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Review: ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow – Wonderland’ #1

Published

11 years ago

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Dark Horse Comics’ latest Buffyverse gem comes in the form of a new dynamic mini-series that follows the trials and tribulations of one Willow Rosenberg as she embarks on a quest to restore magic to the world. Considering the train wreck narrative that’s currently destroying “Spike: A Dark Place”, the anticipation and high hopes surrounding Jeff Parker’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow – Wonderland, has been quickly building momentum, and issue #1 does not disappoint. With on-point characterization from Parker, engrossing artwork by Brian Ching, and two stunning covers to drool over, compliments of David Mack and Megan Lara, this new series is off to an honorable start.

WRITTEN BY: Jeff Parker
ART BY: Brian Ching
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: November 7th

“Willow – Wonderland” outlines the consequences of “BtVS: Season 8’s” conclusion following the destruction of the Seed of Wonder (the heart of all magic on earth), and takes place after Willow’s foray through the pages of Christos Gage’s “Angel & Faith: Family Reunion”. Understandably, the idea of jumping into a series that runs concurrently with three related titles can be somewhat daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with the story arcs, but Parker wastes no time in catching readers up to speed at the beginning of the script. He lays out the ramifications of this magic-less world in a way that makes you understand why Willow has to venture on this quest alone; not only for her own sanity, but for the betterment of her world.

Everything that previously made life wonderful is being affected now that magic no longer exists. Without magic in the Buffyverse, inspiration is lacking, visionaries are no longer dreamers, and more disturbingly, suicide rates are increasing by the day. What’s interesting about seeing the severe impact this magic-less world has on their society, is the fact that Parker’s the first writer to actually do so since the start of “Season 9”. It’s a welcomed change of perspective, and one that’s absolutely necessary for the advancement of the narrative.

In this first issue, Willow, who used to be one of the most powerful witches on the planet, has little to no connection with that world anymore. She’s trying to find herself, but in order for her to do so, she must find a connection to a higher plane of existence. So, she travels through this dark and strange dimension full of dark and strange creatures, in hopes of succeeding in her quest. Along the way, Parker introduces Willow to a potential ally, and leaves us wanting more by the end of the issue.

Overall, it’s a worthy first issue with a lot of room to grow, and a definite pull for Willow fans. Parker captures her character so perfectly, that you can’t help imagining Alyson Hannigan’s voice ringing through your ears when reading through the dialogue. Brian Ching’s art compliments Parker’s writing well, but there’s no likeness to Hannigan in the slightest. Of course, that’s not to say his take on Willow isn’t good. I like the fact that he turns her into a more believable “Heroine” in appearance. She’s very strong and determined, and it shows in both script and artwork.

3.5/5 Skulls

Reviewed By – ShadowJayd

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Comics

‘Witchblade’ is Getting Resurrected This Summer in New Comic Series from Top Cow and Image Comics

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10 hours ago

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April 18, 2024

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Witchblade cover

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.

  • Cover A: Marc Silvestri and Arif Prianto (Full Color)

  • Cover B: Giuseppe Cafaro and Arif Prianto (Full Color)

  • Cover C: Blank Sketch Cover

  • Cover D (1/10): Dani and Brad Simpson (Full Color)

  • Cover E (1/25): Marc Silvestri and Arif Prianto, Virgin Cover (Full Color)

  • Cover F (1/50): J.Scott Campbell (Full Color)

  • Cover G (1/100): Bill Sienkiewicz. (Full Color)

  • 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.

Witchblade comic panel Witchblade #1 cover image

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