ARTIFACTS #1

ARTIFACTS #1

Written By: Ron Marz
Pencils By: Michael Broussard
Inks By: Rick Basaldua & Sal Regla
Colors By: Sunny Gho of IFS
Letters By: Troy Peteri
Covers by: Various

Looking for something new to add to your pull list? Maybe you are put off by the Big Two giving you the same-old same-old or not backing your favorite title? Well, you could pick up ARTIFACTS #1 which came out this week; this had everything a comic book should have and was an instant sell-out.

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.

Back to the Darkness and Witchblade: As the book is called Artifacts, these two objects are part of 13 that when put together can destroy the world -- or remake it? The number 13 is prominent not only in the occult and religious communities, but with the general public as well. Everyone is familiar with “Friday the 13th;” however, many may not know its origin which lies in that world of occult and religion. Suffice to say, I am not going into a number 13 history lesson, but 13 also signifies rebirth as well, which Marz hints (?) at with his description of what he is creating out of this event. Suffice to say Artifacts is heavy on those religious and occult aspects even including reference to the Merovigian bloodline, proposed descendants of Christ. This makes for a captivating read, to say the least.

As you may have guessed, someone is attempting to find all the artifacts, someone who is kept secret from us. Sides will be drawn depending on the various artifacts and their bearers, which include the Spear of Destiny, the Rapture, The Coin of Solomon, The Blood Sword and so forth. Each has its own unique set of powers and with it, consequences. This makes for a great dynamic as everything comes into play and the interaction is most alluring!

Speaking of this aspect, as you read the issue it invites you to try out Top Cow’s other books that may tie into the event due to the quality of Marz’s writing. He puts forth such great characterization that he ignites your interest, leaving you wanting more. This should be the goal of every “event.”

Angels, demons, holy and unholy artifacts with the survival of human race, heaven and hell at stake: you can’t go wrong with Artifacts. Marz, Broussard and Top Cow gave us a good one here!