REVIEW: Witchblade #184
Story By: Ron Marz
Art By: Laura Braga
Behind a glorious Marc Silvestri cover, the current arc for Witchblade comes to a close.
A while a go, I reviewed the first part of this story, back in Witchblade #182 and described my thoughts as being whelmed. Looking back, and with the benefit of seeing the whole story, I am glad to have seen how it ended, although at this point, I will say I was right.
Despite seeing off the Big Bad last issue, Sara is in possession of a book that casts more than a little doubt on her supernatural boss. Has Sara been conned and taken advantage off? This issue sees the conclusion, which you may expect to discover, deals with the ramifications of last issues battle.
I find myself quietly enjoying Ron Marz script. Sure, it sounds a little “Buffy” at times, but thanks to shows like the aforementioned Buffy and Angel, we come to expect that. Sara is one of those rare things that comic book commentators are saying don’t exist. A strong female character. This strength has nothing to do with her Witchblade or the sometimes lack of clothing. It comes from always looking to do the right thing, regardless of how hard that is; about always putting one foot in front of the other even when it appears the movement is a reverse course. Marz captures this element well throughout the issue.
Maan House artwork still looks a tad inconsistent although this is mainly in the action sequences where some of the angles used don’t really add any motion through the panel. Where House is stronger is the quieter moments, the set up panels and the overall panel structure across the pages. Colors are again by Betsy Gonia whose choices around bold strong colors adds vibrancy to the magic element of the book which may seem lacking in Houses pencils and inks.
To some extent, this issue has helped me see why this character is so popular. There is a level of competency around the proceedings, of which with a bit more flair, would increase my enjoyment.  There is also that cover by Silvestri, who is in my top three X-Men artists of all time, (controversy moment ahead, Jim Lee is fourth), which adds a level of quality to the book.
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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