Comics

Review: “Invincible” #111

Published

10 years ago

May 22, 2014

“Invincible” is one of those books that I always meant to read, but never got around to. Once it passed the 100-issue mark, I thought all hope was lost. However, this issue marks the beginning of a “bold”, “startling” new arc that is supposed to appeal to both new readers and horror fans, so I thought I’d jump in to see what all the fuss is about. Although not entirely an introductory issue, “Invincible” is a violent ride that does not let down.

WRITTEN BY: Robert Kirkman
ART BY: Ryan Ottley
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: May 21, 2014

Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley want to make this arc an easy access point for new readers, which is no easy feat for a book that is over 100 issues into its run. They don’t waste time running through exposition, but rather attempt to present you with the new world that both the reader and the character find themselves in. You get the bare bones of what you need to know in the first few pages, but it isn’t enough. As far as I can tell, Invincible is in a new dimension and must stop Rex, a robotic force of nature, before he ruins everything. There is also another villain manipulating from a space station, but I have no idea who he is. While I was never entirely lost, I was never fully aware of what was going on either. I hope Kirkman manages to slow the pace a bit in the next issue now that the hooks are in place.

They also waste no time getting to the blood and violence. The opening sequence is as ruthless as any “Walking Dead” issue, and the best part is it doesn’t feel out of place in the superhero world they’ve created. Kirkman’s quick script balances tight actions sequences with important talking head conversations. Just when the dialogue verges on too much, he pulls the rug out and goes for ultraviolence. I mean, this stuff is brutal. It’s rare for a comic to be able to surprise with a page turn, and Kirkman pulls it off wonderfully several times in this issue alone. But, what Kirkman does best is balance the violence with emotion. The violence is harsh, but it affects the characters deeply.

Ryan Ottley delivers the artwork like a pro. It is evident that he has been drawing these characters for over 100 issues because the confidence in his line work shines through in every panel. There is not a single misstep, bad line, or awkward expression. He draws interior backgrounds as well as he does giant space stations. The paneling is also stellar, allowing the action to flow with the speed that Kirkman’s script demands.

While I have never read a single issue of “Invincible” prior to this, I will definitely be reading more. The book mostly delivers on what it promises: a new, bloody start for the series. Let’s just hope I’m not entirely lost by the end of this arc.

Lonnie Nadler

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Comics

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

Published

1 week ago

April 18, 2024

Meagan Navarro

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.