Sunday, September 30, 2007

REVIEW - WITCHBLADE #110

FIRST BORN tie-in issue! Patience, the current Magdalena is suddenly drawn into the events of FIRST BORN as Sara Pezzini and new Witchblade bearer Dani Baptiste struggle to survive the battle. CLICK HERE




Top Cow Sneak Peek: Witchblade #110

Top cow has sent Major Spoilers a sneak peek of Witchblade #110 that brings Magdalena intothe events of First Born. Take the jump for the preview. CLICK HERE




REVIEW - Darkness: Level 2

This is more like it.
“This” refers to the current incarnation of the comic book series Darkness, a horror title from Top Cow Productions. The preceding issues did not receive kudos in an earlier Suspended Animation review READ MORE.




Friday, September 28, 2007

Review - Witchblade Anime DVD

Witchblade: Anime Volume 1 DVD Reviewed by EW!
Last week saw the release of Witchblade: Anime Volume 1 DVD nationwide. Entertainment Weekly took a look at the first volume and gave it a solid B+ review.. We’ll take that from one the leading entertainment magazines in the nation! You can find out more about it on the official site CLICK HERE.





Scoop talks Schoolgirl Witchblade Variant Statue

Scoop talks Schoolgirl Witchblade Variant Statue CLICK HERE




Scoop talks Cyblade #1

scoop.diamondgalleries.com talks Cyblade #1 CLICK HERE





WITCHBLADE ウィッチブレイド キャストインタビュー - 水樹奈々(まりあ役)

Interview with the original Voice of the Japanese Witchblade Anime.
CLICK HERE





Thursday, September 27, 2007

Review- First Born #2

Since everyone has to have their own big summer event, Top Cow brings us First Born, a tale set to shake the very foundations of the Top Cow universe and make sure that nothing is ever the same!! READ MORE




Aphrodite IX Pulled From Pilot Season Promotion!

Top Cow Productions announced today a change in their line up for the Pilot Season promotion. Pilot Season puts fans in control of Top Cow’s 2008 publishing plans by allowing them to vote on which two pilot issues receive their own series.

Pilot Season now consists of five self-contained pilot issues starring Ripclaw, Cyblade, Velocity, The Necromancer, and The Angelus. Aphrodite IX, originally slated to be the final book in November, has been pulled from the line up by the publisher. The publisher has future plans for the property but stated it will not appear in this year’s Pilot Season promotion. Fans can sign up at www.myspace.com/pilotseason to receive regular updates and in December will be able to vote on their favorite Pilot Season property. The top two vote getters will receive their own series in 2008. Ripclaw Pilot Season #1 and Cyblade Pilot Season #1 are currently in stores.

“The decision to cancel Aphrodite IX Pilot Season was a tough one,” explained Matt Hawkins, President of Top Cow, “The issue wasn’t coming together in a way that would work for Pilot Season. We didn’t want to risk delaying the voting process for Pilot Season or releasing a pilot issue we weren’t completely happy with, so the responsible thing to do was to remove it from the promotion. Fans haven’t seen the last of Aphrodite IX though.”

Additional information regarding Pilot Season can be found at the official website - http://www.myspace.com/pilotseason.





Wednesday, September 26, 2007

The Darkness First Look Scheduled for Release in November!

Top Cow Productions is proud to announce the upcoming release of the new The Darkness ongoing series scheduled to debut in stores in December 2007. In order to give new and devoted fans alike a chance to preview the new series, Top Cow will release The Darkness: First Look in November 2007.

The Darkness: First Look will feature an eight page preview of the first issue of the ongoing series along with additional behind-the-scenes material from writer Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Deep Sleeper) and artist Michael Broussard (Unholy Union). Hot on the heels of the stunning events of Top Cow’s summer event First Born, Jackie Estacado has fled his old life and has established himself in a new locale with a new look and some shadowy new allies. Die hard fans of The Darkness are sure to enjoy this evolution of Top Cow’s anti-hero and new fans coming onboard from the hit video game from 2K and Starbreeze will find it a reader friendly jumping on point. And with both Hester and Broussard committed to the title for the foreseeable future, readers are assured a consistent and high quality new series.

The Darkness: First Look will be in stores in mid-November and carry a cover price of 99 cents.

“I feel like I know huge secret and can't wait to let everyone in on it. Michael's art is a revelation and I believe the story will satisfy faithful Darkness fans while staking out new territory for the character,” commented writer Phil Hester, “We're going all out to make the book scarier, smarter, sexier and weirder. I won't go as far as telling retailers to build on to their stores to accommodate the hordes of new readers, but I guarantee that The Darkness #1 will deliver.”

“This new Darkness series is ridiculously good,” added Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Top Cow, “I’d go so far as to say if you don’t like what Phil and Michael do on this book, you might not like comics.”




REVIEW - First Born #2

The explosive second issue is here! Who is the father of Sara's kid? Last issue Jackie said it was his. How could that be possible? If you want action, there's no shortage here. READ MORE





Darkness nominated for BAFTA videogame award

The Darkness nominated for a BAFTA video game award in Excellence in Story CLICK HERE




Tuesday, September 25, 2007

'Witchblade' Anime on Sale

The story of a woman whose fated selection as a warrior blessed/cursed with the most powerful weapon humanity is aware of, Witchblade is a sleekly designed anime whose penchant for tough love has made it a success. READ MORE




Monday, September 24, 2007

NEW The Darkness article in Wizard #193

See the First page from this article below

Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

goto Wizard Universe for more info CLICK HERE .


Exclusive First Born #2 Unlettered Pages

If you like Witchblade and are or plan on reading First Born, here’s a sneak peek at some previously unseen pre-lettered pages from First Born #2. Two gnomes were maimed getting these out of Top Cow’s fortified bunker. CLICK HERE




REVIEW - Darkness: Levels TPB & First Born # 2

Two great reviews for these books over at Jazma Online
CLICK HERE



Joshua Hale Fialkov & Kody Chamberlain

For those of you that may have missed the jam packed show, be sure to download the podcast of Fanboy Radio episode #417 featuring Joshua Hale Fialkov & Kody Chamberlain along with an unexpected appearance from Top Cow VP of Editorial Rob Levin! Joshua talks about his work on Cyblade: Pilot Season #1 and Rob and Kody rap about their upcoming Spacedog series, Wight & Associates. CLICK HERE to check out the show.


Friday, September 21, 2007

REVIEW - Madame Mirage #2

Hollywood's elite have gathered to party the night away at the fabulous Kelly Mansion. But this season's soiree is going to take a deadly turn when Madame Mirage crashes the party. CLICK HERE



REVIEW - The Darkness: Ultimate Collection

If you're a serious gamer you probably played The Darkness game that came out recently. What I remember being most impressed with was the concept and story. CLICK HERE



BENEFIT MIKE WIERINGO AUCTIONS BEGIN TODAY

Much-beloved comic artist Mike Wieringo passed away on August 12 of a heart attack. Many artists immediately did Wieringo tribute pieces, and many wished to donate them to charity. As Mike was a lover of both comics and animals, Mike’s family elected to donate them to The Hero Initiative and the ASPCA. These pieces are being auctioned at: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZheroinitiative. All proceeds will be split between The Hero Initiative and the ASPCA. READ MORE


Witchblade vol. 1 DVD Impression

Top Cow's Witchblade series which follows Sara Pezzini, an NYPD Homicide Detective and wielder of the Witchblade, has received many spin-off series chronicling the various possessors of the Witchblade throughout history, but none so unique as FUNimations's Witchblade anime. READ MORE



Thursday, September 20, 2007

FIRST BORN #2 - PREVIEW

First Born #2 (of 3)
(W) Ron Marz (A) Stjepan Sejic (Cov) Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic
First Born goes into overdrive as the delicate truce between the forces of Dark and Light breaks down and Sara Pezzini and Patrick Gleason are caught in the middle! The Darkness and the Angelus throw down in the ultimate melee and the true nature of Sara's pregnancy is revealed. Writer Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) and digital painter Stjepan Sejic (The Darkness: Level 1, Witchblade) deliver the second arc of Top Cow's epic three issue series that sets the stage for the next incredible year!

FIRST BORN #2 features covers by Dale Keown and series artist Stjepan Sejic.
Cover A) Dale Keown
Cover B) Stjepan Sejic

Full Color 32 pages $2.99 Limited Series
Due in store: October 3rd CLICK HERE



L.A. CITY BEATS NATALIE EDWARDS TALKS TOP COW

“America has only invented two art forms: comic books and jazz, both of which are more popular overseas.” READ MORE




Wednesday, September 19, 2007

IN STORES THIS WEEK

Cyblade Pilot Season #1
(W) Joshua Hale Fialkov (A)Rick Mays (Cov) Rick Mays

Now available with an exclusive variant cover found only on the Top Cow Store!
Cyblade - she's training to be an elite super-spy and assassin, but who is she working for? A cerebral action thriller in the vein of ALIAS and LA FEMME NIKITA, this is a whole new portrayal of CYBERFORCE’S electromagnetic warrior. Written by Harvey Award Winner Joshua Hale Fialkov (ELK’S RUN, PUNKS: THE COMIC) with stunning art by Rick Mays (KABUKI, ZATANNA), the true origin of Cyblade begins here.

Full Color 32 pages
Cyblade Pilot Season #1 Top Cow Store Edition CLICK HERE


Cyblade Pilot Season #1 CLICK HERE


Witchblade Takeru Manga #8
The second jaw-dropping chapter of WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA launches here! Takeru has survived her first battle, but will she survive her union with the Witchblade itself? Originally serialized in Japan's popular magazine, Champion Red and written by Witchblade Anime head writer, Yasuko Kobayashi, this issue also features an alternate cover by Top Cow star Tyler Kirkham (New Avengers/Transformers, Pheonix Warsong).

Cover A) Kazasa Sumita
Cover B) Tyler Kirkham

Full Color 32 pages $3.99 continuing series

Witchblade Takeru Manga #8 Kirkham Cover CLICK HERE


WitchbladeTakeru Manga #8 Sumita Cover CLICK HERE

(W) Yasuko Kobayashi (A) Kazasa Sumita (C) Blond (Cov) Sumita, Kirkham




TOP COW PRODUCTIONS FOR DECEMBER

Top Cow Productions solicitations for December.
CLICK HERE




Comic Review: Witchblade Takeru Manga #8

Manga is an entirely different art form than the western comics I’m used to reading, requiring alternative modes of visual interpretation. Luckily, Witchblade Takeru Manga Vol. 8 gives readers — new to the series and manga itself — plenty of time to acclimate. READ MORE




Comic Review: The Darkness: Levels TPB

When I heard that Top Cow was coming out with a comic book based on a video game based on a comic book, I was, to say the least, skeptical. I was never a big fan of The Darkness comics in the first place, but I am a fan of the video game READ MORE




Comic Review: Cyblade — Pilot Season #1

There is one beautiful, sexy woman coming after you. That might be a good thing if it wasn’t the trained killer Cyblade, one of the most popular members of Top Cow’s original flagship series Cyberforce. READ MORE.




Witchblade Anime Full Episode over at IGN

Witchblade Manga Vol 1 is out in stores September 25th!. But you Can't Wait to see a Episode?. Then don't CLICK HERE
or view it here thanks to IGN



Sneak Peek: The Darkness: Levels Trade Paperback

www.majorspoilers.com shows off a sneak peak. CLICK HERE



Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Hyper Magazine reviews The Darkness

The Darkness Scores 92% in Australian gamer magazine Hyper.
Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us
Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us


Promoting Reading

Some folks might not be aware, but Top Cow regularly gets involved in various charity and promotional events where we donate comics, graphic novels, and other cool stuff. Every once in a while we get cool letters back thanking us for our participation. I thought it'd be cool to share on of these letters with the Herd. This one is from the Cumberland County Public Library after their Librari-Con. As always, we're happy to help!


Madame Mirage #2 - Review


Madame Mirage #2 - Review over at comixtreme.com CLICK HERE



Monday, September 17, 2007

Scoop spotlights Madame Mirage #2

Get the Scoop on Madame Mirage #2 CLICK HERE




Legendary Comic Book Heroes Wave 2


Hitting Store This Month with 2 great Top Cow Characters The Darkness & Stryker.



Blog @ Newsarama mentions Pilot Season interviews

CLICK HERE


DVD Talk strongly recommend WB Anime

Last year GONZO worked with director Yoshimitsu Ohashi and designer Uno Makoto to produce an anime series based upon the Witchblade universe. READ MORE




Witchblade Takeru Manga #8 preview

Check out this 5 page preview CLICK HERE



New Witchblade statues by C.S. Moore Studio

We feel bad typecasting Clayburn Moore as a sculptor of beautiful women—the man sculpts good-lookin’ dudes as well—but you have to admit that the guy knows his strengths. READ MORE



Sunday, September 16, 2007

TOP COW TEAMS WITH ZANNEL TO BRING CONTENT TO MOBILE PHONES

Zannel, Inc. (www.zannel.com), the mobile industry’s first Instant Media Messaging™ service, which allows people to micro-blog their lives and start real time conversations by sending video, picture and text updates from mobile phones, has partnered with Top Cow Productions to create a branded channel featuring Top Cow images, wallpapers and videos that users can share with friends on their mobile phones. READ MORE


Friday, September 14, 2007

Seth Green & Hugh Sterbakov Talk Freshmen

Seth Green and Hugh Sterbakov discuss The Freshmen comic on YouTube.
CLICK HERE to check it out yourself!


Thursday, September 13, 2007

CATCHING UP ON THE PILOT SEASON: JASON AARON ON RIPCLAW

Debuting back in 1992's Cyberforce, the character of Ripclaw has roots in American Indian tribes, READ MORE



Wednesday, September 12, 2007

FAN FAVORITES RETURN TO THE VOICE OF COMICS!

amar Nicholas and Tom Beland are two cartoonists making great comics on their own terms. Both writer/artists are frequent guests of the comic book radio talk show and will be returning to Fanboy Radio for a live interview tomorrow. Jamar Nicholas (aka ‘The Grand Poobah of Indy Comics’) is responsible for the webcomic ‘Detective Boogaloo: Hip-Hop Cop,’ is a frequent contributor to DRAW! Magazine and will be chatting about one or two future projects coming out soon. Tom Beland creates the Eisner-nominated ‘True Story, Swear to God’ series out by Image Comics and works on side-projects for Marvel Comics when they’re lucky enough to have him.

Callers to the live show with a question for the guests will receive an exclusive Witchblade Anime DVD thanks to FUNimation Entertainment! Be a part of the action by dialing (817) 257-7631 this Wednesday, September 12th, at 2:00 Eastern / 1:00 Central.

Last Sunday’s live conversation with Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch, as well as hundreds of hours of past episodes are up now at the official Fanboy Radio website - http://www.fanboyradio.com and the show streams episodes from http://www.myspace.com/fanboyradio

Fanboy Radio is a live comedy radio show about the world of comic books and pop culture hosted by Scott Hinze and Oliver Tull. The hour of interviews, humor and information airs from the KTCU studios in Fort Worth, Texas on KTCU 88.7 FM - The Choice, online via internet - KTCU streaming audio and is syndicated in Canada. Fanboy Radio is made possible by FUNimation Entertainment and their DVD releases of Witchblade, DragonBall Z: Season 3 & Full Metal Alchemist and Fort Worth comic book retailer, Y2Komics.


Darkness: Levels tradepaper back - REVIEW

This tradepaper back collects issues # 0 through # 5 as well as a cover gallery and two art galleries. READ MORE



Witchblade Manga # 7 & # 8 REVIEW


Witchblade is in bloody fiery battle with a demonic monster. Even as she pulls a sword from her own body just above her groin we see the blood spraying out. READ MORE


JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV ON PILOT SEASON: CYBLADE



Comics publisher Top Cow has brought something new into the comics field, borrowing a bit from television but executing it in comic form.
READ MORE


Monday, September 10, 2007

Broussard discusses exclusive contract w/ Newsarama


It follows the same logic that Top Cow used when it signed artist Stjepan Sejic as the regular artist on Witchblade through issue #150. The publisher has now signed artist Michael Broussard to a three year contract which will see him as the regular artist on the new The Darkness series coming in December (written by Phil Hester). READ MORE


Madame Mirage #2 review



Paul Dini and Kenneth Rocafort are a dream team together!
READ MORE


Michael BROUSSARD talks with CBR


"It's been a great experience working directly under my biggest influence, Marc Silvestri," Broussard told CBR News. READ MORE


Baltimore Comicon

Thanks to all the members of the Herd who came out to say hello and support Top Cow at the Baltimore Comicon! Hopefully everyone had a chance to pick up a copy of the gorgeous Madame Mirage #2 Baltimore Comicon exclusive cover by Kenneth Rocafort and get a sketch from either Kenneth or Michael. If you did receive a sketch, please feel free to ahare it in the comments section with the other members of the Herd!

Ripclaw Pilot Season #1 reviewed



Former Top Cow blogger and DC Comics writer Mandy McMurray
was kind enough to share her thoughts on our first Pilot Season offering
Ripclaw Pilot Season starts off just as his name would imply…Rippin'
his way through the Tokyo underworld as Eisner-nominated writer, Jason
Aaron (Scalped, The Other Side), brings this Top Cow bad-ass to the
new Pilot Season. The issue reads like your favorite shred-em-up video
game, with fast paced action and great art by Jorge Lucas (Iron Man,
Incredible Hulk).

Returning to his Native American spiritual roots, Ripclaw is besieged
by a spirit bent on revenge against his enemies, thrusting him into a
war with a Yakuza boss. As he wades through hoards of enforcers in
order to exact revenge for the spirit that plagues him, there is no
doubt in the readers mind that Ripclaw has what it takes for kick-ass
super-stardom!

BALTIMORE COMIC-CON 07: TOP COW PANEL REPORT


Top Cow held its panel Saturday afternoon at Baltimore Comic-Con to talk about its upcoming titles and projects. READ MORE


Saturday, September 08, 2007

Michael Broussard Signs Exclusively With Top Cow!


Dynamic Young Artist Committed to The Darkness!

During their panel today at the Baltimore Comicon, Top Cow Productions announced that their latest artistic find Michael Broussard has signed a three year exclusive contract with the publisher.

Broussard began his career in 2006 as one of the hopefuls selected during Top Cow’s Talent Search and studied under Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri in the Top Cow Studio. His first published work appeared in Civil War: The Initiative where he assisted Silvestri and was quickly followed by his first solo professional work in Unholy Union, an over-sized crossover between Top Cow and Marvel characters written by Ron Marz (First Born, Witchblade). Broussard so impressed Top Cow Vice President of Editorial Rob Levin that he was given his biggest assignment to date and one of the crown jewels of Top Cow’s publishing line, the new The Darkness ongoing written by Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Deep Sleeper).

Broussard has signed an exclusive contract with Top Cow Productions for the next three years as part of Top Cow’s commitment to nurture and develop new talent and provide its fans with consistent creative teams on their two flagship titles, Witchblade and The Darkness.

“Michael is one of those rare talents that is almost ready to go out of the box,” commented Levin, “We’re incredibly thrilled to have secured him for our fans on The Darkness for years to come. Fans are going to be blown away by what he and Phil Hester do on this title.”

“For me committing to Top Cow for the next three years is like setting up that move to check mate the king in chess. Because I'm here to kick ass,” added Broussard.



Friday, September 07, 2007

In Stores This Week

The Darkness Volume 6 Depths of Hell Trade Paperback & Madame Mirage #2 HIT THE STANDS THIS WEEK!.


Witchblade Takeru Manga #8 preview


When issue #8 hits the stands, Witchblade Takeru Manga will get a new storyarc that has the US Government looking closely at the title character.
READ MORE


bloggers talking about Witchblade Anime


If seeing Witchblade floats your boat, well then visiting Top Cow's webpage will satisfy you. READ MORE


Thursday, September 06, 2007

News on Angelus Pilot Season #1


Top Cow Productions announced today the upcoming release of The Angelus Pilot Season #1
CLICK HERE


Review - Witchblade Manga DVD

Alternative Press magazine scores Witchblade Manga 4 1/2 stars
Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us
Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us

CLICK HERE


Top Cow Announces Baltimore Comicon Plans



Top Cow Productions announced today their plans for the Baltimore Comicon taking place in Baltimore, MD on September 8th and 9th. The publisher also confirmed that they would be set up at the Baltimore Retailer Summit following the convention.

Headlining Top Cow’s creator guest list for the two day show will be First Born architect Ron Marz (Witchblade) along with rising artistic talents Kenneth Rocafort (Madame Mirage) and Michael Broussard (The Darkness). Top Cow will also debut their Baltimore Comicon exclusive variant cover for Madame Mirage #2 by Kenneth Rocafort at the show. And finally, Top Cow will be holding a panel on Saturday at 3pm in “The Batcave” (Rooms 318-320) where they will unveil sneak peeks of upcoming titles and make some exclusive announcements. Every attendee will receive an exclusive gift just for attending.

“Baltimore is my home town, so I knew we had to participate in Marc Nathan’s show this year,” commented Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Top Cow, “It doesn’t hurt that it’s also one of the top comic shows in the country. To make the show really special we held back a BIG announcement for our panel in Baltimore and a super sweet Kenneth Rocafort cover for our show exclusive.”

Additional information regarding the Baltimore Comicon can be found at the official convention website -http://www.comicon.com/baltimore.
CLICK HERE.


Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Exclusive Velocity Preview on Newsarama.com



Be sure to check out the gorgeous Kevin Maguire interior artwork on Newsarama!
CLICK HERE

Monday, September 03, 2007

Cyblade PILOT SEASON Review


Cyblade - she's training to be an elite super-spy and assassin, but who is she working for?
Read more.


Madame Mirage #2 review


I really love this book after a mere two issues. Mirage isn’t that sort of psycho, tough-talking typical female heroine.
Read more.


Witchblade #103 review


I had never read an issue of Witchblade before the current installment, and, although I’m guessing this is not a representative tale, I was much impressed.
Read more.


Madame Mirage #2 review


Hollywood's elite have gathered to party the night away at the fabulous Kelly Mansion. But this season's soiree is going to take a deadly turn when Madame Mirage crashes the party. But will the hunter become the prey when Mirage encounters Mousetrap?
Read more