Sara Pezzini News

This post relates to: Gretchen Fullmer, Stjepan Sejic, Ron Marz, Sara Pezzini, Witchblade

In stores Wednesday October 1

Marz and Sejic have done it again.  I was expecting something to do with Broken Trinity.  I'm enjoying that but it was nice to read an issue that focused more on Sara being a cop.  This is something I'd like to see more of.  I think the Special Cases Unit was a brilliant idea.  It gives a reason for a couple of New York police officers to be checking out weird cases all the time. 

As can be seen on the cover, the main portion of the comic takes place in an Orthodox Jewish community.  Seeing this side of New York along with the racial tensions helps to give the comic that realistic feel that goes hand in hand with Sejic's art.  What starts out as a seemingly routine investigation is bound to take a turn for the weird.  Why else would Sara and Gleason be called in? 

The tension is added to as Gretch, the noisy reporter continues to try to uncover Sara's secret. 

Despite my liking the police side of Sara's life, we also don't see a lot of the Witchblade in action.  In that sense, this issue is setting things up for a big foe for the next issue.  Ron Marz continues to make the characters feel real.  Their conversations don't seem forced or cliche for a comic.  This continues to be a comic that I look forward to reading every month.

I'm giving this a 4 out of 5 only because it was a little light on the action and seeing Detective Gleason in the shower wasn't something I really needed to think about.  Here's the preview:

Witchblade #121
(W) Ron Marz     (A) Stjepan Sejic      (Cov) Stjepan Sejic
Gritty police drama meets supernatural thriller as mysterious deaths lead Sara Pezzini and her detective partner, Patrick Gleason, to the heart of Brooklyn’s Orthodox Jewish community, a closed and cloistered society that does not tolerate outsiders. Something ancient and evil is stalking the community, something that even the Witchblade might not be able to stop.

This issue also features Capture the Witchblade Sweepstakes winner Mike Fogg drawn into the comic!

Full Color     32 pages     $2.99     Ongoing series

This post relates to: Stjepan Sejic, Ron Marz, Dani, Sara Pezzini, Witchblade

A Nice Intermission

Finally.  Feels like it's been a while since issue #119. 

You would think that a comic that isn't jam packed with action would be a little bit of a disappointment.  That is not the case here.  Witchblade usually contains over-the-top action.   It's one of the good things about the comic but seeing it month after month could get a little redundant.  I'm sure we can expect some big things during Broken Trinity. 

Ron Marz continues to show his knack for dialogue when Sara and Dani have a little sit-down talk.  Since he's taken over the writing chores my interest in the character has returned.  Sara has been given so much more depth and has evolved past a female super hero in a skimpy "outfit."  It's nice seeing her as a mother and older sister figure to Dani.  It's good to see that Dani realizes how much she's been messing up lately.

We also see the next step for Dani as she's given a new bit of responsiblity in this issue.  I wonder how that will affect her time as a bearer of the Witchblade.  There's an appearance by a new character going by the name of Finch.  I may be making more out it but I get the feeling there's something more to her than it seems.  My suspicion radar went off just as it did when we first saw David Worthy enter Dani's life.

Need I mention the art?  Stjepan Sejic's art continues to amaze.

Dispite the lack of non-stop action, this was a good change of pace.  It's like the calm before the storm.  You know something bad is coming.

(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Stjepan Sejic, Matt Haley, Kevin Nowlan

Shaken by a failed and very nearly deadly romance, rookie Witchblade bearer Dani Baptiste confronts her feelings of betrayal and realizes this life, and the Witchblade, might not be for her. Dani seeks the advice of Sara Pezzini, who's had her share of experience with both the Witchblade and with being betrayed by men like Ian Nottingham and Kenneth Irons. It's time for some girl talk and some ass-kicking, with Dani's future as a bearer hanging in the balance!

Cover A – Stjepan Sejic
Cover B – Matt Haley and Kevin Nowlan
Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
Ongoing Series

This post relates to: Witchblade, Sara Pezzini, Dani, David Worthy, Ron Marz, Stjepan Sejic

Another great issue.  I do have to say parts seemed a little rushed.  There was a few storylines that all came crashing to an end.  I'm going to think positively and assume it was to get to the next story arc.  The last page here sets things up for the return of a familar face that is bound to cause some problems for Sara.

(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Stjepan Sejic

More than any other man, Kenneth Irons was the ultimate adversary for Witchblade wielder Sara Pezzini. But even though Irons is dead and buried, his reach may stretch beyond the grave. Sara’s past comes back to haunt both her and Dani, as the creative team of Ron Marz (Green Lantern, Samurai: Heaven and Earth) and Stjepan Sejic (First Born) race toward the climax of their first storyline.

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
Continuing Series

Witchblade #118 is due out this Wednesday.  You can read an advanced review www.comicvine.com/comic/witchblade/7300/131219/

This post relates to: David Worthy, Dani, Stjepan Sejic, Sara Pezzini, Ron Marz, Witchblade

It just keeps getting better and better.  I always feel I'm in for a treat when I get my advanced look at Witchblade.  Ron Marz has been amazing on it.  And now with Stjepan Sejic, it's at a whole new level.  Check out the preview below and read my interview:  www.comicvine.com/comic/witchblade/7300/127244/

(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Sejic, Luke Ross

Romance blossoms this spring courtesy of Witchblade’s new long-term creative team of Ron Marz (First Born, Samurai: Heaven and Earth) and painter Stjepan Sejic (First Born, The Darkness) when Dani meets a handsome stranger who sweeps her off her feet. But Sara’s police instincts kick in and she suspects there is more to Dani’s new paramour than meets the eye. Featuring a beautiful variant cover by Luke Ross (Samurai: Heaven and Earth).

Cover A – Stjepan Sejic
Cover B – Luke Ross

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
Continuing series

This post relates to: Witchblade, Sara Pezzini, Dani, Ron Marz, Stjepan Sejic

It's that time again. I got to feast my eyes on an advanced look at Witchblade.  As I mention in my review, I really enjoyed Sami Basri's artwork.  Now we get Stjepan Sejic for the long haul.  Until at least issue 150.  Bravo to Top Cow for pulling that off.  Witchblade seems to be getting better and better.  I like the direction that this appears to be going.  Check out the comic if you're not reading it for some crazy reason.  Comics aren't just about superheroes in tights.

My review can be found here: www.comicvine.com/comic/witchblade/7300/124961/

(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Stjepan Sejic, Greg Horn, Marc Silvestri

The team that brought you the epic FIRST BORN limited series begins their historic run on WITCHBLADE! Longtime writer Ron Marz (SAMURAI: HEAVEN & EARTH, PANTHEON CITY) is joined by painter Stjepan Sejic (THE DARKNESS: LEVELS), and both creators have committed to the title until at least issue #150! This issue provides a perfect jumping-on point for new readers, as Sara Pezzini and Dani Baptiste begin a new chapter as joint bearers of the Witchblade.

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
Continuing series

This post relates to: Witchblade, Sara Pezzini, Dani

Christmas is over yet I'm still receiving gifts.  What a joy to be able to read the next issue of Witchblade.  You can read my review here:  www.comicvine.com/comic/witchblade/7300/120948/

Being a jump on issue, there's really no reason not to be reading this series if you're not already.

(W) Ron Marz
(P) Sami Basri
(Cov) Mike Choi, Sami Basri

A new chapter in the Witchblade saga begins now! After the stunning events of First Born, who will be the bearer of the Witchblade? Will Sara Pezzini take up the ancient, powerful artifact again, or will Dani Baptiste retain it? The pieces for the most surprising year of Witchblade ever begin to come together here as both Sara and Dani head in new directions.

First Born architect Ron Marz ( Green Lantern, Samurai: Heaven And Earth) reunites with artist Sami Basri (JLA Classified) for this new chapter in the Witchblade legacy.


Cover A –Mike Choi and Sonia Oback

Cover B – Sami Basri


Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

This post relates to: Hope Pezzini, Dani, Rick Leonardi, Stjepan Sejic, Sara Pezzini, Ron Marz, The Darkness, Witchblade

Here we go with another advanced review for you.  I've been enjoying Witchblade once again.  I was away for too long.  We do get a chance to catch our breath after the events of First Born here.  Although I'm not saying there's no action.  Heck, it starts out with an Angelus Warrior attacking.  That isn't the end either.  So I guess there isn't too much time for Sara to catch her breath.   We do have to assume that some time has passed since Hope was born.  We see Sara in her Witchblade outfit.  Looks like she got rid of some of her pregnancy weight.  Also there's the appearance of Jackie.  According to Phil Hester, about six months passes in between First Born and The Darkness #1, so it makes sense that some time has passed here also. 

I have to admit it's a little weird with looking at the art.  I was getting used to Stjepan Sejic's art.  The cover...Dani looks...different.  On the inside we have Rick Leonardi's pencils.  I'm sure you're all familiar with his work.  I just always think of Spider-Man 2099 when I see his art.  I keep waiting to see Miguel swing into action.  Check out the preview:

(W) Ron Marz
(P) Rick Leonardi
(I) Kevin Nowlan
(Cov) Mike Mayhew


First Born epilogue issue! A new life has entered the world ... but that life, as well as the world, might be in more than danger than ever before. Following the shocking events of First Born#3, who will protect Sara's Pezzini's baby from agents of the warring Darkness and Angelus? Is rookie Witchblade bearer Dani Baptiste anywhere near ready for the job?

First Born architect Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven And Earth) is joined in the final of three very special First Born tie-in issues by the veteran art team of Rick Leonardi (JLA, Superman Returns), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Black & White, Superman v. Aliens) and cover artist Mike Mayhew (Vampirella, The Pulse).


Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

You can read my review here:  www.comicvine.com/comic/witchblade/7300/120180/

This post relates to: Witchblade, Sara Pezzini, The Darkness, Magdalena, Ron Marz, Stjepan Sejic

Witchblade and Darkness sitting in a tree...now here comes the baby in the baby carriage.  I really enjoyed this series.  I don't know how Stjepan Sejic manages to draw each panel.  Big things are going to result from this series.  You owe it to yourself to read this if you ever read a single issue of Witchblade or Darkness.  Oh, and if for some crazy reason you haven't read issue one, it's online, for free at www.firstborncomic.com/

Here's the preview:

(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Stjepan Sejic

First Born culminates as the battle between the forces of Light and Dark reaches a fever pitch. And in the final issue of this summer's hottest event – the birth of Sara Pezzini's child! Writer Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) and digital painter Stjepan Sejic (The Darkness: Level 1, Witchblade) deliver the ultimate conclusion and set up events for the next thrilling year to come including The Darkness ongoing series.

First Born #3 features two covers by series artist Stjepan Sejic.
Cover A) Stjepan Sejic
Cover B) Stjepan Sejic

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
Limited Series

My advance review can be found here: www.comicvine.com/comic/first-born/18739/118024/

This post relates to: Magdalena, Sara Pezzini, The Darkness, Ron Marz, Stephen Sadowski

If you've been reading or have read any Top Cow comics, then you know it's all about First Born nowadays.  This is a huge deal.  Witchblade 110 is a tie-in but felt more like a filler.   You can read my review:  www.comicvine.com/comic/witchblade/7300/115040//.  Don't worry, I didn't give away any spoilers.

 

(W) Ron Marz
(P) Steve Sadowski
(I) Kevin Nowlan
(Cov) Mike Mayhew

FIRST BORN tie-in issue! Patience, the current Magdalena is suddenly drawn into the events of FIRST BORN as Sara Pezzini and new Witchblade bearer Dani Baptiste struggle to survive the battle. This issue will provide fans with a fuller reading experience and accompany this month's FIRST BORN #2!

Long time scribe Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) is joined in the second of three very special FIRST BORN tie-in issues by the unstoppable art team of Steve Sadowski (JSA, Red Sonja Annual), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Black & White, Superman v. Aliens) and cover artist Mike Mayhew (Vampirella, The Pulse).

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

This post relates to: Witchblade, Sara Pezzini, The Darkness, The Angelus, Ron Marz, Stjepan Sejic, Dale Keown

This has been a great series so far.  I won't go into specifics.  I definintely won't give away any spoilers.  Yes (time to brag) I have been fortunate enough to have read issue #2 already.  What did I think?  You can read the review here: www.comicvine.com/comic/first-born/18739/114935//

This series is going to change the foundation of the Top Cow universe.  Big things are happening.  Go out and pick up issue 1 if you haven't already (and if you can still find it).

And check out the Dale Keown cover.

(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic

First Born goes into overdrive as the delicate truce between the forces of Dark and Light breaks down and Sara Pezzini and Patrick Gleason are caught in the middle! The Darkness and the Angelus throw down in the ultimate melee and the true nature of Sara's pregnancy is revealed. Writer Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) and digital painter Stjepan Sejic (The Darkness: Level 1, Witchblade) deliver the second arc of Top Cow's epic three issue series that sets the stage for the next incredible year!

FIRST BORN #2 features covers by Dale Keown and series artist Stjepan Sejic.

Cover A) Dale Keown

Cover B) Stjepan Sejic

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
Limited Series