Fifth Degree: Top Cow October 2010 solicits
by Josh Crawley
Wow, Witchblade turns 15 this year?! Some days it feels like yesterday I first spotted issue 7 on the new comic book rack, with that amazing Michael Turner cover. Those were “the days.”
Witchblade #144 Cover B
Witchblade #144 cover B (or cover A, if you prefer)
This is Ron Marz’s 65th issue of writing Witchblade. Of those 65 issues, I think the only time I’ve been disappointed by an issue is when it involved my sometimes absurdly high expectations. And even then, I wouldn’t consider it being disappointed. It’s more like a feeling of enjoyable, but not quite as awesome as other issues.
Yes, I really do like this current run on the book that much. Also, I don’t know who Jean-Sebastien Rossbach is, but this cover of his is gorgeous. I wouldn’t mind a nice print of this image for my wall.
Witchblade Annual 2010
Witchblade Annual 2010 cover A (or cover B, if you prefer)
Who doesn’t love a Russian propaganda-inspired cover? Answer: no one.
I’m pretty sure anyone who read the 2008 Annual would enjoy this is a bit more than usual (as I know Ron at one point specifically was looking for a copy of that year’s annual before writing this story, unless the annual he was speaking of then became some other story). Not that you’d need to have read that to enjoy this new story. He’s too good of a writer.
Top Cow 2011 Calendar
I don’t normally buy calendars, but I think this is too good too pass on. I’m not sure of the dimensions, but if it’s anything like the 2011 Walking Dead Calendar, it’s a convenient sideways comic book-sized calendar that fits places much better than many of standard calendars. Also, it will be filled with awesome artwork!
Magdalena Origins Vol. 1
Magdalena Origins volume 1 trade paperback
I have a confession: I may buy this version even though I already own some of the material in a previous, more comprehensive Magdalena book. I like the work of Phil Smith (Top Cow’s book designer/production god) so much – and he made the cover look so great – I’m sure I’ll fall in love with the rest of the trade dress, too.
I would recommend this collection if, like me, you’ve been enjoying Marz’s work and wondering where the concept hails from. Of course, if you’ve ever had the joy of listening to me rant and decided to buy the Darkness Compendium, you already have the first story in that collection. Not to worry, though! We can still help you out. The Magdalena Blood Divine trade paperback collects the mini-series material without the Darkness issues.
I’m also going to go out on a limb and guess that if this collection does well, a Magdalena Origins volume 2 — collecting the ½ issue with Angelus, the second mini-series, and maybe we’ll get a few other things thrown in, like the Daredevil crossover issue by Phil Hester & company – will be on the horizon.
Darkness Accursed Vol. 4
Darkness Accursed volume 4 trade paperback
Speaking of Hester, his work on The Darkness has been great. Any fans of supernatural noir who aren’t reading this are only disservicing themselves.
Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer (SDCC Hard Cover)
Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer San Diego Exclusive hard cover
This hard cover is beautiful! I am lucky enough to have one of these in my possession, and while the price may steer some people away from it, it’s worth it. Plus, there’s only about 250 of them, and are you willing to take the chance of finding this in a few years? Did I mention it’s beautiful?
Mark Waid returns to the team he co-created, this time aided and abetted by the amazing skills of Kenneth Rocafort, whose art you may recognize from the current Velocity mini-series written by Marz. Also, a couple members switch teams! (But you knew that if you’re reading Velocity.)
Top Cow First Look Vol. 1
Top Cow First Look volume 1 trade paperback
I know this is a relist, but can you really go wrong?! This collection is less than $5 for 6 comic books. It’s a virtual time machine to comic book prices of the late 80s!!! Me, I plan on buying it (haven’t yet since we just got it in last week and I wanted to give customers a shot at it first) just for the Black Vault story by B. Clay Moore and amazing Magdalena artist Nelson Blake II.
That’s all, folks! Hope you have a great week!
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Josh Crawley may or may not be the keyboardist for Everclear. He strongly suggests you not bet that he is.
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