The past is never forgotten … it just fades from memory.
Creative Staff:
Writer: Caitlin Kittredge
Artwork: Roberta Ingranata
Colors: Bryan Valenza
Letters: Troy Peteri
What They Say:
Alex has survived her first major test as the Witchblade, but now a far more powerful foe has set its sights on taking her down, and to come out on top, Alex must fully embrace her role as the Witchblade’s host—which will mean sacrificing her life as she knows it for good.
Content (please note that portions of review may contain spoilers):
Out desperation and a lack of understanding, Alex finally swallows her pride and asks Ash for help, however even as she tries her best to defend herself, his training is as cryptic as his answers. But as she tries to settle back into her normal routine, Debbie confronts her partner about absences and unreturned calls, to which Underwood balks in giving a straight answer. However even as they skirt the issue, the past one cannot go excused as her friend breaks the bad news of Detective Roseland digging deeper into Alex’s involvement in the Groves case. While she tries to calm her down, annoyance builds up against the investigator who is clearly fishing for evidence, but this advocate will not let frustration deter her from her job, no matter how frustrating it may become. There is still a girl missing and Alex needs to find her, no matter the outcome.
As Alex returns to Roosevelt Island and the house which is the scene of the crime, she cannot but wonder if there is something else hidden within this scenario. Spectral images emanate from the area, ebon tentacles lash about protecting some forbidden entity, but it is the phantom of a girl which draws her attention. Ms. Duncan had confessed to murdering her daughter, but it is not until now do any of her ramblings make sense, and even now they still seem nonsensical. However as Underwood follows the lonely girl to an isolated boat ramp, it is clear this is not an ordinary crime which occurred within, but supernatural in nature. Even as the rotten wood collapses under her weight, Alex still cannot fathom the truth, but luckily she does not need to understand as a certain artifact saves her from the ravages of the icy depths. This day is not over … in fact, it has not even begun.
In Summary:
As we dive deeper into the eccentricities of this series, writer Caitlin Kittredge unleashes her imagination to reveal ever more mysteries to be answered. However at the same time, with each issue she also poses unto us more quandaries which seem unresolved, only waiting to be clarified at a later date. While this may a great way to build upon the foundation, it also makes what has been previously laid down crumble under the stress of having too many questions watering down the mortar which holds everything together. I can understand if Kittredge has some plan to solve everything within one masterstroke, but the anticipation can also detract from the patience of readers. With each book we seem to approach some comprehension, but at the same time, she also adds more puzzles to befuddle us in delirium. I can appreciate how she keeps us guessing, supplied with information from the previous series, though it can also be frustrating by the number of tangents it takes to arrive at the end of the story. Just as we focus on one theme, she splits off and introduces something else, almost as if it were an afterthought, only mudding the waters of what is supposed to be a clear stream. Too much information becomes a burden and makes the narrative unappealing and it seems this title is stumbling into the same pitfall, which is a shame for something which seemed so promising.
Even as we attempt to sift through a confusion of multiple narratives, one cannot deny the magnificent splendor which is Roberta Ingranata’s emotionally stirring illustrations. From the start we are enraptured by the simplicity of understated elegance, peering into a plain scene, but focused by the allure of a singular image – an unconscious Alex. While the page may not be as exciting as any other action scene, it is the emotional ambiance which her presence stirs, but made all the more effective when paired by Bryan Valenza’s ethereal mastery of color. He makes tragedy embrace beauty, the ghostly purity of those runes chased by neon blue will-o-wisps is so hauntingly simple and yet it amplifies what is coming next, an image of strength which cannot be denied. Throughout this issue this artistic cooperation makes you wonder how they can contain such powerful portrayals within the pages, every panel is pronounced with Ingranata’s vitality and only made all the more meaningful via Valenza’s palette of marvelously mysterious tones and shades. They make you want to turn the page just to see how much more intense the next image can be, all until we reach the hint of the Witchblade’s materialized protection, making the waiting worth each tease. If anticipation is rewarded like this, then allow me to be the first in line up for such a prize.
Witchblade cannot be denied being a worthy successor to such an amazing title, but at the same time it seems to be dragging its heels to show us what it is truly capable of revealing. Just as we seem to understand one mystery, multiple venues pops up to confound the reader and ruin any enlightenment and satisfaction which any solution may have given. While the underlying plot may be enticing, the numerous side stories make any headway stumble and it is only the phenomenal illustrations and visually pleasing colors which lure us come back. And though the story may not be as concise as we may wish, it still draws us back each month just to see how Alex will survive her latest disaster.
Grade: A
Rating: T (Teen)
Released By: Image Comics
Release Date: March 21, 2018
MSRP: $3.99