This makes sense. I enjoyed the artwork on First Born. I don't know how he does it. The artwork on Witchblade has been nice. It has been a bit erradic though. I believe a consistent art team is important to a series. This is going to be great for Witchblade.
Top Cow Productions, Inc. is pleased to announce that Stjepan Sejic (First Born, Angelus: Pilot Season) will join First Born collaborator and long time Witchblade writer, Ron Marz (Green Lantern) as the ongoing artist beginning with Witchblade #116 in March 2008.
Sejic first gained mainstream acclaim providing digital colors on The Darkness/Wolverine one-shot and soon took on full art chores for a number of high profile assignments culminating in Top Cow's 2007 event, First Born. Sejic's unique painted style has caught fan and retailer attention alike and prompted Wizard Magazine to name him their "On The Rise Artist" for 2008. Sejic has committed to be the Witchblade ongoing artist beginning issue #116 through issue #150 along with writer Ron Marz, who has been on the title since issue #80. The run will make Marz and Sejic the longest running creative team on the series and symbolizes Top Cow's renewed commitment to providing fans with consistent, quality comic series.
Witchblade #116 promises to be an ideal jumping on point for new readers. Following the events of First Born, the Witchblade was split in half and is now wielded by long-time bearer Sara Pezzini and neophyte Danielle Baptiste. Both women will have to adapt to the new changes in their lives and this issue will lay seeds for the upcoming landmark issue #125.
"Historic run, on the rise artist, longest running, and consistent," said Sejic, "In my personal dictionary these descriptions all fall under 'hype'. As a fan, I've read my share of hype but as an artist my job is to destroy the skepticism in fans' minds. I'm committed to doing just that. Ron has amazing stories outlined and I'm extremely excited to show fans what I can really do. I'm in this because I love comics and telling stories, and these are going to be some badass stories!"
"I know long runs really don't happen that much in comics anymore. It's a big deal when somebody does more than 12 issues. But #116 will be almost 40 issues in a row for me, and I feel like I'm just scratching the surface of everything we can do with these characters and this concept.," added Marz. "Stjepan coming on board is going to take Witchblade to another level. I think the work he's doing is already a step beyond what he did on First Born, equal parts beautiful and disturbing. The plan is for us to have at least three years together on the book, so we're just getting warmed up."
Witchblade #116 will feature a painted cover by Stjepan Sejic as well as an incentive cover by Greg Horn (Ms. Marvel) and carry an SRP of $2.99. Additional information regarding Witchblade can be found at www.topcow.com.
