Witchblade #2 Review

Witchy Woman

Written by: Caitlin Kittredge
Art by: Roberta Ingranata and Bryan Valenza
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: 10 January 2017
Reviewed by: Andrew McAvoy

In the last issue of this title we saw Alex assume the role of the Witchblade's new host. As we enter issue 2 she finds she's now the prime suspect in the death of an NYPD detective. Not just any old NYPD detective - this dude had powerful and corrupt friends who will do anything to keep his shady business quiet. Let's see how this issue played out.

 

Firstly let's flip the comic review process around a little bit. Let's focus on the art in this book which is pretty magical. The setting is NYC in winter, and the blue cold glaze that touches everything as well as the snow and ice makes this book pretty spectacular to look at. The reds of the cop car lights, cutting through the frosted air, the breath trails of hot air in the icy night, and the contrast of Alex's blonde hair with the cold crisp art were all notable. Likewise in the police office scenes you get that vibe of a lived in office filled with slightly bashed about furniture. The art from Roberta Ingranata and Bryan Valenza was drop dead gorgeous throughout the issue. So kudos.

Secondly the story. Again, as with the first issue a fairly solid outing. The narrative is framed around  Alex learning that the cop that died has left behind a trail of more than just greed and graft at play inside a circle of corruption. These bent cops also have a supernatural backer. He's given away firstly through symbols marked on the cops bodies and secondly an attack made on Alex and her friends. The ending also suggests that Alex may have shown her hand too early in exchanges with one of the crooked cops.

 

 

Bits and pieces 

Alex is the victim here. Hunted by a supernatural force, suspected of vigilantism against domestic abuse perpetrators, and the victim of harassment from a cohort of dirty cops she has her work cut out for her. This issue didn't do a great deal to move the plot along but it was elevated by its fantastic artwork. I'm still happy to tune in again next issue to see how the story progresses.

7/10