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

Newsarama's Best Shots Advance Review: Magdalena #3

Nelson Blake II's use of sharp angles keeps the story at a nice pace as well as engages the reader. Showing how Magdalena moved around the building a la Batman, was a change of pace and I just wonder how easy it was to creep around with that armor on. Blake's action shots are drawn beautifully with a high impact feel. When somebody is shot, stabbed, or punched, you can sense the impact he was going for. His demonic designs are creative and feel they impose an actual threat, without them being over done. Sal Regla's inking style compliments Blake's pencils exceedingly well. The first six pages of Mags prowling around is evident of that. Dave McCaig's colors are brilliant as always. The use of reds and yellows is still dominant, but he has a chance to work with blues and purples.

Read the full review here.
Source: Newsarama

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

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

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

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

Top Cow is Collector's Paradise's Local Publisher of the Month for the Month of May

Top Cow Productions is Collector's Paradise's May Local Publisher of the Month! We work with a lot of publishers, and are friends with all of them, but none offer the support in both product and talent like Top Cow. Our customers have gotten to meet at our Release events people like Milo Ventimiglia, Jeremy Haun, Joe Benitez, Nelson Blake, Sal Regla, and this past weekend, Rick Loverd, Michael Broussard and the Top Cow founder himself, the tallest person in comics, Marc Silvestri. Top Cow is gearing up for a company-altering event, ARTIFACTS, which will re-focus the company’s titles and create a very convincing and entertaining mythology that will make fans want to pick up all the Top Cow titles. A 12 issue mini-series that will redefine the way you see Top Cow’s characters and create a cohesive reason for them to co-exist together as part of a shared universe. If you are an X-men fan, this is an event for you. If you like high concept fantasy and sci-fi, this is an event for you. Give ARTIFACTS a shot with the free FCBD ARTIFACTS primer, ask us for a copy, we have plenty in stock.

Source: Collector's Paradise

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