Comics
Review: ‘Ghost’ #1
The numbering of Ghost #1, by writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist Phil Noto, is more than a little misleading. The issue picks up where “Ghost” #0 left off, so if you haven’t read that issue, you might find yourself at a bit of a loss jumping head first into this not-quite #1. The pickle that the title’s three main characters find themselves in is established in #0, when disgraced journalist Vaughn Barnes and his less than savvy partner Tommy Byers awaken the eponymous apparition. This issue of “Ghost” isn’t terrifically action packed but it does let us into the mind of the as yet unidentified Ghost and introduces a villain of Biblical proportions.
WRITTEN BY: Kelly Sue DeConnick
ART BY: Phil Noto
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE October 24, 2012
The very first page, DeConnick and Noto are at their finest. The book opens with Ghost relating the story of Athena’s birth. Ghost can’t remember her own name or family, but she remembers with vivid detail the origin of the goddess of wisdom, who sprung forth from the cleaved head of her father, Zeus. In a jaw-dropping full page splash, Ghost dons her own ephemeral armor, flowing white drapery fit for a Grecian legend.
The story takes a turn towards exposition as we join Ghost, Vaughn and Tommy a diner where they plan their next move. The trio is left with more questions than answers as they deduce that Ghost isn’t the spirit they intended to call – Resurrection Mary – and they still have no clue as to her real identity or her origins. Their meal is interrupted when Ghost hulks out – a reaction to mysterious blonde woman torturing Alex, the man who sold Tommy the magical ghost summoning box that started it all.
DeConnick has proven herself time and again to be a masterful storyteller, capable of crafting believable heroines full of nuance and spunk. Ghost’s buddies Tommy and Vaughn are somewhat less fully realized than the ghost with no name. They’re yanked into Ghost’s gravitational pull, just as we are, and so far it feels like they’re simply on for the ride. Hopefully, we’ll get to see their personalities flesh out in coming issues.
Noto’s art is as consistent as it is lovely and there’s something delightfully retro in his style that works with Ghost’s angular features and flowing lines. Noto’s work is virtually unassailable and it almost feels like unfair nitpicking to point out that all of his men have the same exact jawline.
Overall, “Ghost” #1 is a pleasure to read, with gorgeous visuals and a story that’s bound to leave you yearning for more. It’s a promising start for DeConnick and Noto and it’s definitely worthy of being added to the monthly pull list.
4/5 Skulls
Written by MelissaGrey
Comics
‘Witchblade’ is Getting Resurrected This Summer in New Comic Series from Top Cow and Image Comics
Witchblade, the popular comic series that initially ran from 1995 to 2015 and launched a TV series, is getting resurrected in a new comic series from Top Cow and Image Comics. It’s set to unleash heavy metal, black magic and blood this summer.
Look for the new Witchblade series to launch on July 17, 2024.
In Witchblade #1, “New York City Police Detective Sara Pezzini’s life was forever fractured by her father’s murder. Cold, cunning, and hellbent on revenge, Sara now stalks a vicious criminal cabal beneath the city, where an ancient power collides and transforms her into something wild, magnificent, and beyond her darkest imaginings. How will Sara use this ancient power, or will she be consumed by it?”
The series is penned by NYT Best-Selling writer Marguerite Bennett (Animosity, Batwoman, DC Bombshells) and visualized by artist Giuseppe Cafaro (Suicide Squad, Power Rangers, Red Sonja). The creative duo is working with original co-creator Marc Silvestri, who is the CEO of Top Cow Productions Inc. and one of the founders of Image Comics. They are set to reintroduce the series to Witchblade’s enduring fans with “a reimagined origin with contemporary takes on familiar characters and new story arcs that will hook new readers and rekindle the energy and excitement that fueled the 90’s Image Revolution that shaped generations of top creators.”
Bennett said in a statement, “The ability to tell a ferocious story full of monsters, sexuality, vision, and history was irresistible.” She adds, “Our saga is sleek, vicious, ferocious, and has a lot to say about power in the 21st century and will be the first time that we are stopping the roller coaster to let more people on. I’ve loved Witchblade since I was a child, and there is truly no other heroine like Sara with such an iconic legacy and such a rich, brutal relationship to her own body.”
“The Witchblade universe is being modernized to reflect how Marguerite beautifully explores the extreme sides of Sara through memories, her personal thoughts, like desire and hunger, in her solitude and when she is possessed by the Witchblade. So, I had to visually intersect a noir True Detective-like world with a supernatural, horror world that is a fantastic mix between Berserk and Zodiac,” Cafaro stated.
Marc Silvestri notes, “This is brand new mythology around Sara, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with her and all the twists and turns. Discover Witchblade reimagined this summer, and join us as we bring all the fun of the 90s to the modern age and see how exciting comics can be. I can’t wait for you to read this new series.”
Witchblade#1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 17th, for $4.99 for 48 pages. And it’ll come with multiple cover variants.
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Cover A: Marc Silvestri and Arif Prianto (Full Color)
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Cover B: Giuseppe Cafaro and Arif Prianto (Full Color)
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Cover C: Blank Sketch Cover
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Cover D (1/10): Dani and Brad Simpson (Full Color)
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Cover E (1/25): Marc Silvestri and Arif Prianto, Virgin Cover (Full Color)
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Cover F (1/50): J.Scott Campbell (Full Color)
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Cover G (1/100): Bill Sienkiewicz. (Full Color)
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Cover H (1/250): Line art by Marc. Virgin Cover, Inks (B/W)
Witchblade #1 will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.
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