The Top Cow Blog

Newsarama Exclusive Preview: Pilot Season: 7 Days From Hell #1

2010-10-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

And with Pilot Season: 7 Days From Hell #1 hitting stores next week, Pilot Season 2010 is a wrap!

With five heavy contenders, who will you choose? Which one is worthy of its own series? It's all up to you guys! Our fantastic readers! The polls will open up November 1st.

But in the mean time, check out this exclusive preview of Pilot Season: 7 Days From Hell #1 by Bryan Edward Hill, Rob Levin and Phil Noto.

See the full preview here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama: Filip Sablik in "Back the New" or "Fighting Cynicism"

2010-09-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

It’s Autumn again. Where did 2010 go, friends? Seriously it seems like only yesterday I was playing video poker at the Hard Rock Café Casino to finish out 2009. I swear it was only minutes ago I was finalizing plans for San Diego Comic-Con and feeling the cold sweat inducing panic of hard printing deadlines rushing headlong at my deer-in-the-headlights expression.

Autumn 2010 means cooler weather (for you poor suckers who live in four seasons), mid-term elections, the return of pumpkin as the flavor-du-jour on everything from your latte to your ice cream, and a new crop of TV pilots hoping for at least one good season in the sun. For us at Top Cow it also means its time for a new crop of Pilot Season comics.

This year we have five different new concepts by five unique creative teams. A mix of season pros and wet-behind-the-ears newcomers fighting for your attention and trying to create something you haven’t seen before. So much of the comics released in recent years have been about nostalgia. I get it. Nostalgia is a warm blanket, a comforting hot cup of cocoa. It reminds us of better, bygone days in troubled times. We know what we’re going to get and what to expect. But I’m here to challenge you take a chance on the new. Stretch past your comfort zone and reach to discover a different genre or an undiscovered creator.

Read more about Pilot Season 2010 from Filip here.
Source: Newsarama

CBR Reviews Velocity #2

2010-09-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

“Velocity” #2 showcases the eponymous heroine’s abilities and problem-solving abilities as she’s left with the task of saving herself and her Cyberforce teammates from a deadly virus in under an hour. It’s a fun, breezy read with gorgeous art.

Read the full review here.
Source: CBR

Newsarama's Best Shots Advance Review: Pilot Season: 39 Minutes #1

2010-09-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

With movies such as Takers, The Town, and The Hurt Locker gaining praise and big box office numbers (the latter took home a Best Picture Oscar), it's no surprise that crime/military dramas would start making a comeback of sorts in comics. In this year's Pilot Season, there is such a book that incorporates that type of story, and it's not too shabby. 39 Minutes tells the story of former military commander John Clayton, who is incarcerated for bogus charges, and his former team that has currently gone rogue and in the middle of a crime spree.

For those of you looking for something without capes, I'd recommend 39 Minutes. While it's not perfect, it's still a hearty read.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

Guerrilla Geek Exclusive: Top Cow Holiday 2010 Special Cover

2010-09-24T13:02:00.001-07:00

Our friends over at Guerrilla Geek has the exclusive sneak peek of the Top Cow Holiday Special by Phil Smith and Alina Urusov.

Head on over to Guerrilla Geek to check out the full cover and to read the solicit text.

Source: Guerrilla Geek

Techland Panel of the Week: Velocity #2

2010-09-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

What panel did Techland chose for their Panel of the Week? Head on over to Techland to find out.

Velocity #2
Have I already mentioned that Ken Rocafort draws one hell of a comic book page? I have? I won't shut the hell up about it? Fair enough. But this two page spread featured thirty two individual background panels while the foreground shot has our hero taking down no less then six hunter killers. It's so good I had to scan the seam and I hate doing that.

Source: Techland

Broken Frontier Exclusive: Witchblade #144 (15th Anniversary Issue) Cover

2010-09-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

Top Cow has given BF an exclusive look at the covers to Witchblade #144, which is the 15th Anniversary issue!

Read more about Witchblade #144 here.
Source: Broken Frontier

Comic Attack Exclusive Preview: Tracker #5

2010-09-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

The good people over at Top Cow have given us this exclusive preview of Tracker #5, the final issue of the series, which comes out next Wednesday! Tracker is written by Jonathan Lincoln with art by Abhishek Malsuni. The cover artist is Francis Tsai. The solicit info for this issue reads as follows:

“The first property from Top Cow and Heroes and Villains Entertainment comes to a pulse-pounding conclusion! FBI tracker Alex O’Roark finally comes face-to-face and claw-to-claw with his maker – the serial killer Herod! But will Alex be able to control his animalistic instincts long enough to extract the sample of Herod’s blood to end his own suffering?”

Per the norm of Top Cow books, the art in this series is vibrant; from the pencils to the coloring, it just looks great! So what’s going down here in this preview? Essentially Alex’s girlfriend, Tory, has apparently been murdered by the ever elusive perpetrator, Herod. Alex has been hunting Herod since he killed a bunch of people on the blue line in issue #1, and he soon learns it’s because Herod needs to feed on Lupine blood in order to survive. Oh yeah- Herod and Alex are both werewolves! Now Alex is faced with a tough question- is he willing to lose the woman he loves in order to kill the man he hates?

See the full preview here.
Source: ComicAttack.net

Friends of the Cow: Silvestri / Benitez / Montiel Judge New Comic Idol Contest

2010-09-22T15:55:00.001-07:00

From our friends over at Riot Shell:

Silvestri / Benitez / Montiel JUDGE NEW COMIC IDOL CONTEST

COMIC IDOL ONLINE RE-INVENTS HERSELF

When first starting Riot Shell and Comic Idol Online, creators Adrian Nicita & Vince Panuccio set out to create a platform for new talent and an exciting means of seeing this new talent go farther and farther as time progresses. To this day the two still has the following to say: "I was amazed at the amount of entries we kept on receiving, be it the Page Contests or the Color Contest. I am humbled by this attention and at times completely stunned by the quality some people came up with."

Adrian & Vince also noticed that the voting by title of fans alone, was not delivering the goal they set out for them self's, namely having Adrian's character Riot Shell be presented in the best way possible. So in order to optimize the contest and its results they explained: "We wanted to be both true to ourselves as well as to the voters and the artists, so I decided to make the contest even more professional and indeed I asked a Jury Of Professionals to have the final say about the contributed artwork. We are pleased to announce our 3 judges
1. Marc Silvestri comic book legendary Artist & Top Cow Owner
2. Joe Benitez Aspen / Dc Artist
3. Martin Möntiel - Riot Shell #0 / Zenscope
The decision will be made by the Jury in November.

Adrian Nicita is very happy to have the contribution of comic-pro's to help his endeavor: "I cannot wait to see the next pieces of art for the third page of the first chapter come in and to have a Jury set in place to even professionalize Comic Idol Online more... well... that is something that just makes me feel good!!"

To get the ball rolling we have just released the page 3 script which is available at www.comicidolonline.com written by Julian Lawler ( broken tree comics / Arcana Comics/ Koniwaves Studio )

We at Comic Idol Online hope that more and more artists rise to the occasion in times to come, as it promises to be one hell of a Riot!

For more information: Broken Frontier

Newsarama's Writer's Workshop: Bryan Edward Hill & Rob Levin Double Header

2010-09-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ready for a Writer's Workshop double-header?

Because Bryan Edward Hill and Rob Levin are living proof that two heads can be better than one, as they've been juggling mythology and international intrigue with their Top Cow book Broken Trinity: Pandora's Box, the latest issue having been released this week.

Yet how does this dynamic duo work their magic? We sat down with Hill and Levin to discuss how they navigate characterization, plotting and the sheer challenge of filling in the blank page.

Newsarama: Guys, first and foremost, can you tell us a little bit about how each of you got into the world of writing? What made you guys decide that writing was the career for you?

Bryan Edward Hill: For me, it was very personal. My father died when I was a kid and that same week I read an issue of BATMAN. Obviously, I had a profound connection with Bruce Wayne. His anger. His loss. How he as a character turned that energy into something empowering.

I was given so much from those stories. Fiction can heal in a way nothing else can. When I started thinking about a career, I realized that I wanted to be part of that tradition. There’s a beautiful democracy in writing. It’s a blank piece of paper and a pen. In Hemingway’s hands that’s THE SUN ALSO RISES. In Frank Miller's hands that’s SIN CITY. In Brian Azzarello’s hands that’s 100 BULLETS. Once you start walking into that legacy, it’s very hard to not get passionate and obsessed.

That being said, if Great Britain would have given me citizenship I probably would have just joined MI6, drank martinis and caught mega villains for Her Majesty.

Rob Levin: I think there's some old writer cliche about "you're a writer because you don't know how to be anything else." While admitting that makes me feel somewhat useless, there's some truth to it. I've always been drawn to stories. When you connect with a fictional experience and it feels like something that's made about or for you, there are few experiences that special or that resonant.

A lot of my writing, though escapist, is really about trying to create that experience for the reader. I'm trying to forge a connection, and that's the reason I write. As for what got me there... I can't trace it to any one moment or experience. But when in doubt I always blame "Ghostbusters."

Read the full interview here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama: Top Cow Pits The Darkness Against the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

2010-09-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

Described by Top Cow as “the darkest tale of the Darkness yet”, the recently debuted miniseries The Darkness: Four Horsemen takes supernatural mob boss Jackie Estacado on a dark path where he meets up with four bikers who have an even bleaker outlook than he does. These four bikers come out of the Pacific coast desert after years MIA, and have returned with dark powers making them a modern-day reincarnation of the biblical Horsemen of Revelations. Forget the TV show Sons of Anarchy, these guys live up to that title literally.

The Darkness: Four Horsemen comes from the mind of storyteller David Hine. Hine is well-known for his penchant for horror with works on Spawn and Batman: Arkham Asylum, and his take on the Darkness and his new quartet of adversaries is quite eye-opening; each of the horsemen have a particular attribute, such as War or Pestilence, one that they bring out as soon as they put their kickstands down in a small western town. And out of nowhere just like the Demon Riders comes the series’ artist, Jeff Wamester. Wamester is a relatively new face on the comics scene, having just completed the Oni series Frenemy of the State... but his work on The Darkness: Four Horsemen, complimented by colorist Felix Serrano, shows a new face that’ll be one to reckon with in years to come.

We spoke with the team about the mini-series and the appeal of these biblically-based villains.

Newsarama: This miniseries boils down to a showdown between Jackie and four bikers – I've seen the Darkness take down whole groups of men, so what makes these bikers so fearsome, David?

David Hine: These are not ordinary bikers. The Demon Riders were last seen back in the sixties when they ripped off Lucio Franchetti in a drug deal gone bad. They disappeared into the desert and weren’t seen again until they turn up almost forty years later on the road to Ginsberg, California. They’re riding the same bikes, wearing the same clothes and they haven’t aged a day. Once they start mixing with the citizens, serious weirdness starts to happen. Anyone who has the slightest physical contact with one of the Riders, is doomed to a rapid and horrifying death. A normally placid teenager goes apeshit crazy and stabs a storeowner to death. A guy eating out in his local Tex Mex takes the invitation ‘All you can eat!’ a little too seriously. Hookers instantly develop terminal symptoms of every venereal disease known to man. You get the idea.

I don’t think it’s giving too much away to tell you that it turns out these four bikers have somehow become the human hosts for Famine, Pestilence, War and Death, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

See the full interview here.
Source: Newsarama

UGO Exclusive First Look at Magdalena #4 Cover

2010-09-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

UGO's got a first look at the next cover of Top Cow's hot comic, Magdalena!

Magdalena #4

Story: Ron Marz
Art: Nelson Blake II
Cover: Ryan Sook
32 pages / FC / $3.99

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.

See the cover in all its glory here.
Source: UGO

CBR Exclusive Preview: Darkness #86

2010-09-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Darkness #86
Story by: Phil Hester
Art by: Sheldon Mitchell
Cover by: Rafael Albuquerque
Publisher: Top Cow Productions
Cover Price: $2.99

Alkonost, Part 2 of 2!

In the hunt for The Sovereign Jackie and crew strike a deal with an insane Russian mobster and collector of the occult, but his supernatural enforcer wants to add a Darkness wielder to the collection. What is The Alkonost and how does it control even The Darkness itself?

Top Cow Pit artist Sheldon Mitchell (Pilot Season: Stealth) joins regular writer Phil Hester (Gen13, The Anchor) for a sinister two-part story. Featuring a cover by Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire)!

See the full preview here.
Source: CBR

Guerrilla Geek Reviews Pilot Season: 39 Minutes #1

2010-09-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Kicking off Pilot Season 2010 is Pilot Season: 39 Minutes #1, set for release on 22 September. This title was created and written by William Harms (Impaler), and debuts up-and-coming artist Jerry Lando, along with a cover by Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire). Its premise is the classic heist story, but turned on its head. Inspired in part by the 1997 robbery of the North Hollywood Bank of America, Harms wanted to take the idea of a skilled team of criminals and set them to robbing banks in small, isolated towns. However, in writing, the story has evolved into a more complex tale of betrayal and sacrifice.

Read the full review here.
Source: Guerrilla Geek

Techland's Panel of the Week: Magdalena #3

2010-09-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Magdalena #3
This is turning into a detective story as our Magdalena checks on leads and inevitably fights a demon. Well, it's a detective story or an episode of Power Rangers. So far in all three issues of this series there's been the same inevitability of monster as there is an any episode of the Japanese live action children's show. It's just that Nelson Blake II draws such great looking monsters.

Read more here.
Source: Techland

CBR: Artifacts #1 Goes to Third Printing

2010-09-20T12:30:00.001-07:00

Top Cow Productions, Inc. is proud to announce that the first issue from their mega-event series, Artifacts, has sold out for a second time at Diamond and will head back to the printers for a third printing to meet demand, a first in Top Cow history.

The dynamic pairing of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade) with the art team of Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Rick Basaldua (The Darkness), Sal Regla (Magdalena) and Sunny Gho of IFS (Velocity) delivers one of the most accessible and engaging event series to date.

”The rapid sales velocity on Artifacts #1 has been incredibly gratifying and a testament to the fantastic work that the entire creative team of Ron Marz, Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua, Sal Regla, and Sunny Gho have been doing,” commented Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, “We’ve never gone to a third printing, but this is our biggest event to date and we want our retail partners to know that we are fully behind it.”

Read the full release here.
Source: CBR

Newsarama Exclusive Preview: Pilot Season: 39 Minutes #1

2010-09-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Pilot Season: 39 Minutes #1
(w) William Harms (a) Jerry Lando (cov) Rafael Albuquerque

Pilot Season Begins Anew as a 5-Week Event in 2010!

Robbing a bank is easy — it’s the getaway that’s hard. The bank’s surrounded by police officers, alarms are blaring, customers and employees are screaming, and the streets are blocked off. So what’s the solution?

Kill everyone in town.

Created and written by William Harms (Impaler) and debuting up-and-coming artist Jerry Lando along with a cover by Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), 39 Minutes turns the heist story on its head.

32 Pages Full Color Pilot Issue $3.99

See the full preview here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama's Best Shots Review: Angelus #5

2010-09-20T12:18:00.001-07:00

This mini-series has excelled in showcasing Dani as a stand-alone kind of character and out of Sara Pezzini's shadow. The action is terrific, the dialog is clever and crisp and the art is beyond superb. Anyway we can get this into an ongoing, Top Cow?

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

Things From Another World: Ron Marz, Nelson Blake II & Ryan Sook Talk About Magdalena

2010-09-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Top Cow’s Magdalena series follows a line of female warriors who can see into the human heart and give them the chance to redeem themselves–or feel the wrath of her Spear of Destiny! Descended from Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene, the Magdalena is the protector of the Catholic Church and defender of the innocent!

Although the character of Magdalena has been around since 1998, her ongoing series, starring the newest Magdalena, Patience, just debuted this year. We recently had the chance to speak with her creative team, writer Ron Marz, artist Nelson Blake II, and cover artist Ryan Sook, and pick their brains about Magdalena’s past, present, and future!

TFAW.com: Hi guys, thanks for telling us more about Magdalena! Ron, can you catch our readers up on the history of Magdalena?

Ron Marz: There’s a Magdalena selected in each generation, a descendant of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. So each Magdalena literally has the blood of Christ running through her veins. The line of Magdalenas has served as the Catholic Church’s monster hunters and enforcers for more than a thousand years. It’s not a job that engenders a long life expectancy, unfortunately. Patience is the current Magdalena, but issue #1 seemed to hint there’s someone else waiting in the wings.

Read the full interview here.
Source: Things From Another World

Newsarama's Best Shots Advance Review: Magdalena #3

2010-09-20T12:09:00.001-07:00

Nelson Blake II's use of sharp angles keeps the story at a nice pace as well as engages the reader. Showing how Magdalena moved around the building a la Batman, was a change of pace and I just wonder how easy it was to creep around with that armor on. Blake's action shots are drawn beautifully with a high impact feel. When somebody is shot, stabbed, or punched, you can sense the impact he was going for. His demonic designs are creative and feel they impose an actual threat, without them being over done. Sal Regla's inking style compliments Blake's pencils exceedingly well. The first six pages of Mags prowling around is evident of that. Dave McCaig's colors are brilliant as always. The use of reds and yellows is still dominant, but he has a chance to work with blues and purples.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

CBR Exclusive Preview: Velocity #2

2010-09-20T12:06:00.001-07:00

VELOCITY #2
STORY BY
Ron Marz
ART BY
Kenneth Rocafort
COVER BY
Kenneth Rocafort

The Pilot Season Winner is Back!

As the members of Cyberforce lay dying from a fatal techno-virus, their only hope for survival is their teammate Velocity. Carin Taylor has never been more in need of her super-speed as the races around the globe, trying to find and cure her teammates before the same virus kills her. The issue continues the inaugural creative union of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and artist Kenneth Rocafort (Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer).

See the full preview here.
Source: CBR

Broken Frontier Exclusive Preview: Witchblade #138

2010-09-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Top Cow offered BF an exclusive preview to Witchblade #138, coming to stores this week, September 22, 2010.

Witchblade #138
(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Stjepan Sejic

The Witchblade has borne many wielders in many eras, perhaps even in other realms. Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic tell a fantasy tale of epic proportions as only they can. And the connection to Sara Pezzini may surprise even the most devoted fan!

Full Color, 32 pages,
$2.99, ongoing series

See the full preview here.
Source: Broken Frontier

Newsarama: Artist Urosov Explores the Process of Witchblade One-Shot

2010-09-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

To what lengths would you go to protect them if you found out your family was in danger? What if you were locked away – behind bars – and unable to get involved? What if you could make a deal for someone else to protect them?

That’s just what William Hicks does in August’s Witchblade: Due Process one-shot from Top Cow. After being wrongly put away, he makes a deal with someone on the inside to protect his defenseless family on the outside. But as it turns out, the man he made a deal with is no man at all but a demon. Sara Pezzini, the bearer of the mystical artifact Witchblade, is brought into this as one of the arresting officers who put this innocent man behind bars years ago. A rookie at the time with deep suspicions that he was innocent, Sara has carried around the guilt and now she sees an opportunity to somehow make things right.

With Witchblade: Due Process now on shelves, we talked with the enterprising Canadian artist about the book and she gave us several behind-the-scenes sketches for the book.

Newsarama: For this book you had to design up essentially all of the characters except for Sara Pezzini. How was it establishing the characters of William and the others?

Alina Urusov: I did have a description of William, and I was given free reign with virtually everyone else save for Sara, so I just designed them according to what made sense to me, like William's shirt was plain because there would be no time to draw plaid, and his daughter had a big fuzzy ponytail because that is similar to the research photos I found of mixed race girls. So research did help, because I like to incorporate as much real details as I can.

Read the full interview here.
Source: Newsarama

Guerilla Geek: Artifacts #1 Goes to Third Printing + Artifacts #0 in its Entirety

2010-08-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Top Cow Productions, Inc. is proud to announce that the first issue from their mega-event series, Artifacts, has sold out for a second time at Diamond and will head back to the printers for a third printing to meet demand, a first in Top Cow history.

To celebrate, and as a thanks for all your support, Top Cow is offering you Artifacts #0 in its entirety. Enjoy!

Read the full release and read Artifacts #0 in full here.
Source: Guerilla Geek

Techland's Panel of the Week: The Darkness: Four Horsemen #1

2010-08-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

The Darkness Four Horseman #1
The Darkness is going to take on the four horseman of the apocalypse. These horseman ride Harley's and look like some stereotypical Hell's Angels. If you're going to take on an order like that you can't bring The Mystery Machine to the party, oh no. You're going to need a grinning Darknessmobile.

See more panels from this week here.
Source: Techland

Graphic Policy: Top Cow at Baltimore Comic-Con 2010

2010-08-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that they will be returning to the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con, Baltimore’s premier entertainment convention, this weekend August 27-28,2010. This marks the third consecutive year the publisher has had a presence at the show.

Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik and Direct Market Liaison Atom! Freeman will be bringing writer Ron Marz (Artifacts, Witchblade) and artist Nelson Blake II to the show. Marz and Sablik (Pilot Season: The Asset, Last Mortal) will be on hand for signings both days at the Top Cow booth. In addition, Sablik will be available throughout the show for portfolio reviews for aspiring artists.

The publisher will be offering an exclusive Baltimore Comic Con variant cover to Velocity #1 for the event by Michael Broussard.

Read the full release, including mention of our panel, here.
Source: Graphic Policy

CBR Exclusive Preview: Magdalena #3

2010-08-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Story: Ron Marz
Art: Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, Dave McCaig
Cover: Ryan Sook
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: Sept. 1, 2010

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?

See the full preview here.
Source: CBR

Newsarama Exclusive Preview: Angelus #5

2010-08-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

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

See the preview pages here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama's Best Shots Advance Reviews: The Darkness: Four Horsemen #1

2010-08-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

There's no other way to say it -- The Darkness: Four Horsemen is just plain fun. There's a real exuberance here, a no-nonsense thrill of violence, not to mention some refreshing visuals... even if you don't know much about the mobster-gone-demonic-weapon Jackie Estacado, this is the kind of book that'll make you root for the bad guy.

But let's focus on the book's true strength here -- Jeff Wamester and Felix Serrano bring the goods, with some artwork that's like a cross between David Lafuente and Rafael Albuquerque. It's particularly interesting coming from Top Cow, who you associate with the ultra-detailed linework of Nelson Blake II or the computer effects of Stjepan Sejic -- I don't think I've ever seen art like this on their books. And it looks great -- in a lot of ways, Wamester excells with people in their civilian clothes even more than the demonic armor, giving the acting and expressiveness some real weight. His composition is also really well set, particularly with a two-page sequence where the Darkness runs wild -- you combine that with some lush colorwork from Felix Serrano, and this book is worth it for the visuals alone.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama: Image & Top Cow November 2010 Solicitations

2010-08-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Some long-awaited collections, new number 1s, and of course continuing tales from Image and Top Cow are the highlights of this month’s solicitations. Scroll through to see what they have to offer for November 2010!

THE DARKNESS #89
story PHIL HESTER
art SHELDON MITCHELL
cover BANE
NOVEMBER 3
32 PAGES / FC / ONGOING SERIES
$2.99
Outer Darkness, Part 1 of 6!
With the threat of the Sovereign finally removed from his life, Jackie believes he can get some well-deserved rest. Beaten and worn down, Jackie simply wants some brief peace. But just as he believes he has a grasp on the true nature of The Darkness, Jackie’s world is opened up to another dimension all together. And with it, the Darkness War begins...

To see the rest, go here.
Source: Newsarama

CBR Reviews Witchblade: Due Process

2010-08-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Phil Smith writes an intriguing and compelling story. The guilt that Pezzini feels over her lack of action a decade previous and Hicks’ transformation make for some tense and complex scenes. Hicks wants to return to his family, but his wife wants nothing to do with him because of the company he kept in prison. Smith adds a surprising element to that dynamic by making Hicks’ wife black, but that isn’t fully explored or made entirely clear in the art.

Read the full review here.
Source: CBR

Newsarama's Best Shots Reviews Witchblade: Due Process

2010-08-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Phil Smith is not Ron Marz, and he doesn't have to be. He's given Sara a different voice here, but nothing that deviates from what Marz has set up these five years or so. She is more "cop" here than Artifact Bearer here and it's interesting to note that there is none of her supporting cast. No Julie, no Gleason, no Hope. Just Sara. Which is fine considering the nature of the story: it's Sara on a personal mission. It feels more direct that way.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

CBR: Image/Top Cow Solicits for November 2010

2010-08-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Image Comics has released solicitation information and images for new books and products shipping in November, 2010.

ARTIFACTS VOLUME 1 TRADE PAPERBACK
story RON MARZ
art MICHAEL BROUSSARD
cover TOP COW’S FINEST
NOVEMBER 17
160 PAGES / FC / TRADE PAPERBACK
$9.99
Catch up on the Event of the Year!
Discover the series that has everyone buzzing with this introductory priced trade paperback collection released to coincide with the beginning of the second chapter of the yearlong event! Separately, thirteen mystical Artifacts will guide the fate of the Universe. Together, thirteen Artifacts will end the Universe. When a mysterious antagonist kidnaps, Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini and Jackie Estacado, Armageddon is put into motion. Starring virtually every character in the Top Cow Universe, this is a series for diehard fans and new readers alike.
Written by Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and featuring art by Michael Broussard (The Darkness), this volume collects Artifacts #1-#4 along with the Free Comic Book Day #0 issue and a beautiful cover gallery, behind-the-scenes extras, and much more!
“ It’s loud, widescreen comic book mayhem that sticks to the roof of your brain” – 4 out 5 stars – Comic Book Resources
“…dramatic and heavy…visually striking…” – Newsarama
“…great writing and great art are in perfect tandem.” – Crave Online
“I have a feeling this book is going to be huge.” – 4.5 out of 5 stars – Comicvine

To see the whole November 2010 solicitations for November, go here.
Source: CBR

Graphic Policy: Witchblade: Due Process Preview

2010-08-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

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

Read the full release and see the preview here.
Source: Graphic Policy

CBR: SDCC's The Image Comics Panel

2010-08-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

The Image Comics Show at Comic-Con International in San Diego kicked off as PR and Marketing Coordinator Betsy Gomez introduced the fan-filled crowd to an all-star lineup of writers including Robert Kirkman ("Walking Dead," "Invincible"), Joe Kelly ("I Kill Giants"), Marc Guggenheim (writer of the "Green Lantern" film), John Layman ("Chew"), Ben McCool ("Choker"), and Nick Spencer ("Forgetless").

Betsy Gomez then took the opportunity to mention two upcoming projects from Top Cow writer Ron Marz ("Witchblade," "Artifacts"). Image has picked up Marz and Lee Moder's "Shinku" as a full-color monthly series, with the series focusing on vampires versus samurai. Marz previously released an ashcan issue at Baltimore Comic-Con in 2009. Additionally, Image and Top Cow are jointly collaborating on Marz's "Firebreather vs. Dragon Prince," with more details to be revealed at the Top Cow panel.

Read about the panel here.
Source: CBR

Image Addiction Interviews Phil Smith on Witchblade: Due Process. Out Now!

2010-08-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

On August 18, comic readers will be able to check out Phil Smith and Alina Urusov’s Witchblade one-shot about a man who is wrongfully imprisoned and how the system turn its back on him, but something else stepped in to look out for him – something very sinister. To get you introduced to this one-shot, Phil Smith joined Image Addiction to talk about the story, his motivations behind it, and the process in which the issue took to be made.

Image Addiction: Before we get in to the book, could you let our readers know a little about you? How did you start working for Top Cow?

Phil Smith: I had just gotten out of the Navy and was repairing and installing avionics at the Van Nuys airport and bartending at night. I got into comics by self publishing a 3 issue series with JK Woodward that never made it to market. Fiona Avery showed it to Renae Geerlings and that is how I got my internship 9 years ago. I can’t ever thank Fiona, Renae and Matt Hawkins enough for letting me stay.

Read the full interview here.
Source: Image Addiction

CBR's Comics Should Be Good: Comic Book Legends Revealed

2010-08-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the two-hundred and seventieth in a series of examinations of comic book legends and whether they are true or false

COMIC LEGEND: Wanted was based on a pitch by Mark Millar to DC for a Secret Society of Supervillains series.

STATUS: Enough Truth for a True

Mark Millar and JG Jones’ Wanted was about a young man who finds out that his father is part of a secret society of supervillains.

Ever since the hit comic book came out in 2003, it has been rumored that the story was originally written for DC as a pitch by Millar for a mini-series about the ACTUAL Secret Society of Supervillains.

Like many things, the truth is somewhere in the middle.

For more info on that legend and other comic book legends, go here.
Source: CBR

Thanks for All Your Support! 25% Discount at the newly launched Top Cow Store!

2010-08-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Herders,

Top Cow has some exciting news to share with you. The wait is over. The Top Cow Store is now live! Head on over to www.thetopcowstore.com.

We have a bunch of new issues, convention exclusives, trade paperbacks and more. As an extra bonus, all new customers (meaning everybody) gets 25% off your entire purchase at the Top Cow Store.

As you know, Top Cow Store is a new living and breathing extension of TopCow.com. If there is a product that you want that we have made or sold and that we are not currently selling at the Top Cow Store, please email Elena at service@thetopcowstore.com.

Thank you for your continuous support of Top Cow and all that we do!

Top Cow Staff

Pop Matters Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's Just Another Word For Nothing Left To Do...

“The quotidian will find you out”, visionary writer William Gibson has always been keen to remind readers. Things will happen and will continue to happen. The danger of life on the cusp of the future, is that there might be no danger at all. No monsters lurking under the bed.

Gibson’s comments take on a very visceral sensation with the recent Artifacts #1. There is a preternatural crisis brewing. Strands of destiny are being drawn together. Pieces are blitzing across the board, and ancient forces have been set into motion. But this is not the same kind of ancient destiny you may have encountered in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or more recently in the Harry Potter series or the writings of Stephanie Meyer.

Instead, you’ll find something entirely different in Artifacts #1, you’ll find The Quotidian. The rise of the everyday. As the issue’s two (of the series’ presumably 13) protagonists wind their way through the streets of NYC, wearing the artifact that balances the quintessential light of the universe with the essential darkness, is really no more than any other single thing to do in the daily grind. And so too is carry the Artifact that brings judgment to all before it, the Rapture that doles out hope or despair. This 13-issue limited series already feels very much like, “remember to buy milk, pickup kitty litter and thwart evil”. This is Janis Joplin’s ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ rebooted for the 21st century—no more ‘Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose’, and more a case of ‘Tomorrow’s just another day for nothing left to do’.

Read the full review here.
Source: Pop Matters

Sending Out the Herd Signal: Vote in the 2010 Inkwell Awards

2010-08-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

2010 Inkwell Awards voting to commence on August 15 / Awards ceremony in October!
-------------------
For the third successive year the Inkwell Awards will post their ballot for voting online on their website (http://www.inkwellawards.com) on August 15 until one month later on September 15. Anyone can vote whether they be a fan or an industry professional.

As previously reported, the 2010 Nomination Committee made up of various respected industry professionals, was chosen last fall/winter and they voted on nominees for the ballot this past spring. Previously the ballot had been posted during the spring and then the summer, respectively, but this year, in order to coordinate the voting period to precede the live awards ceremony that takes place in October, they had to adjust their schedule.

Vote here.

Read more about the Inkwell Awards here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama: It's Samurais vs. Vampire in Image's SHINKU

2010-08-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

Image Comics is being taken over by samurai and vampires.

That’s the story coming out of Comic-Con International: San Diego and the Image Comics Show panel Friday, as a new ongoing series pitting vampire versus samurai was announced. Shinku, by writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Green Lantern) and Lee Moder (Painkiller Jane, Dragon Prince), tells the store of an epic confrontation between two feuding Japanese clans – one vampire, one human – and the modern day high-noon showdown with the last surviving human and an underground army of vampires.

Although it’s first full issue isn’t set to debut until Spring 2011, Shinku was first glimpsed with an “ashcan” Marz & Moder released last year during the convention season, which is still available via Westfield Comics. Newsarama covered Shinku back then during its early days, and we return to the title upon the news that its been greenlit as an ongoing series at Image Comics. For more, we talked with Ron Marz by phone about the project

Read the full article here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama: FIREBREATHER & DRAGON PRINCE Team-Up @ Top Cow

2010-08-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, they're both half-dragon/half teenage boy, the offspring of human mothers and mythical dragon fathers. And yes they're both new to the comics' scene over the last few years. But according to their respective creators, that's where the similarities between Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn's Firebreather and Ron Marz, Jeff Johnson and Lee Moder's Dragon Prince end.   

And they're putting their money where their mouth's are this fall inviting the comparison confident readers will see the contrasts in Firebreather vs. Dragon Prince, a Top Cow one-shot announced Saturday afternoon at the Top Cow panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego.

In the four-issue Dragon Prince miniseries released just two years ago, a teenager named Aaron Chiang is revealed to be the son of a dragon and the last heir to the dragon kingdom.

Read the full interview here.
Source: Newsarama

CBR's Robot 6: Food or Comics?

2010-08-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome once again to Food or Comics?, where every week we talk about what comics we'd buy based on certain spending limits -- $15, $30 to spend and if we had extra money to spend on what we call the "Splurge" item.

If I had $15, I'd get…

Artifacts #1 ($3.99) looks like a good stepping-on point, so I'll give it a try. It's a big, complicated story about the 13 artifacts that control the universe, and how some shadowy entity is trying to bring them together to destroy everything. It sounds a bit grandiose, but what the hell, it's summer reading. Then I can spend that last dollar on one of Dark Horse's dollar comics, Sin City: The Hard Goodbye.

Read the full article here.
Source: CBR

CBR's Read Pile Picks Witchblade #137

2010-08-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

THE READ PILE FOR AUGUST 11TH, 2010

"Witchblade" #137 was a cute done-in-one using a diary entry as a framing device for a necromancer guest star to befriend the title character.

Read the Buy/Read Pile here.
Source: CBR

Blog@Newsarama: Top Cow Hires New Direct Market Liaison

2010-08-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Top Cow has announced that Brave New World Comics’ Atom! Freeman, seen on the right, has been hired as the company’s new Direct Market Liaison.

Freeman will be working with retailers to promote Top Cow’s publishing lineup through comic shops and the Direct Market.

Brave New World won the Eisner Spirit of Retail Award in 2008. “He’s been one of the retailers I go to regularly for insight and advice on the direct market and Brave New World is one of my favorite stores in the country,” Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik said in a statement. “When the opportunity presented itself to hire Atom! to help us in our efforts in the direct market, I leapt at the chance.”

But fans of Brave New World, don’t fret just yet — Freeman’s wife and partner Portlyn will continue to run the Santa Clarita-based store.

Source: Newsarama

Ideology of Madness' Podcast Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it is that tacos are awesome. If there are two things we can all on agree on it is that crimes must be punished, wrongs must be righted, injustice will not stand. In this week’s episode of Funnybooks, we kick the show off by addressing the rudeness of others before jumping into a week full of terrific new comics including Top Cow’s Artifacts event, a ton of books from Radical, and even more from the big two. Plus, we discuss the new DVD release Batman: Under the Red Hood.

Get the podcast here.
Source: ideologyofmadness.spookyouthouse.com

Quarter Bin Reviews Pilot Season: Stellar #1

2010-08-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

...thanks to the pacing of Kirkman’s story and the art of Bernard Chang. The heroine herself really stands out as a female lead, with a unique look and attitude. She seems hard as nails, but she’s clearly not; she can be sad, lonely, even vulnerable, despite having these superhuman abilities.

Stellar’s vulnerability and weakness were best displayed by a few panels showing her showering off after her latest misadventure. What could have quickly become an excuse to show off a naked lady instead focused on her face, her emotional breakdown. I love tiny moments like that, when we get to see who a character really is, not just who she presents herself as to the outside world.

Read the full aritcle here.
Source: thequarterbin.com

Twitter Report: Ron Marz Talks the Yogi Bear movie poster

2010-08-16T15:04:00.001-07:00

@ronmarz If the next Yogi poster has Ranger Smith in a--less chaps and a ball gag, I think we'll know something is up.
-Ron Marz, Writer ("Green Lantern," "Witchblade")

Read more comic tweets here.
Source: splashpage.mtv.com

League of Comic Geeks Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

As a setup issue and introduction to the TCU, Artifacts #1 succeeds admirably. If you've never dipped your toes in the Top Cow waters, this really is the perfect jumping-on point, and an extremely enjoyable one at that. Ron Marz has a deft hand at characterization (as he demonstrated with the excellent Velocity #1, probably one of the strongest debut issues I've ever read), and keys us in to the major players within a line or two of dialogue. He also knows when to apply economy and let the art speak for itself. Together with the enormously talented Broussard, he delivers a cinematic experience that keeps the interest high and the pages turning, though its easy to pause when the art looks this good (with a tip of the hat to Sunny Gho's stellar coloring). A two-page spread explains the whole premise of the event, letting us know the players and what's at stake, while back-up character descriptions provide some history for those of us not so in-the-know. The team also proves they're not afraid of pulling any punches by ending the issue with a (literal) bang.

Read the full review here.
Source: leagueofcomicgeeks.com

Cosmic Book News Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T12:52:00.001-07:00

Writer Ron Marz tells us himself that he is creating something new out of the old Top Cow Universe and what material he is presenting here for the first time, which is going to pay off for longtime readers and new readers alike. If you are new to the Top Cow Universe, more than likely you may be familiar with a couple of their denizens, namely the Witchblade and Darkness. These two are only pieces of a puzzle as there are other characters that make up the big picture as well. What’s great about this is that you need not worry about being heavily engrossed in the continuity of Top Cow as Marz gives us an introduction to each of the characters, whether it be in the main story itself or at the end with a series of write-ups. I love when comics include a bit of background on the story, whether it be month-to-month or information such as this.

The story itself is heavy on action, mystery, intrigue and drama; artist Michael Broussard did an amazing job showcasing Sara Pezzini as the first page testifies. The panel layouts were well done, heightening the emotion we readers feel as we read the dialogue. Broussard and company gave us some gorgeous art and the subtle positioning of the female body was appreciated! Top Cow is renowned for their fabulous art; no surprise to veteran Top Cow readers.

Read the full review here.
Source: cosmicbooknews.com

Kitty Pryde's Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

Do you need to be up to date? Nope. Not at all. In that case this issue works extremely well. Marz does a great job, using the characters and secondary characters to bring us up to speed. The conversation between agents of the Angelus and Darkness, explaining why they are watching the daughter of Sara Pezzini, seems natural but explains just what we need to know. The art is great. Broussard fits squarely between the work of Silvestri and the work of Kenneth Roccafort. He's got a looser line than Silvestri but not as messy as Roccafort. Good layouts, good figures. Excellant choices of viewpoints. His work has a gritty feel to it. Works for this story. The colors chosen are great as well. Really help create an atmosphere for the story.

Read the full review here.
Source: kittyspryde.forumotion.com

Comic Book Revolution Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

Artifacts is off to a great start, this doesn't exactly leave the world in shambles and leave me dying to see what happens next because of it, but its great character work, gorgeous artwork and the promise of great and epic things to come heave me very excited. While 13 issues is a big commitment, I highly recommend you jump on now as things are really going to heat up now and I can't wait to see more, a great start to what I have high hopes to be a great event

Read the full review here.
Source: comicbookrevolution.net

Ideology of Madness Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

Artifacts #1 is awesome. There’s really no other way to describe it. While new readers to the Top Cow Universe will find plenty to enjoy, long-time readers are going to have a field day with a beloved character’s return, and the death of a major player. While both events will of course be interesting to those unfamiliar with the history of the Top Cow characters, the emotional core of the storyline will definitely be more interesting to those who know the characters involved.

Read the full review here.
Source: ideologyofmadness.spookyouthouse.com

Westfield Comics Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Marz frequently says that, albeit with different wording. The nice thing is he doesn’t just preach it, he practices it. I was helping a customer just yesterday, and seeing what he had in his pull list — Magdalena and Velocity (two other recent new Marz series from Top Cow) — I mentioned Artifacts (and its basic concept of bringing together of the Top Cow Artifacts for Universe changing epicness) to him. He added it to his pull list almost immediately. He, as a reader, felt comfortable buying Artifacts sight-unseen based off of the ease of coming into the other series and not knowing the back stories.

Read the full review here.
Source: westfieldcomics.com

Crave Online Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Artifacts is the long awaited thirteen part series from Witchblade/Darkness scribe Ron Marz and plethora of artists from the Top Cow camp. This is another event series where the very fate of mankind is up for grabs as forces of good and evil clash in an epic struggle.

Now as much as I enjoy stories with Lanterns and attacks on Viking worlds, there’s something about Artifacts that could teach the big two a lesson in pacing and storytelling. Not only does Ron Marz’s story give us what we want from an event series, it gives a little more.

The art by Michael Broussard is some of the most exciting work he’s done to date. The panels leap off the page with solid lines and a tremendous feel for motion. Broussard has not just dedicated himself to painstaking detail but also to bringing a real sense of life and desperation to the work.

Read the full review here.
Source: craveonline.com

Flames Rising Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

Ron Marz is writing Artifacts, but joining him for the artwork are Michael Broussard on pencils, Rick Basaldua and Sal Regla on inks, and Sunny Gho on colors. The art team does a phenomenal job — it’s not Sejic’s surrealistic style from Witchblade and Angelus, but there’s a great deal to look at in these images, from shattering stained glass to a scruffy looking Tom Judge walking out of the panels. On one page, Sara lets loose with her gun, and in each progressive, page wide panel, the witchblade grows longer on her arm until she’s armored up and ready to fight. (There’s one panel that suffers from “comic-book-women-have-painfully-enormous-breasts” syndrome, but only one.)

The ending of this issue with a “holy crap, they just did that?” moment means we’re likely to get a lot of world shifting moments in this series. If you haven’t been reading any of the Top Cow series, I’m not sure this is the right place to start, but based on the recap from the Curator, Marz is trying to make it easy for new readers to dig in to the universe. If it keeps the tone of issue one, this is going to be a great ride.

Read the full review here.
Source: flamesrising.com

Comic Book Jesus Reviews Pilot Season: Stellar #1

2010-08-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

The premise for the book is an intriguing place to start. We’re not told the main character’s name, but can assume her nickname is Stellar. Essentially, she’s 1 of 5 soldiers who have been genetically enhanced on Earth. The powers are good, but the fact that the radiation within them causes other humans close to them to get sick is not so good. Nor is the fact that Stellar’s fellow volunteers were driven mad (and apparently evil) by the process. Stellar is the only one who desires to be a hero, so uses her powers to wander the universe doing just that, all the while aware she’s truly alone. All of that is a great spring board for an even greater tale, and Kirkman wisely drops hints about all this throughout each page turn. No awkward exposition here! Chang’s art is a nice blend of emotional moments and sci-fi splendour. His layouts are dynamic and there’s never a page without a sense of drama or danger. Creatures and characters look real; leaning more towards Star Trek than Wars. My vote’s on Stellar. Kirkman, as he reveals in his afterword, has a host of ideas for this book and I hope we get to see them. Stellar is but a tasty appetiser to what could be a potential buffet

Read the full review here.
Source: comicbookjesus.com

Nfamous Gamers Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

With excellent writing by Ron Marz, and art chores handled by Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua, Sal Regla, and Sonny Gho, Artifacts brings together some of the best talent Top Cow has to offer to bring their fans an exciting and entertaining ride. Issue one delivers just enough intrigue to make you need to pick up the second part of the event but delivers the right amount of action and answers that make reading this book fulfilling. And if you doubt just how exciting this storyline can be, let me just say that the casualties have all ready started as one character doesn’t make it out of issue one alive. I will personally admit that I have been waiting for this storyline for the better part of a year now and I am glad that the first issue didn’t disappoint. Top Cow fans, this one is a must have. Comic fans in general, if you have never read a Top Cow boo, pick this up and you will be a fan in an instant. In any case, I give this issue my highest recommendation.

Read the full review here.
Source: nfamousgamers.com

Comic Book Page Podcast Chats Pilot Season 2010 with Filip Sablik

2010-08-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Bob Bretall talks with some of the creators about items in the July 2010 Previews catalog.

Items mentioned:
Top Cow Pilot Season 2010: Interview with Filip Sablik
Pilot Season: 39 Minutes: Interview with William Harms
Freedom Fighters #1: Interview with Jimmy Palmiotti

Get the podcast here.
Source: comicbookpage.com

Comic Attack Attends SDCC's Berserker Signing

2010-08-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

Little did I know that the creators of Top Cow’s Berserker would be in attendance too, signing copies of the book’s hardcover volume which collects the first 6 issues of the bad ass series! I got myself a copy and had it signed by writer/creator Rick Loverd, artist Jeremy Haun, letterist Troy Peteri, and producers Russ Cundiff and Milo Ventimiglia. Yes, THE Milo Ventimiglia of Heroes fame. I actually met Milo last June when he and the same crew (minus Loverd and Lucas) signed at- you guessed it- Collector’s Paradise for the Berserker #1 release. We had people out the door for that party and it was a treat to see these dudes again. Even though I arrived at the tail end of the signing, Milo was cool enough to take some pictures with me. He even remembered me from Collector’s Paradise. Yeah, he’s the man.

Read the full article here.
Source: comicattack.net

Twitter Report: Ron Marz Remembers Mike Wieringo

2010-08-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

August 12 is a somber day in comics. Tom Brevoort pointed out today that it's not just because Mike Wieringo and Mark Gruenwald died on that particular date, but because two talents in the industry passed away in their 40s long before anyone would have expected them to. Both figures showed up in thoughts around the comics Twittersphere this morning as their accomplishments were remembered.

@ronmarz Ringo was actually supposed to draw part of a "jam job" Namor Annual I did with the guys at Gaijin Studios.
-Ron Marz, Writer ("Green Lantern," "Witchblade")

Read the full Twitter Report for 8/12/10 here.
Source: MTV Splash Page

CBR Exclusive Preview: Witchblade: Due Process

2010-08-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

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).

Catch the exclusive preview here.
Source: CBR

Newsarama Best Shots Advanced Reviews: Witchblade #137

2010-08-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

Review by Vanessa Gabriel

I like it when I am surprised. I had not pulled Witchblade previously, and this was a good read. I suppose I lucked out with this being a stand-alone story. The issue stars Abigail van Alstene; her back story and current circumstance. Abby crosses paths with Sara, thus inserting the character Necromancer back into Top Cow continuity.

Ron Marz introduces Abby seamlessly as she narrates the issue with her account of the recent events in her life. She has just relocated to Los Angeles from Colorado, is in her senior year of high school, has taken a liking to art classes, is under the tutelage of a 300 year old sorcerer to hone her magic, and can talk to the dead. Naturally, she takes a trip to New York with fellow art students to visit the museums, and ends up finding an ally in Sara Pezzini.

In just one issue, I heart Abigail van Alstene. I care about what is going to happen to her, and I want to know more, please.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama Exclusive Preview: Witchblade #137 [Out Tomorrow!]

2010-08-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

WITCHBLADE #137
(w) Ron Marz (a) Stjepan Sejic (cov) Stejpan Sejic

“Raise the Dead”, Guest-starring The Necromancer!
Sara Pezzini can gain an important ally in Abby van Alstine, the Necromancer ... but only if Sara can keep her alive! Abby's visit to New York City is interrupted by a demonic attack, and her only chance for surival is entering the world of the Witchblade.

Full Color 32 Pages $2.99

See the preview here.
Source: Newsarama

Comic Vine: Are You Ready for Pilot Season 2010?

2010-08-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

The coolest thing about Top Cow's Pilot Season comics is the fact that readers and fans get to choose which two of the six pilot season releases will be published and made into ongoing books.

Top Cow has kept their readers heavily involved since their first Pilot Season in 2007, allowing readers to choose the next ongoing title through online voting.

Since then, over 4 million readers from all over the world have participated in voting, which I personally feel is a reflection of their success.

Top Cow has officially released the concepts for their upcoming Pilot Season titles, which will hit store shelves later this year. Check out the incredible preview art and concepts below. Will you be picking up these issues?
Are you looking forward to voting this Pilot Season?

Read the full article here.
Source: Comic Vine

Multiversity Comics Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-09T16:26:00.001-07:00

Today, Top Cow starts their latest event Artifacts, which seeks to unite all of the Top Cow Universe in a cohesive community much like Marvel or DC, have done. Written by Ron Marz and penciled by Michael Broussard, it certainly has the pedigree to be epic. But does it?

In a word; yes, it does. It’s shaping up to be a great jumping on point to the Top Cow universe, especially because Ron Marz’s specialty is boiling a story down to its most essential and letting you know exactly what you NEED To know, as opposed with making it too murky with continuity for new or perspective fans. Geoff Johns is another who is excellent at doing this, but Ron Marz doesn’t get nearly enough credit for doing the same. Every book of his I’ve read for the Top Cow brand is easily penetrable, with all back-story taken care of at the beginning of the story. Even before Top Cow he had the same talent. I recently read Emerald Twilight and it had the same inviting narrative.

Read the full article here.
Source: multiversitycomics.com

CBR Commentary Track: Artifacts #1

2010-08-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Warning: Major spoilers for "Artifacts" #1 lurk ahead.

The thirteen Artifacts of the Top Cow Universe are currently being united in the pages of "Artifacts," a 13-issue limited series written by Ron Marz and illustrated by a team of artists including Michael Broussard. Over the past several months, CBR News spoke with Marz and Top Cow publisher Filip Sablik on a weekly basis to discuss the thirteen deadly Artifacts at the center of the series - thirteen objects that could destroy the world when assembled all at once.

With "Artifacts" #1 currently available in comic book stores, the time for preparation is at an end and answers are most assuredly on the way. Continuing our coverage of Top Cow's most ambitious comic book event to date, CBR sat down with Marz, Broussard and Sablik for a detailed analysis of "Artifacts" #1, unearthing a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of the issue.

Read the full article here.
Source: CBR

Newsarama's Best Shots Reviews Pilot Season: Stellar #1

2010-08-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

The opening pages of Stellar are as deceptive as they are pretty. Just when it looks like Robert Kirkman's Pilot Season comic is going to be your standard butt-kicking-heroine-in-space romp, things take an unexpected turn when the title character's spilled blood burns the ground beneath her. That's because Stellar is not only super-powered, but also highly radioactive. Like futuristic lepers, she and a handful of other unlucky metahumans have been exiled because of their toxicity — a side effect of unexplained experiments that gave them their powers.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

Review by Amanda McDonald

I'm pretty open minded, so there are a lot of kinds of books I love for a variety of reasons. What's so lovable about this one? This is the kind of book you read, and immediately want everyone around you to read it too so you can all talk about how awesome it was.

The concept is simple enough -- thirteen artifacts are placed with bearers around the world. These artifacts represent primal powers and are all balanced by the witchblade, however the thirteenth artifact is hidden. The thirteen book series will assumedly focus on a different artifact and bearer each issue. In addition to the main story, the issue also includes a short origin story explaining the witchblade.

The key here is Ron Marz's storytelling.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

ComicNews.info Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

Artifacts #1 kicks off with a bang and through out the 30 some pages it never let’s up. The opening pages show Sarah Pezzini, the bearer of the Witchblade, facing a demon from the depths of hell who is on a mission to find “He Who is Damned”. Fast forward several pages and “He Who is Damned” is introduced into the story and things get even more intriguing. Throw in several wicked villains, an unexpected surprise and you’ve got a book that provides drama, excitement and some major shock value. All in all, this is one hell of a read and it’s only going to get better as the series progresses!

Read the full review here.
Source: comicnews.info

Twitter Report: Ron Marz Reacts to Thor Trailer

2010-08-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

The new "Thor" trailer that premiered at Marvel's Comic-Con panel made it out onto the Internet this week, and whether it was leaked or "leaked," a whole mass of people who weren't able to see it at the show have now been exposed and have opinions.

"Thor" pt. 6: @ronmarz Thor trailer has me wanting to complete my Marvel Masterworks Thor run. Who doesn't love Kirby Thor? Hope @MidtownComics is stocked up.
-Ron Marz, Writer ("Green Lantern," "Witchblade")

Read more tweets here.
Source: splashpage.mtv.com

Twitter Report: Marc Bernardin Talks The Punisher

2010-08-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Marvel may have regained the movie rights for the Punisher, but not everyone wants them to plow straight ahead into a new film. The Twitter Report covers this perspective, as well as how to talk to your child about Frank Castle today.

Punisher pt. 1: @marcbernardin Were I you, @Marvel, and I just got the Punisher rights back, I wouldn't make another movie. That boat has sailed. Call FX.
-Marc Bernardin, Writer ("The Authority," "The Highwaymen")

Punisher pt. 2: @marcbernardin seriously, the Punisher has had three shots at feature film failure and succeeded every time. Move on. The Punisher is a serial creature.

Punisher pt. 3: @Robwilliams71 Son asked me why The Punisher is so cross. Then he said "I know why. Because somebody spilled his breakfast." Yep, that'll do it.
-Rob Williams, Writer ("Dark X-Men: The Beginning," "Robocop")

Read the full article here.
Source: splashpage.mtv.com

Twitter Report: Rick Basaldua Talks EBas' Stolen Portfolio

2010-08-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

In other news, some jerk apparently stole some artwork from ace inker Rick Basaldua at San Diego Comic-Con last week. He tweeted links to some images of what was taken, and I wholeheartedly recommend checking that out after the jump in case you run into any of it on the black market. All of this and reactions to "Project Runway" and the "Thor" trailer await you below.

@RickBas9 Ebas got his art stolen at SDCC this year, if you see anything of these on sale, please let him know! http://bit.ly/b4k4Hm
-Rick Basaldua, Inker ("Witchblade/Devi," "Hunter-Killer")

Read the full article here.
Source: splashpage.mtv.com

Comic Attack Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is one of those set up issues that is executed very well, and Marz and Broussard definitely give you your money’s worth with this issue. The story’s pacing is smooth, and there is just enough expo that long time fans aren’t rushing through information they already know and a new reader gets just enough to draw them into the story. As the story progresses, Marz gets you comfortable and then hits you with a “DAMN!” moment that I’m pretty sure we didn’t see coming, and definitely sets up the drama for the second issue. I haven’t seen anything that visceral from Ron since he put a certain Green Lantern’s girlfriend in a refrigerator!

Michael Broussard brings the visual punch to Artifacts #1 and does well with the cast of characters that he normally wouldn’t have had access to when he was the artist on The Darkness. Everyone is easily recognizable, though I will admit that I didn’t recognize the balloon mime until it was too late, but that was probably the point. He does the final few pages justice, and will forever have me remembering that last panel whenever I see a balloon again. Now as good as Michael is, I’m excited to see who the other artists on the series will be, since he’s only doing the art for the first four issues. Ron Marz and Michael Broussard were able to work magic with their Unholy Union story years ago, and it’s good to see these two bringing the heat once again, even if it’s only for a short time.

Read the full review here.
Source: comicattack.net

iFanboy Spotlights Artifacts #1

2010-08-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of you out there feeling burnt out from DC and Marvel cramming event after event down your throat. I know how you feel. It's not that it's bad, but it's just that, you've been there before. It's all too familiar. But what if you changed it up, just a little? Over at Top Cow, they've been doing good comics, and not enough people know about it. This is a shame. Think you're not into Witchblade? Try it. Ron Marz has been helming this whole ship for a good long while, but there's plenty to grab if this is your first time. If that's not enough, take a gander at Michael Broussard's work, and get on board early for a name you're going to see more and more. Trust me. Just one taste.

Read the full review here.
Source: ifanboy.com

Battlemouth Reviews Artifacts #1:

2010-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Artifacts #1 is a well-crafted issue that will lead into what will be an intriguing limited series. At this early stage, it looks like this event series will break the formulaic mold set by other major comic companies, and deliver to the reader something quite unique and exciting. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how this series will play out.

Read the full review here.
Source: battlemouth.com

Broken Frontier Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

I took that challenge, having never read any of the aforementioned titles and being wholly unfamiliar with the stories in the Top Cow universe. Artifacts is being touted as equal parts entry point and game changer for all these characters, and judging by the swift effectiveness of this first chapter, it’s approaching the oncoming story successfully. Top Cow even included an Origin of the Witchblade and various character bios as back matter. They really want new readers to be as invested as old.

Read the full review here.
Source: brokenfrontier.com

Heroes Online Spotlights Artifacts #1

2010-08-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

This series is being billed as an event 5 years in the making and one which is said to be remaking the characters in the Top Cow universe. At the same time, early publicity is saying that this issue is a good jumping on point for new readers. So if you’re a fan of older stories of Witchblade and the Darkness, or just curious about the characters in general you might have some interest in checking this one out. Veteran writer Ron Marz is at the reins of this one, with artist Michael Broussard handling the art. These characters remain popular properties, and it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if this one sells quickly.

Read the full article here.
Source: heroesonline.com

Comic Vine Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-08-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Wow... just wow. As stated in my pre-cursor to the review, I know very little about what's going on in the book. Luckily, Ron Marz did a great job of making everything in this universe easy to understand and explained just enough not to annoy the hardcore fans, but give enough to the new reader so some of us didn't feel lost and confused. Ron Marz's writing is solid, engaging, and leaves you wanting more. The art, pencils by Michael Broussard, inks by Rick Basaldue & Sal Regla, and colors by Sunny Gho are what really pulls everything together for me. It has a great, distinct style that's easy on the eyes, yet full of detail. In addition, there are some great bonus pages in the back including a quick recap on the Origin of Witchblade and a list of the key players in this book.

Read the full review here.
Source: omicvine.com

Angelus Sneak Peek

2010-08-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Check out these Angelus statues here, here and here.

Examiner.com: Top Cow Artifact #1 Release Party at Collector's Paradise

2010-07-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Comic Book shop Collector's Paradise will offer special variant and regular editions of Top Cow's Artifacts #1 with signings by part of the creative team on Saturday, July 31, from 7-10 pm. Collector's Paradise Comics & Gallery is located at 7131 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, CA

Read more on the event here.
Source: Examiner.com

Artifact #1 is Techland's Panel of the Week

2010-07-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

And I'm hooked. I don't know most of the characters in this book, including Aphrodite here, but the setup is good. I'm sometimes afraid of deep continuity but I always appreciate when a publisher creates a world where all its books coexist. Marvel and DC have sprawling universes, Image has carved a nice little world around Invincible, and now Top Cow will bring together its licenses via the powerful weapons that many of them wield. I'm on board.

Read the full article here. (SPOILER!)
Source: Techland

The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision: Mandeville, Top Cow to Adapt Silvestri's 'Crosshair'

2010-07-30T16:24:00.000-07:00

Top Cow comic "Crosshair" has been targeted for feature film treatment.

Mandeville Films partners David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman, best known for producing the romantic comedy "The Proposal," have teamed up with Top Cow to produce "Crosshair." The duo also has comic book adaptations "Earp: Saint for Sinners" and "Alibi" in the works.

Mandeville execs, in Comic-Con for the unveiling of Radical Publishing’s "Earp," closed the deal over the weekend after furious negotiations.

Read the full story here.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter

CBR: The Top Cow: 'We Create' Media Panel

2010-07-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

A herd of devoted fans flocked into a packed room for the Top Cow: "We Create" Multimedia panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego on Saturday, sitting before a panel consisting of Top Cow publisher Filip Sablik, president Matt Hawkins, CEO Marc Silvestri and American Original founder Jeff Katz, with plenty of guest panelists and prominent announcements to follow.

The Top Cow panelists kicked things off with a first look at a trailer cut specifically for Comic-Con. Featuring a flashy music video with quick cuts, concert footage and all sorts of burning fanfare, the trailer teased a project built around September Mourning front woman Emily Lazar that's billed as a cross-media entertainment endeavor across comic books, digital downloads, video games, jewelry and much more. Lazar briefly joined the panelists on stage and Silvestri described the mysterious project, saying: "It's coming out real fast and we're going to start teasing it out through the Top Cow Universe. If David Bowie had technology today, this would be Ziggy Stardust."

Although he wouldn't tip his hand on what exactly the Lazar-centric project entails, Silvestri made a promise to the panel's attendees. "I'm being very genuine here," he said. "You're going to remember this day."

Read all our panel announcements here.
Source: CBR

CBR: Witchblade Goes from Comic to Console

2010-07-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Sara Pezzini isn't one to play games, but that's not stopping her from appearing in one.

At Comic-Con International in San Diego, Top Cow Productions announced its development of a "Witchblade" video game based on the comic book company's flagship character. But getting Sara from the paneled page to the digital realm isn't as easy as eviscerating a pack of thugs with a sentient artifact — there is a considerable amount of steps involved when it comes to bringing a video game to life, let alone a game based off of a comic book character. CBR News spoke with Top Cow President Matt Hawkins to learn more about the "Witchblade" game and its development process.

"I've been trying to develop a Witchblade video game for a very long time and developing video games on comic book properties is actually very hard," he told CBR. "With the costs of producing an Xbox 360 and PS3 game pushing $50 million now, [video game companies] want either massively preawareness branded properties or they want to internally generate and build their own characters, as you see with a lot of publishers."

Read the full coverage here.
Source: CBR

Techland Pulls Artifacts #1

2010-07-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Techland's Mike Williams has this to say:

My Top Cow experience has been limited to a handful of issues of Witchblade (I was in high school during the 90's after all) and a fairly faithful allegiance to the Magdalena. After that it trails off rather quickly. Artifacts is billed as a crossover event years in the making. Thirteen mystical artifacts, including the Witchblade and the Darkness, could be the key to destroying the world. Or something. I'm just a sucker for crossovers.

CBR Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Seven words in and this comic establishes the tone: mature readers only, please. Sara Pezzini has her gun drawn and cuts an intimidating first image in this series. From there, there’s action, violence, and suspense, including an issue-ending scene that is simply heartbreaking.

Top Cow magnificently identifies the major players in this story with two pages of quick bios describing the seven critical characters of this issue, but in the story, itself, the characters are smoothly identified by those they run into and the circumstances surrounding them. Sara Pezzini introduces herself as she comes to the rescue of a priest being attacked by a demon. Later in the issue, Tom Judge is pegged by the enigmatic Curator, who is set up to be a pivot point for the action and drama of this series.

There’s plenty of action and drama in this single issue. The Curator clues Judge (and the reader by proxy) in to what this series is going to be all about. “There are forces in motion,” he tells Judge. Those forces seek to draw together thirteen ancient artifacts -- including the Witchblade, the Darkness, and Judge’s Rapture cross -- which would result in the destruction of the universe.

The storytelling is cinematic and effective.

Rating:

Read the full review here.
Source: CBR

IGN: Top Cow in the Crosshairs

2010-07-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

At the Top Cow panel at Comic-Con this weekend, the comics label's reps revealed that they'd just made a new movie deal during the convention.

Crosshair, which was created by Marc Silvestri, written by Jeff Katz, and illustrated by Silverstri and Allan Jefferson, will be turned into a film by Mandeville Films. Top Cow and Mandeville have previously teamed on adapting Alibi, which was announced at last year's con.

"We already sold this as a film," revealed Top Cow's president Matt Hawkins at his company's panel. "This is a major announcement for us. That's never really happened where we've literally [come here] with something this early in development and have these guys jump on it."

Read the full coverage here.
Source: IGN

Newsarama: ARTIFACTS: Prologue Finale: The 13th Artifact

2010-07-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

Artifacts begins NOW.

Lucky Thirteen
By Gretch
Twilight Alternative Staff

In less than two years, our streets will fall still. The hustle of Broadway will be hushed. All the cars clogging each lane will be frozen in final tracks of desperation and the blackened windows of the skyscrapers towering overhead will shed no tears for the loss of their makers.

And that is if we get off lucky.

Read the final prologue as well as catch up on the other prologues here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama's Best Shots Reviews Artifacts #1

2010-07-30T14:48:00.001-07:00

For months now, Top Cow has been giving us hints, teasers, and even a #0 issue that came out on Free Comic Book Day this year, and it's all lead to Artifacts #1, and by George, it is glorious.

Much like with most things he does with Top Cow, Ron Marz has made it accessible to new readers without them worrying about who's who and what's what. It's right there, in black in white. Well, not exactly black and white, but you get the gist. There is a character dossier, a two-page origin of the Witchblade (written by Marz and drawn by Marc Silvestri), and so much more. With all of that, you would never feel lost even in the slightest.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

Newsarama: For Queen & Comics: Darkchylde's Randy & Sarah Queen

2010-07-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

For artist Randy Queen, comics have been a passion that has consumed his life for the past 14 years. He’s one of the few creators in mainstream comics to work almost exclusively on his own creator-owned characters, and his work has garnered a significant fanbase that follows his every release.

Queen burst onto the comics scene in 1996 with his series Darkchylde. Queen had done some small formulaic work at Top Cow up to that point, but Darkchylde was his first full-length comic and proved to be so popular that it’s been his calling card ever since. The series has been published in many different iterations, including a manga version at Dark Horse a couple years, and most recently re-appeared in a crossover with Top Cow’s the Darkness in a one-shot written & illustrated by Queen. In recent months, Queen has teased a new sci-fi project entitled Starfall, with several teaser comics being realized during conventions... but the big news as of late has been the release of test footage from a live action Darkchylde movie put together by famed special effects house Weta Workshop.

Read the full interview here.
Source: Newsarama

CBR: The Road Ends with the Thirteenth Artifact

2010-07-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Thirteenth Artifact, currently unidentified within the pages of the Top Cow Universe, will finally be revealed over the course of "Artifacts," the 13-issue limited series from writer Ron Marz and a team of illustrators including Michael Broussard. Once revealed, this final Artifact will take its place alongside the twelve previously identified Artifacts: the Witchblade, the Darkness, the Angelus, the Rapture, the Spear of Destiny, the Glacier Stone, the Ember Stone, the Blood Sword, Pandora's Box, the Wheel of Shadows, the Heart Stone and the Coin of Solomon. Once identified - and once unified with the other twelve - readers will finally learn just how dangerous the Thirteenth Artifact really is. To learn more about the Artifact, CBR News spoke with "Artifacts" writer Ron Marz and Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik for the final installment of our weekly interview series.

"Obviously, you're going to have to read the series to find out what the final Artifact is - we're not even going to give you the name at this point," Marz told CBR. "I guess the main thing to say about it is that it's been hidden for a reason. There's a reason that this thing has been hidden very much off the playing field. All of that will start to become clearer once we reveal what the Artifact is and where it's been all this time."

Read the full article here.
Source: CBR

Newsarama: Marz Talks NECROMANCER's Return in Top Cow's Witchblade

2010-07-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

You can't keep a good character down. After years in publishing purgatory, Top Cow's Necromancer is returning in fine form in the pages of this month's Witchblade #137.

Necromancer was originally introduced back in 2005 with a miniseries by writer Joshua Ortega and superstar artist Francis Manapul. In the series, a teenage girl named Abby van Alstine is taken into a supernatural subculture and given powers she barely knows how to control. She's forced to learn about her new self and this new world she's fallen into, while trying to live through her own teenage years.

In the years since that 2005 miniseries, Necromancer has had sporadic appearances over the years with the most recent being a one-shot Pilot Season book over two years ago. Regardless of her intermittent appearances, a sizeable contingent of comic fans have taken a liking to the character. After years of hiatus, Necromancer is returning to the Top Cow universe in a big way – first with a guest appearance in July 28th's Witchblade #137 and then as a player in Top Cow's big event miniseries Artifacts. But before we get too far, first things first: her return in the pages of Witchblade #137 this month.

Read the full coverage here.
Source: Newsarama

Broken Frontier: Top Cow SDCC 2010 Teaser Campaign

2010-07-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

Top Cow is being very secretive on the details, but instead have provided all possible comic news outlets an exclusive teaser for "something" they will anounce during Comic-Con International "WE CREATE" panel on Saturday, July 24.

Seeing all these different ideas and styles being kicked around the internet, is something very exciting and I for one cannot wait for the announcement to kick in!

To see all the images in one area, go here.
Source: Broken Frontier

Scoop: Comic-Con: Top Cow Productions

2010-07-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Highlighting Top Cow Productions’ upcoming Artifacts event will be just a part of the Image Comics studio’s presence at Comic-Con International this year.

Among the goods atbooth #2629to prepare attendees of CCI 2010 for the race to Artifacts will be exclusives, preview books, free goodies, variant comics and trade paperbacks, including free copies of Artifacts #0 as well as other comics, posters and bookmarks (while supplies last).

The company said attendees are invited to join Marc Silvestri (Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia), President Matt Hawkins, and Publisher Filip Sablik for a multimedia presentation about Top Cow’s plans for 2010 and 2011 in comics, film, television and much more.

“Be the first to hear announcements and updates on film projects including Witchblade, Magdalena, Alibi, Wanted, and The A-Team. Plus announcements on new comic projects with creators including Ron Marz (Artifacts), Jeff Katz (American Original, Freddy vs. Jason), Phil Hester (The Darkness) plus surprise guest directors, screenwriters, producers and more,” they said.

The panel will be featured in room 9 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM under the title Top Cow: “We Create” Multimedia, on Saturday, July 24.

Read the full article here.
Source: Scoop

Bleeding Cool: Top Cow Teases "We Create.."

2010-07-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

Something from Top Cow. Teasing some sort of announcement/thing at San Diego Comic Con. Don’t know any more than this. Odds are other sites will have teases of their own. Look forward to finding out by checking Twitter on Saturday about 1.30pm Pacific Time…

Source: Bleeding Cool

Techland: Mysterious Comic-Con Teaser Image from Top Cow

2010-07-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Top Cow has sent us this exclusive teaser image for something or other they'll be announcing at their Saturday panel at Comic-Con next week. Your guess is as good as ours!

Source: Techland

CraveOnline: Exclusive Top Cow SDCC Teaser Image

2010-07-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

We just got sent over an exclusive image from publisher Top Cow teasing their panel at next week’s San Diego Comic-Con. We really have no idea what is going on here other than people utilizing their superpowers to do pretty mundane things. Check out the image below (click to enlarge).

And be sure to stay tuned to CraveOnline for more on Top Cow and the SDCC.

Source: CraveOnline

iFanboy Exclusive: Top Cow to Unveil Something New at the San Diego Comic Con

2010-07-16T12:23:00.001-07:00

Our friends over at Top Cow tipped us off that they're going to be rolling out some new exciting stuff at the San Diego Comic-Con.

They were tight lipped on the details, but did send us this image to wet our palettes.

From the looks of it, we see an iPad or phone background with a gun, a very Terry Dodson-esque drawing of a woman and a Pat Benatar reference. Okay, they've got my attention

If you're going to be attending the San Diego Comic-Con, sounds like you won't want to miss their panel on Saturday at 1:30 PM in Room 9, where all will be revealed, or so they tell us. If we find out anything more, we'll be sure to keep you upated!

Source: iFanboy

The Beat: Top Cow is planning ... something

2010-07-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Top Cow sent out this image in reference to some mysterious new project. Will more be revealed at Comic-Con? I wonder…

Source: The Beat