The Good

Once upon a time a comic called WITCHBLADE came along. I read it for a bit but then dropped off. Several issues later, Ron Marz came on board and things changed. We had a great direction (and some great art). Marz wrote for several issues but eventually ended his run. As the series headed in a new direction, I fell behind and despite meaning to catch up, never did. Now Marz is back and issue #170 gives us a new jumping on point.

Everything you need to know is neatly summarized on the first page. We find Sara Pezzini with a new day job. Starting off with a gruesome situation, the tone is immediately set. We see (or are reminded) just how tough Pezzini is. The mystery progresses to an even bigger one, gluing your eyes to each page to find out what's going on. Seeing our hero hit rock bottom and claw their way up always adds to their character. It's a fascinating trip, jumping in between the the recent past and present and watching everything unfold. Just when you think you know what's coming, Marz pulls out quite the shocker.

Laura Braga's art and Betsy Gonia's colors fit the story nicely. I always appreciate when backgrounds in panels are given just the right amount of detail. It may not be the focus on each one but it's it adds to the feel of the story and seeing the landscape or interior of an office helps ground the story in reality a little, despite the mystical nature of the Witchblade.

And how freakin' cool is that cover by Marc Silvestri and Sunny Gho?!?

The Bad

What originally made me stop reading the series in the very beginning was the…skimpy nature of Pezzini's clothing. The Witchblade usually left her clothes in tatters. There isn't a lot of that here (thankfully) but there are hints of Pezzini's physical attributes that makes it feel the art is trying to appeal to a certain crowd. The character and story is much deeper than that. There may be few that complain about seeing Pezzini in her underwear but it felt a little gratuitous. The same when we get a shot of her in full Witchblade mode. Last I remembered, the Witchblade started covering her more rather than look like beachwear.

I did enjoy the art but a couple times Pezzini's face looked a little off.

There's a lot of set up but it is necessary for this new start.

The Verdict

It's time to get back into WITCHBLADE. Ron Marz returns and you won't' be ready for what he has planned. If you haven't read in a while or at all, you can easily start here. We get a nice summary and Marz establishes that time has passed with some mystery as to what has recently happened. As we start to get the pieces to the puzzle, Marz whacks us in the head with an ending that should catch you off guard. If you've ever been curious about WITCHBLADE or haven't read it in a while, this is a good place to start. Ron Marz knows the character, having written her for so long. It's been too long since I've read WITCHBLADE and I thank Marz for giving me a reason to come back.

@g_man: It's been a long time since I read Witchblade. I haven't read since the days of Tomb Raider, god damn that's old. lol But I'm definitely gonna check this issue out because I have been waiting for a jump on point. I been reading the sort of reboot of The Darkness since last year and I have been loving ever since. So, thanks Tony, I think it will be my time to jump back on this one.

Nice cover homage.

@risingbean: Wow, that's definitely cool. I didn't even noticed and I have seen this cover before.

@iceslick: It stuck out to me. I recall reading that issue many times as a kid.

How great is it that Marc Silvestri did an homage to his own cover?

@risingbean: @g_man: Wow I didn't even recall that it was same person. This is really awesome.

@g_man: Hah! I didn't realize he did both covers until you mentioned it. I guess he really likes seeing people chained to capital letters in the rain.

Looking forward to what Ron Marz does with the series. I hope it's not my mind going crazy with what I might have picked up as a possible spoiler in the last trade.

@crom_cruach: I haven't read since like 153! I have no idea what might've been hinted at.

I'm glad that Marz is back...I dropped the series when he left last time and now that he's back I'm definitely going to start up again

I really wished Tim Seeley would have stayed longer

Totally forgot about Top Cow lol. Not trying to put 'em down or anything like that, just saying I thiiiink the last time I read one of their comics was when they were publishing the City of Heroes comic book. Still got those too. :)

Finally now all they need is sejic doing the interiors again.

@iceslick: darkness had a reboot? I havent read that since the baby thing with sarah... ? so hows it?

I've always thought skimpy clothing was part of the Top Cow shtick.

Now I thought it was Zenescope's

i wonder if the cover had anything to do with this book finally getting reviewed....

Did they change the font in the title "WITCHBLADE" ? If so it looks awesome

It works in contrast to the cover itself. which is also cool

I'm conflicted. I love what Marz did with Witchblade and am happy to see him back on writing it. But at the same time Seeley did a great job. I'm kinda afraid his ideas might be put aside.

Well I think it's already been put aside.Where's Cain Jorgenson and Katarina Godliffe?

Katarina died at the end of the last arc...

As for the rest, I am sure Marz will eventually revisit some of it. He has done well with the series in the past, I am sure he will do well here.

ok cool

@superior_prime_maybe: It's not a full reboot because The Darkness is aware that he has restarted his life. It's like a second chance at life but apparently it's still getting ruined by his dark side. So yeah it pretty good, you should give it a chance.