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Review: ‘Hoax Hunters: Case Files’ #1

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11 years ago

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Geared for newcomers, “Hoax Hunters: Case Files” #1 is an entertaining collection of short fast-paced tales. These paranormal stories are within the “Hoax Hunters” universe and explore the premise in creative ways. If you haven’t caught up with the “Hoax Hunters” series, this the perfect place to get started.

WRITTEN BY: Michael Moreci, Steve Seeley, Tim Seeley, Erik Burnham, Frank J. Barbere
ART BY: Clint Hilinski, Keith Burns, Ryan Browne, Tyler Champion, Nick Pitarra
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: June 26, 2013

What if there was a reality TV show that captured the existence of aliens, monsters, and other paranormal activity? Instead of revealing the truth to the public, the TV show continued to keep the secrets of the universe hidden. The Hoax Hunters are a group of paranormal debunkers, who work together to cover-up the dark corners of the world. This horror/sci-fi anthology follows the adventures of the Hoax Hunters as they film their next episode.

The short stories explore the unique premise created by writers, Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley. Though the series is about teamwork, the major star of these stories is Regan, the feisty and telekinetic heroine. In “Unicorn,” writer Erik Burnham is having fun with Regan’s dialogue as she delivers her witty one-liners. In Moreci’s “Faking facts,” Regan isn’t afraid to throw herself into danger and jump into the ocean. She singlehandedly takes on a gigantic sea monster with her uncanny powers.

One of my favorite stories is Frank J. Barbere’s “Secret Identity.” What if the Hoax Hunters uncovered the truth about a Superman-like figure? Now that the Hoax Hunters have discovered the real identity of their superhuman savior, they have to make a very important decision. How do you confront someone who has extraordinary strength and powers? What would the Hoax Hunters really do with that type of information?

Artists, such as Gabo and Clint Hilinski, play around more with the comedic aspects of the supernatural missions. In “Quantum Brain,” Ryan Browne’s illustrations are packed with such quirky humor. The Hoax Hunters are in a lot of trouble as they confront a homeless man with a mystical brain. The entire team is suddenly turned into Logo blocks, pencil sketches, and 3D graphics.

Keith Burns has an interesting look to his artwork in “Unicorn.” Burns uses watercolor effects to heighten the suspense as Regan enters the woods. Burns focuses on building the atmosphere and the eerie darkness of the green-toned forest. In “Faking Fact,” artist Brian Level plays with shadows as the narrative takes place during a single night. Level captures a creepy night setting as Regan tries to find something in the murky water.

Readers are definitely going to have a lot of fun with “Hoax Hunters: Case Files” #1. The writers and artists make great use of the series’ interesting premise and engaging protagonist. Readers will definitely get hooked with the “Hoax Hunters” series after they pick this up.

4/5 Skulls

Reviewed by – Jorge Solis

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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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2 weeks 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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