CBR: Artifacts #1 Goes to Third Printing

Top Cow Productions, Inc. is proud to announce that the first issue from their mega-event series, Artifacts, has sold out for a second time at Diamond and will head back to the printers for a third printing to meet demand, a first in Top Cow history.

The dynamic pairing of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade) with the art team of Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Rick Basaldua (The Darkness), Sal Regla (Magdalena) and Sunny Gho of IFS (Velocity) delivers one of the most accessible and engaging event series to date.

”The rapid sales velocity on Artifacts #1 has been incredibly gratifying and a testament to the fantastic work that the entire creative team of Ron Marz, Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua, Sal Regla, and Sunny Gho have been doing,” commented Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, “We’ve never gone to a third printing, but this is our biggest event to date and we want our retail partners to know that we are fully behind it.”

Read the full release here.
Source: CBR

Pop Matters Reviews Artifacts #1

Tomorrow's Just Another Word For Nothing Left To Do...

“The quotidian will find you out”, visionary writer William Gibson has always been keen to remind readers. Things will happen and will continue to happen. The danger of life on the cusp of the future, is that there might be no danger at all. No monsters lurking under the bed.

Gibson’s comments take on a very visceral sensation with the recent Artifacts #1. There is a preternatural crisis brewing. Strands of destiny are being drawn together. Pieces are blitzing across the board, and ancient forces have been set into motion. But this is not the same kind of ancient destiny you may have encountered in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or more recently in the Harry Potter series or the writings of Stephanie Meyer.

Instead, you’ll find something entirely different in Artifacts #1, you’ll find The Quotidian. The rise of the everyday. As the issue’s two (of the series’ presumably 13) protagonists wind their way through the streets of NYC, wearing the artifact that balances the quintessential light of the universe with the essential darkness, is really no more than any other single thing to do in the daily grind. And so too is carry the Artifact that brings judgment to all before it, the Rapture that doles out hope or despair. This 13-issue limited series already feels very much like, “remember to buy milk, pickup kitty litter and thwart evil”. This is Janis Joplin’s ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ rebooted for the 21st century—no more ‘Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose’, and more a case of ‘Tomorrow’s just another day for nothing left to do’.



Read the full review here.
Source: Pop Matters

Ideology of Madness' Podcast Reviews Artifacts #1

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it is that tacos are awesome. If there are two things we can all on agree on it is that crimes must be punished, wrongs must be righted, injustice will not stand. In this week’s episode of Funnybooks, we kick the show off by addressing the rudeness of others before jumping into a week full of terrific new comics including Top Cow’s Artifacts event, a ton of books from Radical, and even more from the big two. Plus, we discuss the new DVD release Batman: Under the Red Hood.

Get the podcast here.
Source: ideologyofmadness.spookyouthouse.com

League of Comic Geeks Reviews Artifacts #1

As a setup issue and introduction to the TCU, Artifacts #1 succeeds admirably. If you've never dipped your toes in the Top Cow waters, this really is the perfect jumping-on point, and an extremely enjoyable one at that. Ron Marz has a deft hand at characterization (as he demonstrated with the excellent Velocity #1, probably one of the strongest debut issues I've ever read), and keys us in to the major players within a line or two of dialogue. He also knows when to apply economy and let the art speak for itself. Together with the enormously talented Broussard, he delivers a cinematic experience that keeps the interest high and the pages turning, though its easy to pause when the art looks this good (with a tip of the hat to Sunny Gho's stellar coloring). A two-page spread explains the whole premise of the event, letting us know the players and what's at stake, while back-up character descriptions provide some history for those of us not so in-the-know. The team also proves they're not afraid of pulling any punches by ending the issue with a (literal) bang.

Read the full review here.
Source: leagueofcomicgeeks.com

Cosmic Book News Reviews Artifacts #1

Writer Ron Marz tells us himself that he is creating something new out of the old Top Cow Universe and what material he is presenting here for the first time, which is going to pay off for longtime readers and new readers alike. If you are new to the Top Cow Universe, more than likely you may be familiar with a couple of their denizens, namely the Witchblade and Darkness. These two are only pieces of a puzzle as there are other characters that make up the big picture as well. What’s great about this is that you need not worry about being heavily engrossed in the continuity of Top Cow as Marz gives us an introduction to each of the characters, whether it be in the main story itself or at the end with a series of write-ups. I love when comics include a bit of background on the story, whether it be month-to-month or information such as this.

The story itself is heavy on action, mystery, intrigue and drama; artist Michael Broussard did an amazing job showcasing Sara Pezzini as the first page testifies. The panel layouts were well done, heightening the emotion we readers feel as we read the dialogue. Broussard and company gave us some gorgeous art and the subtle positioning of the female body was appreciated! Top Cow is renowned for their fabulous art; no surprise to veteran Top Cow readers.

Read the full review here.
Source: cosmicbooknews.com

Kitty Pryde's Reviews Artifacts #1

Do you need to be up to date? Nope. Not at all. In that case this issue works extremely well. Marz does a great job, using the characters and secondary characters to bring us up to speed. The conversation between agents of the Angelus and Darkness, explaining why they are watching the daughter of Sara Pezzini, seems natural but explains just what we need to know. The art is great. Broussard fits squarely between the work of Silvestri and the work of Kenneth Roccafort. He's got a looser line than Silvestri but not as messy as Roccafort. Good layouts, good figures. Excellant choices of viewpoints. His work has a gritty feel to it. Works for this story. The colors chosen are great as well. Really help create an atmosphere for the story.



Read the full review here.
Source: kittyspryde.forumotion.com

Comic Book Revolution Reviews Artifacts #1

Artifacts is off to a great start, this doesn't exactly leave the world in shambles and leave me dying to see what happens next because of it, but its great character work, gorgeous artwork and the promise of great and epic things to come heave me very excited. While 13 issues is a big commitment, I highly recommend you jump on now as things are really going to heat up now and I can't wait to see more, a great start to what I have high hopes to be a great event

Read the full review here.
Source: comicbookrevolution.net

Ideology of Madness Reviews Artifacts #1

Artifacts #1 is awesome. There’s really no other way to describe it. While new readers to the Top Cow Universe will find plenty to enjoy, long-time readers are going to have a field day with a beloved character’s return, and the death of a major player. While both events will of course be interesting to those unfamiliar with the history of the Top Cow characters, the emotional core of the storyline will definitely be more interesting to those who know the characters involved.

Read the full review here.
Source: ideologyofmadness.spookyouthouse.com

Westfield Comics Reviews Artifacts #1

Marz frequently says that, albeit with different wording. The nice thing is he doesn’t just preach it, he practices it. I was helping a customer just yesterday, and seeing what he had in his pull list — Magdalena and Velocity (two other recent new Marz series from Top Cow) — I mentioned Artifacts (and its basic concept of bringing together of the Top Cow Artifacts for Universe changing epicness) to him. He added it to his pull list almost immediately. He, as a reader, felt comfortable buying Artifacts sight-unseen based off of the ease of coming into the other series and not knowing the back stories.

Read the full review here.
Source: westfieldcomics.com

Crave Online Reviews Artifacts #1

Artifacts is the long awaited thirteen part series from Witchblade/Darkness scribe Ron Marz and plethora of artists from the Top Cow camp. This is another event series where the very fate of mankind is up for grabs as forces of good and evil clash in an epic struggle.

Now as much as I enjoy stories with Lanterns and attacks on Viking worlds, there’s something about Artifacts that could teach the big two a lesson in pacing and storytelling. Not only does Ron Marz’s story give us what we want from an event series, it gives a little more.

The art by Michael Broussard is some of the most exciting work he’s done to date. The panels leap off the page with solid lines and a tremendous feel for motion. Broussard has not just dedicated himself to painstaking detail but also to bringing a real sense of life and desperation to the work.

Read the full review here.
Source: craveonline.com

Flames Rising Reviews Artifacts #1

Ron Marz is writing Artifacts, but joining him for the artwork are Michael Broussard on pencils, Rick Basaldua and Sal Regla on inks, and Sunny Gho on colors. The art team does a phenomenal job — it’s not Sejic’s surrealistic style from Witchblade and Angelus, but there’s a great deal to look at in these images, from shattering stained glass to a scruffy looking Tom Judge walking out of the panels. On one page, Sara lets loose with her gun, and in each progressive, page wide panel, the witchblade grows longer on her arm until she’s armored up and ready to fight. (There’s one panel that suffers from “comic-book-women-have-painfully-enormous-breasts” syndrome, but only one.)

The ending of this issue with a “holy crap, they just did that?” moment means we’re likely to get a lot of world shifting moments in this series. If you haven’t been reading any of the Top Cow series, I’m not sure this is the right place to start, but based on the recap from the Curator, Marz is trying to make it easy for new readers to dig in to the universe. If it keeps the tone of issue one, this is going to be a great ride.

Read the full review here.
Source: flamesrising.com

Nfamous Gamers Reviews Artifacts #1

With excellent writing by Ron Marz, and art chores handled by Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua, Sal Regla, and Sonny Gho, Artifacts brings together some of the best talent Top Cow has to offer to bring their fans an exciting and entertaining ride. Issue one delivers just enough intrigue to make you need to pick up the second part of the event but delivers the right amount of action and answers that make reading this book fulfilling. And if you doubt just how exciting this storyline can be, let me just say that the casualties have all ready started as one character doesn’t make it out of issue one alive. I will personally admit that I have been waiting for this storyline for the better part of a year now and I am glad that the first issue didn’t disappoint. Top Cow fans, this one is a must have. Comic fans in general, if you have never read a Top Cow boo, pick this up and you will be a fan in an instant. In any case, I give this issue my highest recommendation.

Read the full review here.
Source: nfamousgamers.com

Newsarama Reviews Artifacts #1

Review by Amanda McDonald

I'm pretty open minded, so there are a lot of kinds of books I love for a variety of reasons. What's so lovable about this one? This is the kind of book you read, and immediately want everyone around you to read it too so you can all talk about how awesome it was.

The concept is simple enough -- thirteen artifacts are placed with bearers around the world. These artifacts represent primal powers and are all balanced by the witchblade, however the thirteenth artifact is hidden. The thirteen book series will assumedly focus on a different artifact and bearer each issue. In addition to the main story, the issue also includes a short origin story explaining the witchblade.

The key here is Ron Marz's storytelling.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

Twitter Report: Rick Basaldua Talks EBas' Stolen Portfolio

In other news, some jerk apparently stole some artwork from ace inker Rick Basaldua at San Diego Comic-Con last week. He tweeted links to some images of what was taken, and I wholeheartedly recommend checking that out after the jump in case you run into any of it on the black market. All of this and reactions to "Project Runway" and the "Thor" trailer await you below.

@RickBas9 Ebas got his art stolen at SDCC this year, if you see anything of these on sale, please let him know! http://bit.ly/b4k4Hm
-Rick Basaldua, Inker ("Witchblade/Devi," "Hunter-Killer")

Read the full article here.
Source: splashpage.mtv.com

Comic Vine Reviews Artifacts #1

Wow... just wow. As stated in my pre-cursor to the review, I know very little about what's going on in the book. Luckily, Ron Marz did a great job of making everything in this universe easy to understand and explained just enough not to annoy the hardcore fans, but give enough to the new reader so some of us didn't feel lost and confused. Ron Marz's writing is solid, engaging, and leaves you wanting more. The art, pencils by Michael Broussard, inks by Rick Basaldue & Sal Regla, and colors by Sunny Gho are what really pulls everything together for me. It has a great, distinct style that's easy on the eyes, yet full of detail. In addition, there are some great bonus pages in the back including a quick recap on the Origin of Witchblade and a list of the key players in this book.

Read the full review here.
Source: omicvine.com

Examiner.com: Top Cow Artifact #1 Release Party at Collector's Paradise

Los Angeles Comic Book shop Collector's Paradise will offer special variant and regular editions of Top Cow's Artifacts #1 with signings by part of the creative team on Saturday, July 31, from 7-10 pm. Collector's Paradise Comics & Gallery is located at 7131 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, CA

Read more on the event here.
Source: Examiner.com

CBR Reviews Pilot Season: Stealth #1

Set in Dearborn, Michigan, this book hits like the Image books of yesteryear. It sets up a believable world with the first image and doesn't slow down from there. We meet Todd as he returns home –- a home he is trying to establish as a recent divorcee. His ex-wife is trying to make the transition easy for the two of them, but Todd has also taken on the task of caring for his elderly father in addition to trying to stay connected to his daughter who is away at college.

Peppered into the revelations of Todd's situation are the adventures of Stealth, a locally popular superhero. Stealth appears to be a hybrid of Falcon and Batman with all of Batman's attitude, decking a set of kids spray-painting a building with a ferocity that might be better directed towards homicidal maniacs. The beatdown raised an eyebrow from me, but not much more than that.

While I may not be familiar with Sheldon Mitchell, I am quite impressed with the effort put forth here. Mitchell's style is as close to a house style as Top Cow has. Keeping in mind that Marc Silvestri is the head of the house of Cow, certain artistic comparisons are unavoidable and Mitchell should be proud to share those comparisons. The art on this book isn't going to set the world on fire, but it is solid, consistent, and dynamic. Mitchell does a great job of varying the characters in the book. The doctor Todd consults with isn't a cookie-cutter clone of the protagonist, and Todd's ex-wife, Alicia, isn't a pin-up model labeled as a supporting character. This is a book that looks like the real-life adventures of Todd.

"Stealth" packs a surprise twist that caught me off-guard.



Read the full review here.

Source: CBR

What The Con: WonderCon Signing Schedule

WonderCon's upon us, Herders!

I hope you join us at Images' Booth (#407)!

Here's the signing schedule for the weekend:

Friday
2:00 - 3:00 Rick Basaldua
3:00 - 4:00 Nelson Blake II
4:00 - 5:00 Michael Broussard
4:30 - 5:30 Ryan Winn

Saturday
11:00 - 12:00 Sheldon Mitchell
12:00 - 2:00 Joshua Hale Fialkov, Rahsan Ekedal
2:00 - 4:00 Michael Broussard, Ryan Winn
4:00 - 6:00 Nelson Blake II, Rick Basaldua

Sunday
11:00 - 12:00 Ryan Winn
12:00 - 1:00 Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua
1:00 - 2:00 Joshua Hale Fialkov, Rahsan Ekedal
2:00 - 3:00 Nelson Blake II
3:00 - 4:00 Sheldon Mitchell

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Twitter Report: Halo Tournaments and What Makes Writers Worthy of Hate

Epic conversations for the ages consumed the Twitter Report feed today, as Tony Harris and Ron Marz pondered what makes writers worthy of hate, P.J. Holden and Tony Lee discussed what makes creators "professionals" and Jamie McKelvie wondered if "Final Fantasy XIII" is actually an RPG.

If you're mind hasn't been blown by the time you've finished pondering these subjects yourself, check out out Ben Templesmith's connection to "The Pacific," who cleans up at TopCow "Halo" tournaments and how Mike Norton draws Tawky Tawny.

Writers pt. 1: @TONYFINGHARRIS Ya know what I hate? Well, lots of things, but I really hate writers who think they are Jeezus. You are their Art-Monkey. Nope.....
-Tony Harris, Artist ("Ex Machina," "War Heroes")

Writers pt. 2: @ronmarz @TONYFINGHARRIS Writers who only want an art monkey are dumbasses. You guys make us look good if we let you do what you do.
-Ron Marz, Writer ("Green Lantern," "Witchblade")

@RickBas9 Halo nights at @TopCow are always the best!! Great times watching the other team cry like little girls XD
-Rick Basaldua, Inker ("Witchblade/Devi," "Hunter-Killer")

Source: MTV Splashpage

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Omnicomic: Top Cow at WonderCon

While we here on the East Coast (here in Boston specifically) are lucky to have three conventions in successive weekends (PAX East this weekend, Anime Boston next week and Boston Comic-Con in two weeks), the west coast seems to have a neverending parade of conventions. Take next weekend for instance, when WonderCon descends upon the Moscone Center South in San Francisco for three days (April 2-4). At the show will be some of the requisite publishers, including Top Cow, who has seen fit to make sure you know which both they'll be at and who they're bringing.

Top Cow is sharing a booth with Image Comics (Booth #407), and the following talent will be available: Michael Broussard, Nelson Blake II, Sheldon Mitchell and inker Rick Basaldua. Also at the show will be the expected limited edition exclusives, Top Cow comics and general debauchery and hoopla that come with a convention.

Full press release available here.

Source: Omnicomic

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