CBR Exclusive Preview: Magdalena #3

Story: Ron Marz
Art: Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, Dave McCaig
Cover: Ryan Sook
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: Sept. 1, 2010

The Star of the Forthcoming Feature Film Gets Her Own Series!

Descended from the bloodline of Christ, Patience is the latest incarnation of the Magdalena. Armed with the Spear of Destiny, she is tasked with destroying any and all evil... even if it takes the form of a little boy. Patience might be able to destroy the boy's demonic protectors, but can she bring herself to murder a child who could ultimately prove to be innocent?

See the full preview here.
Source: CBR

Newsarama Reviews Magdalena #2

Magdalena #2
Written by Ron Marz
Pencils by Nelson Blake II
Inks by Sal Regla
Colors by Dave McCaig
Published by Top Cow

“The Church has been sacrificing my ancestors for a thousand years. If you truly think that’s going to change…you’re more gullible than those people taking Communion down there.” — Patience, the Magdalena

Talk about hating your job, huh?

The Magdalena team (or as I call them in my head: Team Mags) are two for two with the second issue of Top Cow’s newest ongoing series, Magdalena. Ron Marz continues the story of Patience, this generation’s Magdalena, as she is trying to find her place and destiny in a world and Church that she’s at constant odds with. Meanwhile the Son of Satan, no, not that one, is planning another demon summoning since Patience just wiped the floor with the one he had sent earlier.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

CBR Exclusive Preview: Magdalena #2

STORY BY: Ron Marz
ART BY: Nelson Blake II
COVER BY: Ryan Sook
PUBLISHER: Top Cow Productions
COVER PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE DATE: Wed, June 16th, 2010

The Star of the Forthcoming Feature Film Gets Her Own Series!

Patience, the current Magdalena, and her mentor Kristof fight for their lives against a demonic horde. Even if she survives the encounter, Patience must decide if the Church is merely luring her back like a lamb to the slaughter…

To see the preview pages, go here.
Source: CBR

Industry News: Newsarama Looks at Who Deserves Comic Book Royalties?

Colorists may create mood and atmosphere with their fiery red sunsets and striking blues — but does that mean they deserve the long green of comic book royalties?

That’s the contentious question that was brought up this weekend, as Erik Larsen and Dave McCaig debated whether or not colorists, as well as letterers and other members of the production team, deserve royalties and/or cover credits. Here are a few highlights from the many, many, MANY people who ended up giving their thoughts on the matter:

Erik Larsen: I don’t know of a colorist that moves the needle–so I don’t think they should get royalties–same with letterers. Sorry.

Dave McCaig: Print your books in black and white. Put your money where your mouth is if you think colorists are not essential to the team.

Kurt Busiek: I also wonder, did Sal Buscema deserve a royalty? He was consistent, and didn’t make sales fluctuate month to month. And if the writer chose to guest-star Wolverine, it wasn’t Sal’s choice. These are all arguments you’ve used to say colorists don’t deserve royalties. But you don’t apply them to people who do get royalties.

Ron Marz: My reasoning is very simple, @KurtBusiek @DaveMcCaig @ErikJLarsen. If I get royalties, so should colorist, b/c we’re part of the same team.

Read the full story here.

Source: Newsarama

Newsarama's Best Shots Reviews Magdalena #1

There's a lot of things you could say about Magdalena #1, but you'd be selling the book short if you didn't start with this: It is one absolutely gorgeous read.

Just at the first glance, it's clear that the universe of the Magdalena is fast, fluid, and packs a real punch. Nelson Blake II has the sort of style that's reminiscent of Stuart Immonen with more of a cartoony flair -- he really knows how to crank up the speed for a fight, as he has Magdalena dive and roll and slice with that enormous spear. But where I don't think Blake will get enough credit is when it comes to Patience's expressions -- it's not necessarily high emoting of a Kevin Maguire or Stefano Caselli, but as you see the look on Patience's face when she parries an attack, you can tell there's a real subtlety here.

Yet Blake isn't alone here -- he has a fantastic support system with Sal Regla and Dave McCaig. Regla douses the page with shadows and mood, and really gives all the characters some weight and definition. What's fascinating to me is that Regla manages to make the quiet scenes rock even harder than the action -- the characters just have some really bold lines to them, that really makes everything pop. And Dave McCaig... the man is a superstar, whose color choices are always bold and eye-catching. The use of reds, obviously, is a big draw here, but he really electrifies the pages with every swath of color here. For a dark book, McCaig's art burns bright.

Read the full review here.

Source: Newsarama

Comic Attack Reviews Magdalena #1

Publisher: Top Cow
Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Nelson Blake II
Cover: Ryan Sook

“Magdalena”: For a thousand years a woman who shares the bloodline of Christ has been chosen to serve the church to protect the world from supernatural threats, and that woman is known as the Magdalena. The position is currently filled by Patience, who has been able to wield the Magdalena’s weapon, the Spear of Destiny, like no other who served in the role before her. The only problem is that after a “miscommunication,” she left the direct service of the church, but still continues to fight the good fight, and the church isn’t too happy that their weapon is running around without a leash so to speak.

Now things are getting desperate (end of the world type desperate), and the church has decided to train another Magdalena; but like the Highlander, there can be only one! So in order not to have Patience “replaced,” her old mentor volunteers to go and see if he can plead their case and get her back into the fold, knowing that if he fails his life may be forfeit as well.

Read the rest of the review here.

Source: Comic Attack

Graphic Policy Reviews Magdalena

Going into the Magdalena #1 I was a blank slate. I knew nothing about the character other than her brief appearance in some Witchblade comics I read, and that she had something to do with the Catholic Church. It was nice to come into a property with no expectations and no preconceived notion other than the writer of the series Ron Marz has previously produced some top notch material. I have to say, I’m impressed. It’s a fun, interesting series with not an original plot, but still it felt fresh.

The series follows the Magdalena’s are descendent of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene (how hasn’t this series caused more of an uproar!?) who serve the Catholic Church in fighting evil. Is it an original plot? Nope, we’ve seen it tread before, but throw in a layered history, some action, beautiful art and suddenly it stands out from similar material.

Marz does it again; pushing the plot with just enough held back that you need to work a bit on the relationships and where certain tension arises. The main characters banter is descent, and believable, with a nice flow. The pencils by Nelson Blake II, inks by Sal Regla and color by Dave McCaig create a tapestry that holds up to the high art standard I’d expect from a Top Cow comic book.

Recommendation: Buy

Read the full review here.

Source: Graphic Policy

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Newsarama's Best Shots Reviews Magdalena #1

Magdalena #1
Written by Ron Marz
Pencils by Nelson Blake II
Inks by Sal Regla
Colors by Dave McCaig
Letters by Troy Peteri
Published by Top Cow
Review by Lan Pitts
"I've given it all the thought I need to. I've accepted what I am. What my bloodline makes me. But I'm done being used by the Church. Magdalenas have been disposable commodities for centuries. That's NOT HOW I'm going to end up. Nothing is going to make me change my mind." Patience, the Magdalena

I went into this debut issue knowing little about the character and her history, besides some notion of Magdalena being a warrior nun. I know she's made appearances in other Top Cow titles, but other than that, I have very limited knowledge. So I went into this book without expectations, except for the expectation that Ron Marz rarely disappoints. If you're a fan of what he's got going on over in Top Cow's flagship title, Witchblade, you're in for a treat.

If, like me, you're not familiar with Magdalena and her background, no worries. The plot is pretty straightforward, and any backstory is explained through narrative, yet without slowing down the actual story. I got the gist and ran with it. Marz has handled not one, but three (now including Magdalena) titles that have strong, female leads that deal with supernatural forces since signing with Top Cow, so trust me when I say he's in top form. While Marz may have a common theme now with female characters with mystical weapons, each have their own voice, and the Magdalena of this generation, Patience, is no exception. There's a strong opening and it doesn't let up. You have Church politics, demonic brawls, a murder mystery and that's just first ten pages. You want your demon-hunting warrior woman doing what she does best? You got it.

I am surprised Top Cow didn't pursue the usual route and do a sort of "Year One" take on the character. But after reading issue #1, I realized there wasn't really a need for that. Marz just picks up Patience in her own series as she is in current Top Cow continuity, which makes it easier to get to the action, which is wonderfully rendered by penciler Nelson Blake II. Blake captures the intensity of the fight scenes, and just as easily nails the "talking head" moments. The inking of Sal Regla (Ultimate Fantastic Four, Fathom) compliments Blake's style. Regla's inks aren't too heavy or overbearing, and give everything a clean, crisp look that is easy on the eye. On top of that, you've got Dave McCaig coloring his guts out and Ryan Sook on cover duty.

With other companies going from big events, to tie-ins, to more big events, it's refreshing to be able to enjoy a book without having to worry about buying back issues or confusing continuity. There's even a timeline of the women who have been called Magdalena in the past, which expands the world and I enjoyed a bit of each backstory. The issue is there from the get-go to enjoy, so if you've been wanting an accessible title, Magdalena #1 answers your prayers.

Source: Newsarama

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The Weekly Crisis Reviews Magdalena #1 [OUT TODAY!]

I've never read Magdalena before, except for the one time Phil Hester crossed her over with Daredevil not that long ago. I've also never read any Ron Marz but I hear pretty good buzz about his Witchblade run. However, since Top Cow were good enough to provide me with a copy to sample I figured I'd read it, it couldn't hurt me, could it? Well, no, it didn't, and it actually surprised me quite a bit, and in a good way. Hit the jump to see why this could be a relaunch that will interest you.

I've never read Magdalena before, except for the one time Phil Hester crossed her over with Daredevil not that long ago. I've also never read any Ron Marz but I hear pretty good buzz about his Witchblade run. However, since Top Cow were good enough to provide me with a copy to sample I figured I'd read it, it couldn't hurt me, could it? Well, no, it didn't, and it actually surprised me quite a bit, and in a good way. Hit the jump to see why this could be a relaunch that will interest you.


Verdict - Check It: This comic is better than a lot of dreck that comes through the shelves each week. It's a good start for the character and I think this arc has the makings for a very cool story, if executed well. Give it a go if you're on a light week, you might just be surprised by how much you'll like this ass kicking girl with a spear and an attitude.


Read the full review here.

Source: The Weekly Crisis

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Newsarama Exclusive Preview: Magdalena #1

MAGDALENA #1
story RON MARZ
art NELSON BLAKE II
cover RYAN SOOK
APRIL 28
32 PAGES / FC $3.99

The Star of the Forthcoming Feature Film Gets Her Own Series!
The Magdalena has been the official protector and warrior of the Catholic Church for over two thousand years, sworn to defend the Faith with the Spear of Destiny against all manner of supernatural threats. However, Patience, the latest Magdalena, has seen through the hypocrisy of her masters and struck out on her own. When her old mentor comes to her with a mission to prevent Armageddon, will she be able to resist the call?

From writer Ron Marz (Witchblade, Angelus) and the art team of Pilot Season: Murderer, Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig.

Featuring covers by Ryan Sook (Wednesday Comics)!

View the rest of the preview pages here.

Source: Newsarama

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USA Today Dips Into The Rage-Fillled Passion of Berserker

Milo Ventimiglia discusses his rage-fueled passion
By John Geddes, USA TODAY

Milo Ventimiglia is best known for his starring role as Peter Petrelli in the NBC series Heroes. What many don't know about him, however, is that the actor harbors a much more sinister side to his creativity.

Top Cow Productions launched a comic book series in 2009 called Berserker. It is arguably one of, if not the most violent, over-the-top gory, blood-splattered, and carnage-filled series available today. Don't let the description fool you, though. The series is also extremely entertaining, well-written and addictive, luring fans with its excessive violence but enticing them to return with its complex and compelling story. As co-producer of the title, Ventimiglia is one of the key people responsible for bringing Berserker to life.

The comic follows the brutal story of two men (a military veteran and an athlete) who discover they are modern-day incarnations of berserkers — mythological Norse warriors fueled by blinding rage and superhuman strength. Both are subsequently drafted into a secret battle that has been raging for thousands of years. Series creator Rick Loverd describes how Ventimiglia became involved in the project.

"I had written Berserker as a TV spec script and handed it to my agent at William Morris. My agent said it was too violent and there was no way it would ever get made, but ended up giving a copy to Milo. Milo read it and agreed that there was no way it would ever be a TV property but he instantly saw it as a great comic."

The actor/producer describes his first reaction to the story," It was one of those projects that (co-producer Russ Cundiff) and I read and absolutely loved from the very beginning,"Ventimiglia says."I immediately said 'what can we do with this?' "

Read the full article here.

Issue #5 of the series will be available March 31.


Source: USA Today

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Graze Anatomy: Magdalena Hood Down

It's been far too long since I updated with a new sketch. Obviously I have Magdalena on the brain!
Some freshly colored Dave McCaig pages inspired this sketch of Patience.

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Graze Anatomy: Magdalena

Magdalena is one of the coolest characters we have in our library. Maybe it's my Catholic upbringing, but I love the mix of supernatural, Church politics and intrigue, and faith. As more and more pages roll in from Ron Marz, Nelson Blake II, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig's upcoming Magdalena series I can't help but get more and more excited!

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Dynamic Forces Reviews Pilot Season: Demonic #1

Dynamic Forces' Damian Smith reviews the first installment in the 2009 Pilot Season: Pilot Season: Murderer #1.

Writer Robert Kirkman
Artist Nelson Blake II
Inks: Sal Regla
Colourist Dave McCaig
Covers Mark Silvestri (Cover A and B) and Sunny Gho of IFS (Cover A)
Letters: Troy Peteri
Reviewer Damian Smith

Murderer introduces Jason Sparks who as we find out from the first 2 pages can hear the thoughts of those around him from the moment he wakes. From the look of his reaction to it happening it seems that it is something he can not control and if you think about it, how would you control being bombarded with other people’s thoughts all day long?

Hearing other people’s thoughts is what is driving him to what he does. From thoughts as his grandmother thinking he’s a dead beat who drove his father to his grave to the everyday thoughts of people wanting to postpone meetings and finally to the violent thoughts of those looking to do some harm.

Overall I really enjoyed this issue. I have been reading a lot of oversized comics of late and getting back to a 22 page comic was a welcome change. The story flowed really well from panel to panel and Nelson’s art was able to draw, pun intended, the eyes to what he wanted to see be it a character in the foreground or what he is doing to someone while he is seeing their thoughts.

This is a book that has be intrigued to see where it can go after this, if we will have Jason running from the law going from city to city or what can come of it.

Rating: 8/10

To read the entire review, visit here.

Source: Dynamic Forces

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CBR: Pilot Season: Murderer Sells Out

Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that the first installment of the 2009 Pilot Season, Pilot Season: Murderer #1, has sold out at the distributor level.

”We knew that both Robert and Marc were going to deliver in spades with this year’s Pilot Season, but I think both retailers and fans were caught off guard by what a complete package Murderer was,” said Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, “Nelson Blake, Sal Regla, and Dave McCaig really brought their ‘A’ game to this project and it showed in the end product. We aim to make each of the remaining four Pilot Season projects as good as this one and expect them to each be a brisk sellout.”

Pilot Season: Murderer #1 is 32 pages of moral torment in a character study conjured from the minds of Image Comics partners Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible) and Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri (X-Men/Dark Avengers: Utopia, The Darkness). Artist Nelson Blake II (Magdalena) performs the artistic duties to flesh out the story of a man trying to use his powers for good. Jason Sparks is a man cursed to spend every waking moment being bombarded by the thoughts of strangers around him. The only way to silent the voices, the only thing that buys him a moment of respite…is murder.

Top Cow Productions, Inc. plans to digitally release the comic through channels set up with partnered digital content producers for fans to catch up.

READ MORE.

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Image Addiction Reviews Pilot Season: Murderer #1

Well, it’s that time of the year again and Pilot Season is upon us. If there’s something that Top Cow does Image Addiction really like, its Pilot Season. Yeah, we wish we’d see more out of previous seasons and possibly more miniseries, but we only want those because the one-shots we get during each season are so good they beg to be made into a miniseries or ongoing series. This season seems to be getting off on the right foot with “Murderer”.

The year’s Pilot Season is all from the mind of Robert Kirkman, and it’s really hard to go wrong with Kirkman behind the wheel. The guy has so many ideas its insane and so many of them are really good. “Murderer” is one of those ideas that sound interesting, but you’re not sure how it will come across until you see it drawn by Nelson Blake, Sale Regla, and Dave McCaig. After you see it, and then read it – you’re totally on board.

READ MORE.

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Rick Loverd posts Berserker character profile for Aaron Bural

Aaron’s just a normal kid doing the best he can with a shit childhood. From a working-poor family in Middle-America, he grew up without much. An unsupportive mother - never knew his father.

His brother left home as soon as he was old enough. Aaron’s barely been out of the trailer park, never mind the state.

READ MORE.

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Rick Loverd posts Berserker character profile for Rowena Dauven

She’s a drop-everything-and-stare beauty, but don’t let her looks fool you, she’s also a cold-blooded killer. Midgard’s best, she’s single-mindedly trained for the last ten years to control her serk outs. The first to the dojo in the morning and the last to leave at night - a total A-type.

READ MORE.

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Milo Ventimiglia talks about Berserker & DiVide Pictures with the Associated Press

Check out this cool interview with Milo Ventimiglia as he talks about his production company DiVide Pictures and the new comic with Top Cow - Berserker!

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Blog@Newsarama Filip Sablik: “A Feel-Good Kill”

When I agreed to do this regular blog column for Blog@Newsarama I told myself that I would avoid using it as a platform to shill books I was publishing. That is after all, what press releases are for. And that’s still my intent, but I hope you’ll forgive me if I indulge and occasionally tell you about something we’re doing at Top Cow that I think is worth a second look. Today, I wanted to let you know about a new title we’re launching in June called Berserker.

READ MORE.

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