ADVANCE REVIEW! Witchblade #176


After taking back her artifact can our Sheriff manage to do some good with it? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

Sara Pezzini believes her life is returning to normal…at least normal for someone who wields an ancient gauntlet of immense supernatural power. But when dark secrets about an abandoned amusement park surface, Sara’s investigation draws her into a living nightmare.

Witchblade 176_Variant CoverWhen it comes to this book I’ve experienced just about every incarnation. And after quite a few years out there you’d think I’d tire of seeing the same woman walk into a potentially mysterious crime scene and battle against evil, but I haven’t. And as this team proves there’s certainly room to get others on board even as the franchise reaches #176.

Ron Marz pens a script that just feels like a natural starting point for new readers. You don’t have to fully understand the world of Sara Pezzini to get in on this action as she goes toe-to-toe with the supernatural in the space of a closed down carnival. The dialogue is what makes this issue work as our wielder of the Witchblade guides her current partner, Deputy Rooney, along a rather quick path that carries enough spunk and spirit to sell eager followers on a one-and-done entry. My one gripe is that the ultimate succession of events brought forth a conclusion that felt predictable, but to be fair that didn’t lessen its resonance.

The art in this one reminds me of an oldie but goodie that took place in Witchblade #47. At the end of the Keu Cha era and right before Francis Manapul took over we were give a series of moody illustrations by Steve Firchow. As before I found pictures that struck a cord with me and as Maan House lent his pencil to this one he offered up renditions that are bound to unease an audience. Large amounts of detail for our primaries gave way to a set of backgrounds that left plenty of room for creepy things. Add in the colors by Betsy Gonia and the overall look for this book is top notch.

Witchblade #176 may not have Laura Braga handling the visuals but with a competent stand-in and a solid, albeit, predictable conclusion this outing never ceases to be anything less than engaging. In other words pick it up this Wednesday and enjoy a trek on the supernatural side. Recommended.

OUR RATING
8
  • + The illustrations done by Maan House cause unease.
  • + Sara Pezzini take on another supernatural baddie.
  • + Ron Marz offers up smatly timed dialogue.
  • - The ending is rather predictable...

S#!T Talking Central

  • Kondorr

    I am reading War of the Witchblades next… so close to finally catching up! Witchblade is effin great!

    • Harrison Rawdin

      I have to ask: who’s your favorite creative team so far?

      • Kondorr

        Well, I will not be original…
        RON MARZ AND STJEPAN SEJIC.

        Ron actually introduced coherent overarching plots and what Sejic is doing is just plain awesome!
        Although what made me a fan were the first 12 or so issues. So Turner is close second if not equal.

        The rest of those 60 – 70 issues… some were great, others were plain stupid, but I never liked those cartoony artists.. and I never checked the artists… that is until Ron and Stjepan.

  • http://www.maanhouse.com Maan House

    thanks for your coments

    • Harrison Rawdin

      It’s my pleasure.