Customer Reviews

Witchblade Compendium, Vol. 1 (v. 1)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this compendium to read this series after I learned that Marc Silvestri, who worked on "The Darkness" comic series, also did this. I had bought the newest versions that were re-released, and I have to say that I am impressed by them. The new covers are now white, making them stand out on your shelf and making them look cooler than the last versions. I have to say, after reading it all, that the series was awesome. It too has action in it, contains a cool main character. and contains a cool mystical power that destroys all in its way (called the Witchblade). I won't spoil anyithing else of the series, but will mention to "The Darkness" fans that Jackie Estacado, the main character of the already mentioned series, makes his first and flashy appearance in the series (sadly without his Darkness power, which hasn't arrived for him yet). I just want to note that this compendium does not contain the Witchblade/Wolverine crossover comic, so you'll have to buy the Top Cow/Marvle volume 1 to view it. My only two complaints for this book is that the binding, being a softcover, can easily tear and bend, since the binding on my book has now bent inwards from the whole reading. My other complaint being that since the book is big, long periods of reading caused my hands to become sore from the weight of the pages. Otherwise buy it if you like "The Darkness"

Quick Note: If anyone is wondering when the Witchblade Compendium Vol. 2 is coming out, there have been numerous rumors. One site states its coming out Feb 28, while a majority of websites say it is coming out somewhere in March. Nobody knows exactly when it will be released, so be on the lookout.

Finally the new edition of The Withblade Compenidum is avalible. I've been waiting for this for a long time, not knowing when it would turn up. But here it is. Go back to the beginning and get to know Sarah Pezzini and the Witchblade. Great fun and many hours worth of reading material. The artwork is amazing, and the hardcover feels really good. The only thing that makes this one not getting a five star review is the fact that I thought it would be oversized, just like The Absolute Sandman-books. That would have been awsome, and so points out the fact that this is not a 100% perfect edition, but what the heck, BUY IT !!!!

The book is huge. The art is great. The first half of the book is just how could we get the Witch blade to jump while shooting guns and have her groin open. The book rely's to much on art. The first half, The story is build up to the witchblade. Spoiler she never learns how to use it. They have this huge build up... Some bad guys die, then in chapter 26 it turns into a whole reboot. People return form the dead, no explaining why, plot twist turn back with nothing. I do have to say the second half is better. It was very lazy writing , but readable. in end, do not buy. Buy x-men essential by claremont, Joan Hex showcase one. If you like the art buy the darkness. If you have a thing for what the witch blade looks like buy it. You have been WARNED.... Bad movie music here

I believe that a graphic novel needs three critical elements to be successful: a good story line, compelling characters, and great artists.
My first contact with the Witchblade series was in the form of a book called Witchblade Origins Volume 1: Genesis (v. 1) that collected issues 1 to 8. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the art. I had never seen the work of Michael Turner before, and I really liked it. Given how much I liked that book, I decided to go ahead and buy the Compendium. Sadly, my love for the series died after reading 1/3 of the Compendium because of the following:
- Michael Turner, the man that brought Witchblade to life with his drawings, only contributed up to issue #21 or so. After that issue the artwork takes a plunge down that goes from dramatic and compelling art (by Turner) to cartoon-ish and comic drawings (by Randy Green and others). The artwork becomes really disappointing, when compared to Turner's work.

- The story is full of holes in the plot and the sequence. I can not mention them here without spoiling the story, but the integrity of the storyline is very quickly compromised, even with Michael Turner's art.

- The book is so large and heavy (5.5 pounds!) that it makes reading it a large effort instead of a leisurely read.

If you have seen some of Michael Turner's art and are a fan of it (as I am), I can recommend that instead of blowing the money on this book you buy some other great examples of his work: Fathom: The Definitive Edition Volume 1 TPB or Superman/Batman, Vol. 2: Supergirl.