Witchblade Animated

    (Image, 2003)
™ and © Image Comics, Inc.

Here they are, Witchblade, Darkness, and Magdalena, together again for the very first time. This time, however, their adventures occur in an “animated”-style universe.

The story suffers from an identity crisis. For whom is this intended? It looks like a kids’ comic, but is that the target audience? For starters, it’s a little too violent. Nobody gets killed in Archie. Even comics such as Justice League Adventures don’t usually start with murders and contain exposition on medieval torture. This comic book, however, does.

Additionally, it’s cynical and irreverent when it comes to religion. It doesn’t have to be a Christian comic book, but, if it’s aimed at kids, it should at least be respectful. And haven’t we seen enough evil priests already? It’s become a cliché on a par with “the butler did it.”

If it’s not appropriate for kids, then it must be for adults. If so, then it’s like umpteen other stories we have already read in Magdalena, Warrior Nun Areala, Vampirella, and elsewhere.

The comic book would probably be best appreciated by regular Witchblade fans who may be enchanted by the novelty of the “animated” art and by teens who haven’t read the same plot those umpteen other times. It’s not clear whether it’s truly aimed at younger children, but there is material in it that parents might find objectionable.

— Jack Abramowitz
Jump to issue:
  • 1
    #1
    Aug 2003
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Paul Dini  ·  A: J. Bone, Darwyn Cooke, Dave Bullock
    No copies available
  • 1/A
    #1 Variation A
    Wizard World chicago Cover A by J. Bone and Dave Bullock and Darwyn Cooke
    Aug 2003
    W: Paul Dini  ·  A: J. Bone, Dave Bullock, Darwyn Cooke
    No copies available
  • 1/B
    #1 Variation B
    Chrome Cover B by J. Bone and Dave Bullock and Darwyn Cooke
    W: Paul Dini  ·  A: J. Bone, Dave Bullock, Darwyn Cooke
    No copies available
  • Ash 1
    Ashcan #1
    San Diego Comic Con Exclusive preview
    Jul 2003
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Paul Dini  ·  A: Bone, Bullock, Cooke
    B&W
    No copies available