Witchblade #1 Review: Back to Basics

As a seasoned gamer and comic book enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of reboots and revamps of beloved franchises. But among all the attempts to breathe new life into iconic characters and stories, few have managed to capture my attention quite like the latest iteration of Witchblade.

Four years have passed since the last attempt at reviving “Witchblade” with a new approach, featuring a new character as the title bearer. In contrast, the upcoming 2024 series, helmed by writer Marguerite Bennet and artist Giuseppe Cafaro, is reintroducing the beloved character of Sara Pezzini as the lead. This new take on “Witchblade” can be described as a return to the roots, providing a fresh perspective on familiar ground. However, instead of imitating the original 1990s series, this version aims to blaze its own trail and forge new paths in the richly layered Witchblade universe.

Bennet initiates an unusual opening, drawing in new and seasoned fans of “Witchblade.” In this introduction, Sara Pezzini shares her background and that of her universe. Notably, the Witchblade embarks on its quest for a host (spoiler alert: it’s Pezzini herself), with curious onlookers anticipating its decision. Pezzini is a determined cop who joined the force to avenge her father’s death, but her encounter with the Witchblade significantly shifts her trajectory and sets the story in motion. The debut issue skillfully combines origin stories in a quick, contemporary manner, leaving readers yearning for more by its conclusion – a common trait of opening issues today. Despite the extensive groundwork needed to reach the climax of “Witchblade,” being left wanting more is a desirable outcome.

In Witchblade #1, the story’s structure is enhanced by the artwork. Giuseppe Cafaro provides the line art, creating an intricate backdrop with detailed establishing shots and subtle moments that effectively convey the essence of this world. His splash pages are particularly noteworthy, delivering stunning visuals that capture your attention with dramatic flair and significant plot developments. In one instance, he even employs a splash page that requires readers to rotate the book horizontally for a breathtaking perspective. Arif Prianto, on the other hand, adds color to the series, masterfully setting the tone for each scene by layering hues and ensuring smooth transitions between colors.

As a gamer and fan of Witchblade, I’m thrilled to notice that the new version has made significant progress over its predecessors. Instead of focusing on gratuitous displays of sexuality, the creators have dialed down the sleaze factor. Gone are the panels that blatantly showcase cleavage or moments where women inexplicably strip down to their underwear. Instead, the storyline has evolved, and such scenes no longer seem essential.

From my perspective as a fan, I can’t deny the allure of Witchblade #1 with its captivating visuals and intricately woven narrative. Yet, despite its strengths, the first issue isn’t without its challenges for me. It doesn’t leave me feeling like I’m discovering something entirely new or unprecedented in terms of the plot or characters. There’s a sense of nostalgia for the 1990s comic genre, but nothing in this issue suggests an innovative or groundbreaking take on the storyline is imminent. By the end, I’m still unsure of the full extent of the Witchblade’s powers beyond basic magic combat. However, what keeps me engaged is the fact that it looks absolutely stunning when utilizing those powers.

Published by Image Comics

On July 17, 2024

Written by Marguerite Bennet

Art by Giuseppe Cafaro

Colors by Arif Prianto

Letters by Troy Peteri

Cover by Marc Silvestri

2024-07-17 17:39

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