Witchblade #128 (War of the Witchblades Chapter 4) – Review

By Ron Marz (Writer) and Stjepan Sejic (Artist)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: “The War of the Witchblades” event got quite a jolt from the last issue, thanks in part to the (possible) deaths of not one, but two main characters. While I’m sure that at least one of the Witchblade bearers will turn out to be at least somewhat ok, it all made for a very nice cliffhanger.

The Story: The Angelus warrior Sabine sees an opportunity to make the Witchblade whole again, but needs to manipulate Dani in order for the plan to work…

What’s Good: Let me just say this this section is going to look a bit misleading because I actually like Witchblade #128 quite a bit… Anyways, “The War of the Witchblades” continues to intrigue, thanks to the mystery surrounding some of the elements of the mythology that the story has introduced. Ron Marz is doing a nice job of crafting a memorable event and handling the characters; the latest chapter of the story reads rather well. And thanks to Stjepan Sejic’s unique painted style (the artist’s work is as strong as ever in Witchblade #128), the event is as compelling to look at as it is to read.

What’s Not So Good: The problem with the latest issue of Witchblade is that it doesn’t do a whole lot to move the Witchblade war forward. See the story summary above? That’s pretty much all that happens in the issue outside of the (now standard) mysterious old shop owner appearance. Sure it sets the stage for what looks to be a classic battle, but that doesn’t feel like enough when it seems like more could be happening. It’s always frustrating when a good event is bogged down by pacing issues.

Conclusion: I know that’s not much of a review written above, but there just isn’t a whole lot that needs to be said about Witchblade #128. On a technical level, it’s a pretty standard issue of a good series. What that means is that the book reads well and looks absolutely spectacular at times (the “to be continued” page is poster-worthy for sure). As part of an event though, the latest chapter of “The War of the Witchblades” is a bit weak because not enough happens to make Witchblade #128 as satisfying as it could be.

Grade: C

-Kyle Posluszny

W.C.B.R. Top Picks!

Ray’s Top Picks

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Most Anticipated for this Week: Justice League: Cry For Justice #1 – Ever since I saw the preview for this in last month’s issue of Batman and Robin, I simply couldn’t wait. It’s the story and the situation we all need to see.  The Justice League post the deaths of Batman and Martian manhunter…

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Kyle’s Top Picks

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Rob’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Amazing Spider-Man #598- Hate to disagree with my friend and c0-editor here at WCBR Kyle, but I thought this week’s installment of American Son was an easy A. But then again, I’m in the tank for Kelly as much as he is for Obama.

Most Anticipated for this Week: Captain America Reborn #1- Can’t wait to see how this plays out. It is rare that I am excited on the outset  for a creative team, but Hitch and Brubaker is a pairing that I am psyched for.

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Alex’s Top Picks

Best Of The PastWeek: Detective Comics #854 – Was there really any question?  Despite a game showing from Northlanders, Detective killed the competition for me.  The best art you can find in a DC book right now combine with crisp writing and a cowled character like no other in what is now my favourite Bat-book.  Oh, and the backup is pretty nifty too.  This was the first time in a long time that I paid the $4 without feeling gyped.

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Other Top Picks for this Week: Astounding Wolf-Man #17, Captain America: Reborn #1, Uncanny X-Men #513, The Sword #18, Batman and Robin #2, Agents of Atlas #7, Green Lantern Corps #38, Destroyer #4

DS’s Top Picks

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Most Anticipated for this Week: Strange Adventures #5 – I’m going to go for an odd pick this time, with Strange Adventures, because I really love Starlin and his cosmic stories.

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