the new host of the Angelus force, as she deals with the supernatural goings on in the Top Cow Universe.
Written by Ron Marz, with gorgeous artwork by Brian Stelfreeze (Batman: Shadow of the Bat) a few preview pages can be seen at the link below. If you like what you see, you can check out Stelfreeze’s The Ride and Gun Candy from 12 Gauge Comics, of which he is also the art director.
The 32 page issue is available now and comes in two covers. One is from Stelfreeze (shown here) while the other is from Jeffrey Spokes.
Big Books
During the holidays, in between bouts of napping in your hammock and playing Scrabble, you might want to delve into a hefty book (with pictures) If so, then have I got some tomes for you. Both BOOM! and Top Cow have just released two hefty full colour volumes each, and both are perfect for new readers. Anything this size is known as an Omnibus in comic terms, or Omniboo in the plural, which is just such a fun word.
BOOM! has done very well with Warhammer, the venerable gaming franchise, creating some impressive mini-series in both the gritty sci-fi of 40K and the fantasy realm. The Warhammer 40,000: Only War Omnibus collects three different mini-series with those blood thirsty Space Marines and their never ending war. The Black Templars, Orks and Imperial Guard all are the focus of these brutal tales, with creators including regular Warhammer novelist Dan Abnett, Ian Edgington, Graham McNeill, Lui Antonio, Greg Boychuck and Tony Parker. Containing Damnation Crusade, Blood and Thunder and Fire and Honour, this 400 page book is an action-packed treasure.
If you prefer Lord of the Rings to Aliens, then the Warhammer: Blood of the Empire has got you covered. It’s Chaos vs the Empire in these three mini-series full of swords and sorcery. Collecting Forge of War, Condemned by Fire and Crown of Destruction, the 400 page Omnibus features work by Abnett and Edgington, as well as Kieron Gillen, Rahsan Ekedal and Dwayne Harris. Both volumes are a great find for gamers looking to cross-over into comics and are pretty cheap at only $US 24.99 each.
Not to be outdone, Top Cow are releasing their own Omniboo, or Omnimoo. Get it?
Anyway, the Witchblade Compendium Volume 1 collects the first 50 issues (!) of the series starring cop Sara Pezzini as the wielder of a mystical gauntlet. It also includes a complete cover gallery, and with work by Marc Silvestri, Michael Turner and a host of others, it’s a thing of beauty. The Darkness Compendium Volume 1 is also available and contains The Darkness Vol. 1 preview, issues #1/2 to #40 of the first series, Tales of the Darkness issues #1/2 to #4, Witchblade/The Darkness #1/2, The Darkness Vol. 2 #1 and the Darkness: Wanted Dead one-shot, along with a complete cover gallery. Whew. Both Top Cow books weight in at an impressive 1, 280 pages, and cost less than $US60. That oughta keep you busy for a while. Just make sure you have a good back before you pick them up.
The Gallery: Cyblade & The Darkness
On sale today are numerous titles from Top Cow, including Cyblade #2 and The Darkness #9 (which some may remember as a recent freaky console game). Both issues have “Previously…” pages for new readers, and are geared for mature audiences.
In the time before she became a member of Cyberforce, Dominique, a.k.a. Cyblade, is still on the hunt for her former trainer, Stephen Rashell, who has been revealed to be a double agent! With her new mentor at Cyberdata determined to turn Dominique into the killer she’s destined to become, the superpowered teenager must make a hard decision from which there is no turning back. Cyblade #2 is written by Joshua Hale Fialkov with art by Rick Mays, Lee Ferguson and Afua Richardson.
Jackie Estacado is in Hell…literally! Jackie’s soul has been condemned to eternal damnation and his assigned tormentor happens to be an ages-old enemy who bears a centuries-long grudge against The Darkness. But this enemy has a proposition for Jackie, a bargain that may prove more terrible than Hell itself. Meet The Sovereign, a powerful, new nemesis who may prove to be Jackie’s undoing. The Darkness #9 is written by Phil Hester, with Jorge Lucas supplying the art.
Preview both of these issues at the link below.
Impaler #1 Review
Vampires have had their fair share of the pop culture spotlight in the last few years, thanks to TV’s Buffy and Angel, novelist Anne Rice and now, Twilight. The crafty neck biters have had more makeovers than Madonna. But there’s still some life, so to speak, in the critters.
Impaler is a new series from Top Cow and is written by William Harms, who created the series at Image back in 2006. You can read my interview with the writer here. A Trade Paper Back collecting the original Image series, with 3 new issues is now available, and now we have this series, which is effectively Volume 2. However, if you haven’t read the original series, don’t fret. This still makes sense. Basically, Vald Tempes, otherwise knows as Vlad the Impaler has been fighting vampires for 4 centuries with angelic abilities given to him by a priest. When the fanged horde return in today’s New York, Vlad takes sword in hand and gets to work once more. This time, he teams up with grieving cop Victor Dailey, as well as the US Army. However, despite their superior firepower they aren’t looking victory square in the eye. Even a bomb can’t stop the suckers.
This is a well rounded, action packed tale. Perfect for comic book newbies. With its engrossing tale and dynamic artwork, it really packs a punch. There are numerous scenes of limbs and heads flying off bodies, and a lot of swearing. So, it’s not for the kiddies.
Harms knows how to pace a tight adventure, leaving the reader out of breath after the last page. The conflict between the high-tech soldiers and the barbaric creatures of the night is the highlight, and seems like a blockbuster film just begging to be made. There’s enough exposition to get up to speed and Vlad and Victor’s strained relationship seems to mirror the larger events surrounding them. There’s the obligatory scene of a soldier getting bitten, but shrugging it of as a minor wound; the kind of thing we see in every zombie film. Generally though, this is a refreshing look at this often used, and mis-used sub-genre. Matt Timson’s art helps enormously too. His realistic pencils lie somewhere between Adi Granov (Iron Man) and Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night). His page design and use of space, with rooms crowded with vamps and army men, or open areas in the blanketing snow really draw in your eyes and add variety to the look of this issue.
This reminded me of playing Doom IV, or F.E.A.R on my XBOX, with a sense of danger that you can’t shrug off. Fans of horror tired of wispy vampires that look like they’re fronting a rock band must offer their neck to Impaler and let it sink its fangs in.
You can read a preview of this issue here.
The Gallery: Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer
Here is a sneak peek at Top Cow’s cross-over starring two of their biggest titles. Cyberforce is a unique superhero team with cybernetic implants who defeated their cruel creators-the Cyberdata corporation. Hunter-Killer is a newer series, from 2005, that follows a group of Ultra Sapiens. Basically they are walking weapons of mass destruction, who keep an eye on their own kind so as not to destroy our planet.
The series debuts in July 2009 and is written by superstar writer, and Hunter-Killer co-creator (with Top Cow CEO & Cyberforce creator Marc Silvestri) Mark Waid. The art will be provided by anther superstar – Kenneth Rocafort (Madame Mirage). Click below to see a pin-up, plus some inspiring character sketches from Rocafort.
William Harms Interview
Impaler #1 Cover C
In the 1400s a hungry army of vampires stake a claim on Eastern Europe, and only one man can save the terrified citizens. His name is Vlad Tempes, otherwise known as Vlad the Impaler. He is a man literally empowered by the church to fight these beasts, and does. Fast forward to modern New York. Widower detective Victor Dailey discovers corpses in an abandoned ship, and soon the vampire horde is back. However, so is Vlad, and he’s ready to end the fight for good. This time though, he has help, with the US military and Dailey doing whatever they can to stop the snow covered city from becoming a vampire covered one too.
Impaler was originally a three issue series published by Image Comics in 2006 and 2007 but went on hiatus. Top Cow picked up the reins in October and published a Trade Paper Back of those first three issues, plus three new ones. Now, Impaler receives its own ongoing series, written by series creator William Harms with gorgeously gory art from Brit Matt Timson. These are not today’s goth-wannabe vamps. Impaler’s blood suckers are horrific monsters, not introspective shadow dwellers, and as you can see on the following pages Impaler is an unashamed horror title.
This month’s Impaler series kicks off after the recent TPB. For those who missed out are you able to give them a heads up as to what’s going on?
WILLIAM: The Impaler trade ends with the vampires busting through the military’s blockade of New York City and pushing west, toward New Jersey. (And east, toward Boston.) The US military tries a desperate, last-ditch attempt to destroy the vampires, but it fails. At this point, Vlad and Victor (the two primary characters from the trade) are hiding out in New York City, and Victor is dying from radiation sickness. The story quickly expands in its scope to include a special forces team, led by Lt. George Wagner, that is sent to Newark International Airport to look for a VIP. By the end of # 1, it’s looking pretty grim for the human race.
How difficult was it to bring a fresh take to the vampire mythos?
WILLIAM: It was pretty hard, to be honest. The most important thing to me was to not be limited by the traditional defenses against vampires, such as holy water, crosses, that kind of thing. If the only way you can kill a vampire is by either staking it in the heart or dousing it in holy water, you’re pretty limited in where you can take the story. So I decided that as long as the vampires in Impaler are in “flesh” form, they’re killed the same way we are – if you can shoot them in the head, blow them up, or cut them in half, they die. Simple as that. That idea really drove the development of the vampires in Impaler, and I’m really proud of the direction they took.
What happened that put the initial series on hiatus and how did it victoriously return?
Impaler TPB Cover
WILLIAM: Working in independent comics, even if it’s a place like Image, is really hard. In addition to writing the book, I was the PR guy, the marketing guy, the schedule keeper, that kind of thing. It was really exhausting. And, to be honest, despite the acclaim that Impaler received, the sales weren’t quite where they needed to be. Luckily, the guys at Top Cow really enjoyed Impaler and decided to take it under their wing and give it new life. And I’m forever grateful that the book got a second chance.
How did you manage to bring a level of realism to this series?
WILLIAM: One of the things I love about writing is thinking about stuff like, “if vampires were real, what would happen?” And sitting down and writing out all of the ways they’d attack us, how we’d fight back, etc. And that really drove the realistic nature of Impaler, because it was important to me that the characters and world look like our world – just a normal place where something horrible has happened. Of course, that’s the formula that Stephen King has used his entire career, and in my mind it’s the only way to approach horror fiction.
What is your favourite interpretation of a vampire character from pop culture?
WILLIAM: “Shadow of the Vampire” (see trailer of the 2000 film below-ES) is one of my favorite movies – the idea is sheer genius. I’m also a huge fan of Salem’s Lot and I am Legend. Those are the two best vampire novels as far as I’m concerned. I read them both at least once a year.
Impaler #1 and the Impaler TPB, collecting the original mini-series with extra material are out now. Impaler #2 is out in late January. You can read a preview of #1 here.
Extra Sequential Podcast 