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Review: “Abe Sapien” #15

Published

10 years ago

on

“Abe Sapien” #15 is a stand alone issue that long time fans of the series should adore with skillful nods to the past of the BRPD and new perspectives that speak both to Abe’s past and the present.

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WRITTEN BY: Mike Mignola and Scott Allie
ART BY: Juan Ferreyra
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2014
PRICE: $3.50

Review By: Ooknabah

In this, the latest issue of Abe’s adventures, the current storyline takes a break for an interlude back to 2005 where we revisit Abe’s days with the BRPD. What could be an unwelcome break from the current story is instead a expertly managed trip to the past that fans of the series will eat up, both a welcome respite from the present, bittersweet reminder of what used to be and a rumination on the questions that have been and are now still central to Abe’s journey.

Most notably, Roger the Homunculus features prominently, placing the events of the issue during early days of the BRDP series. After a group of hippies inadvertently summon an eldritch horror, Abe is left to examine the remains and ponder his newly found (previous) identity as Langdon Everett Caul. Contrasted with soul searching Abe has been involved in after his most recent transformation, these questions weigh heavily and cement the internal conflict that Abe has now faced for years. Contrasted with Rodger’s happy acceptance of his role within the BRPD and malleable personality, this is even more keenly felt.

Of course, things don’t go well for long, and soon a greater threat emerges as the eldritch horror begins to possess people, but that threat is really secondary to the more personal struggles taking place between Abe, Roger and Agent Vaughn, another seldom seen character from the past. That said, it provides the action that fans expect and does so satisfyingly while not overtaking the more interesting discussions at play.

Juan Ferreyra’s art is about as different from the usual art on the series as could be possible, with the usual dark rough and sketchy quality being replaced with expert design and clean lines. It’s a gorgeous take on the designs formerly handled by Guy Davis, and the brighter colours and precise art create an almost idyllic (if Mignola’s work can ever be described as idyllic) look back into the old days of Abe’s history. Seeing Rodger again may also play into this: reading his voice again makes one mourn his loss anew.

If you’re an old school BRPD fan that has lapsed, read this comic. If you’re an Abe Sapien fan, you all ready will. If you’re neither, what the hell are you waiting for?

 

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

Published

5 days ago

on

April 18, 2024

By

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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