Witchblade #1

Reboots of characters that have a huge fan base are difficult; just look how the mazing Spider-Man has floundered yet Ultimate Spider-Man is working as an example. This is harder this time around as we have already had a second volume for this character, that some may not have enjoyed (based on the low issues in the run). For me, having an original Witchblade creator helps keep that original vibe alive. With this book, Image and everyone involved have a damn good opportunity to soar to the 90's heyday that this book looks to mine. Read Full Review

As Sara Pizzoli, Kenneth Irons, and a reawakened deity converge, an undercover cop on the hunt for vengeance gains superpowers as she tackles police corruption, human trafficking, and powermongers who kill the body and destroy the soul in Witchblade #1. Read Full Review

It is hard to hit the right balance when rebooting a series. The creative team needs to walk the tightrope of introducing fresh ideas, while not ignoring the established lore. Bennett and her team have done just that with Witchblade #1. Long-time fans will recognize elements that drew them to the original series. Meanwhile, those looking to jump on for the first time will not feel as if they need a backlog of information to enjoy the story. If this first issue is any indication, then this reboot should enjoy a long and rewarding run. Read Full Review

Witchblade #1 is a great jumping on point for anyone who is interested in the story of the Witchblade. I am really hoping that this is the start of a very exciting and thought provoking run of an ancient artifact that has the power to bless the chosen woman with terrific and terrifying powers. Read Full Review

Cafaro delivers beautifully detailed and stylish art throughout the issue. The visuals are incredibly well done and perfectly capture the dark tone of the action. Read Full Review

After a four long years since its announcement its finally here. Sara Pezzini has returned to the pages of a new Witchblade title, and it feels good. Bennetts kicking off this new era with a bang. Cafaros giving us some amazing line work here, giving us some great visuals to let sink in. The team seems to have a good grasp on Sara and her world, giving us an updated tribute to the original story, while also giving us something new. Read Full Review

WITCHBLADE #1 reboots Detective Sara Pezzinni's and the Witchblade's origin story from scratch with a tight, efficient, laser-focused first issue. Longtime Witchblade fans will appreciate how masterfully Marguerite Bennett establishes the world and characters without wasting a single panel, and Giuseppe Cafaro's art is solid. That said, rebooting the series from square one may rub existing fans the wrong way, and Cafaro's art doesn't quite live up to Michael Turner's legacy. Read Full Review

The garish 1990s sexiness of the original #1 can be felt in weird echoes throughout the latest #1, but it firmly establishes a much more dark and aggressive energy than writers David Wohl, Brian Haberlin and Christina Z managed with the original #1. There was far too much of a need to render everything that was going on in the background of the original #1. Bennett wisely focusses the story on its main character and the inexplicable horror the brings her in touch with ancient magic. Its a stronger overall approach to storytelling that Wohl, Haberlin and Z were playing with back in 1995.  Read Full Review

WITCHBLADE #1 is a solid first issue. As a long time fan, of course I want more because I know these characters so well, but that's not what this issue is about. Marguerite Bennett has crafted a first issue that has a lot in it for new readers to grab a hold of and possibly become intrigued about and want to come back for more. That's what a first issue needs to do make them want to come back for more. This issue has those moments and there's no doubt readers will want to see more. Read Full Review

Witchblade #1 is an exciting re-introduction to a classic series that won't alienate old or new readers. A well-crafted plot along with engaging visuals makes this a solid read all around. Read Full Review

Most of the comic is standard noir/corrupt fare setting up for the big moment where Sara Pezzini wields the Witchblade. But then Bennett's steady narrative captions and Cafaro's powerful art really put me in the shoes of someone perfectly bonded with the Witchblade, which for most of the issue is like a body-snatching parasite hopping from person to person. Read Full Review

This new series, hailing from writer Marguerite Bennet and artist Giuseppe Cafaro, brings back New York City detective Sara Pezzini as its lead and is a back-to-basics take on the material. However, the new Witchblade succeeds by not trying to emulate the 1990s version; it's more interested in just looking ahead and trying to forge its own path, even if the franchise it's building on houses layers of tedious world building. Read Full Review

ResearchReader

Aug 05, 2024

So this is a reboot but with respect to the original story. I think it does a good job in that matter. Marguerite says she grew up reading Witchblade and it does sort of feel like that. There are little easter eggs throughout the story to the original and the art is passable. Could be better but there are some really great pages. The Horizontal two page splash really impressed me. I looked great. An interesting concept is the idea of ones own bodily autonomy. Not in the politically charged sense but in 'what is a body' is it you or a tool? That is a question Sara is clearly working through and I dont think that is a bad take. If you got taken over by a killing tool, might you not be asking similar questions? Bonus points for the litt le Turner dedication and all the extra 'sketch' to final images. I really enjoyed the breakdown and seeing how it was made. The start was good, not amazing but enough to say we might have a good team. They didnt reinvent the wheel but tried to take the best of the original story and make it their own. Also all the old Witchblade fans out there, remember that the first 50 or so issues were a lot of fan service with questionable plots (minimal great ones). It wasnt till later that the story hit its stride, so lets give this team at least 5 issues? more

fzanca

Jul 24, 2024

A really good start, though I didn't realize it was an origin issue. That's probably a good idea, because I don't think there's been a Witchblade series out for years. The art is generally good and it is a decent retelling of Sara's story thus far. My comic review Channel - https://youtu.be/miGpQ6vc8wo

Jawnyblaze

Jul 22, 2024

I was pretty hyped about this book, but it was rather disappointing. The art was really bad, and that was always one of the main appeals. Rebooting the origin is..a choice. I won't pass judgement on that yet, it could end up really well done but it's going to be difficult to accept the ugly art.

Jonn McLoed

Jul 18, 2024

The problem with reinventing a past success by a wonderful artist that is sorely missed , is finding a new voice for a different generation. The story was way to fast and frenetic to be enjoyable , plus the art and covers were to be honest a little dated. I hope as the months go by the team gel and start producing great work but I'm doubtful and so disappointed. Time will tell.