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Review: ‘LOW’ #1

Published

10 years ago

on

“Low” # 1 is a blueprint for an astonishing series. A flowing sci-fi fantasy future is promised in its pages and I’d encourage everyone to dive in.

Low_01-1

WRITTEN BY: Rick Remender

ART BY: Greg Tocchini

PUBLISHER: Image

PRICE: $3.50

RELEASE: July 30, 2014

Reviewed by Nick Brehmer

The story begins with a passionate juxtaposition of two worlds, realism and optimism. The two lovers, Stel Caine, the faithful dreamer, and Johl, her strong practical husband, welcome the day when they bring their two daughters out beyond the safety of their underwater city, Salus. We learn through the soft bedside exchange that there are three underwater cities, one of which is thought to be a myth, but still a possibility.

While the search for these cities goes on, Stel turns her daydreaming eyes upwards, towards the surface and even the stars. A new planet – one not being engulfed by a dying sun’s radiation, the reason for their submersion – may be their best hope. Their daughters, meanwhile, are taking up the family mantle of ship helmswomen and huntresses, as they are the last of the Caines. An epic and heartfelt mythology is hinted at in these first few pages that I’m hoping is further expanded on in the upcoming issues. I’m sure it will be.

There are a lot of similar science fiction tropes to Frank Herbert’s Dune work, such as warring factions amidst significant elemental harshness as well as the elevation of the feminine, family history, and family bloodlines. Jodorovsky would be pleased. Given the aquatic setting, Remender makes sure to include the most natural of oceanic villains, pirates. The aptly named Scurvy Horde is the opposing force to the grace and beauty of Salus’s civilization. They are a harsh, cruel, and vindictive crew, twisted and deformed by the denial of necessary technology to thrive under the sea. The ending pages of “Low” #1 see Stel’s optimism tested but not broken as her family is torn apart by the horde’s hatred of the hunters.

The first issue contains a significant amount of exposition and dialogue but it’s Tocchini’s artwork that really stuns you. You can see his homage to the fantasy forefathers such as Frank Franzetta in the character designs and the colouring pulls you down into the depths of “Low.” I found myself returning to specific panels frequently to ensure I didn’t miss anything but also because they’re so goddam beautiful. You can get lost in this one, trust me. Willfully lost.

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

Published

1 day 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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