Is this the best way to experience this universe ending event?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

ULTIMATE EVENT, ULTIMATE COLLECTION!

Individually, thirteen ancient and mystical Artifacts have guided mankind since the beginning of time. Now together, thirteen Artifacts will threaten to destroy everything when a mysterious antagonist known only as the Survivor orchestrates a grand symphony to draw the Artifact bearers together. Featuring virtually every character in the Top Cow Universe, including Witchblade, The Darkness, Angelus, Magdalena, Cyberforce, Hunter-Killer, and many more, this over-sized, slip-cased edition collects the entire ARTIFACTS series.

Written by Top Cow Universe architect RON MARZ (WITCHBLADE, MAGDALENA) and featuring art from MICHAEL BROUSSARD (THE DARKNESS), WHILCE PORTACIO (UNCANNY X-MEN), JEREMY HAUN (THE DARKNESS), and DALE KEOWN (THE DARKNESS/PITT), ARTIFACTS is an event done right!

Collects ARTIFACTS #0-#13 and ARTIFACTS: ORIGINS. Includes 24″ x 36″ poster insert.

When Top Cow announced their mammoth 13-issue event series back in 2010, I don’t think any fans imagined that Artifacts would have such a lasting impact on their little universe.  Looking back, this series single handedly destroyed and recreated a lasting line of comics.  And it was done in a way that was both refreshing and full of care, so much so that when the end result came the creative team succeeded in not alienating their long time fans.  Whether you enjoy Witchblade, The Darkness, Universe, Hunter-Killer or Cyber Force there’s something in here for everyone as the series writer and a team of talented artists bring this universe to its respective knees.

What can I say about the work Ron Marz did with this event.  From the Free Comic Book Day issue (#0) that preluded the series to the climactic finish, the narrative skill on display is simply outstanding.  Each character acts and reads as you would expect them too.  And with such an expansive cast it was awesome to get to see each of these varied heroes and villains get a spotlight at some point in the story.  When you’re looking to do something bold with a line of comics, like end their universe to give birth to a new one, this is a near perfect example of how you should approach it.

The event consisted of three parts, each had their own specified artist attached to it.  Stjepan Sejic stepped in to do #0, while Michael Broussard handled issues #1 to 4, Whilce Portacio worked on #5 to 8, #9 to 12 were done by Jeremy Haun and Dale Keown closed out the series with #13.  Not all the work is exceptional, but for the most part each artist brought their unique visual flare yielding some very dynamic panels, accompanied by epic battles and clever staging.

Truth is there is no perfect way to experience this story, but if you’re looking to sit down with a massive hardcover with a decent helping of extras, then this release is certainly for you.  Highly recommended.

4.5/5