Witchblade #174 Review

The new creative team’s opening arc comes to an end, but is it worthwhile? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

Is the Witchblade out to reclaim Sara as its rightful host…or is it out for revenge?

The conclusion of this issue seemed so set that the path became self assured, but nonetheless between the talents at the helm and the content within I’m left simply being a happy fanboy! Our protagonist has been through a lot since this series first launched back in 1995, and this entry is no different.

Ron Marz is back kids! If you were in doubt about the returning scribe, than get ready because this issue should go a long way in reminding you why he delivered one of the best literary runs in franchise history. He always knew how to challenge the protagonist, and he does so again by skipping over the time that Sara abandoned the Witchblade. Instead we find ourselves thrust into modern events that are building toward whether or not she takes it back. The dialogue is top notch, the pacing is solid and the one complaint I can levy is that the second you open the comic you can see the writing on the wall.

This is the issue where new artist Laura Braga really struts her stuff.  She crafts a visual language that fully embraces the supernatural elements that have allowed this title to stand out in an industry full of books that deal with unexplained occurrences in a sort of hyper-reality. The action is readily available, as the colors done by Betsy Gonia give these sequences enough of a spark to stand tall on their own. I’m trying really hard not to spoil anything, but there’s a specific moment that involves impaling and armoring up, as the illustrator expertly renders reactions and facial ques. In short: this is exactly how good this comic should look.

Witchblade #174 ends up delivering a narrative twist and a more than worthwhile conclusion. It’s near perfect despite the fact that the ending itself seems to never be in doubt. Highly recommended.