Witchblade
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Witchblade is a comic book series published by Top Cow Productions, an imprint of Image Comics, since 1995. The title was very popular during the 1990s, but lost many readers when penciller and co-creator Michael Turner left the title.
In Witchblade, NYPD homicide detective Sara Pezzini comes into possession of the Witchblade, a fictional, mysterious, supernatural artifact with awesome powers, and struggles to master its powers. Sara was born in 1971. After her father was killed in the line of duty, she was kidnapped by her child psychologist. Her attacker was a pervert, and a female. Sara was 13. She went on to graduate from police academy 1993, started at New York precinct 18, which was her father’s precinct, promoted to Detective 1995. It is later revealed that she gets a kick from bacchanal parties, and from dangerous situations. She is a big fan of Michael Madsen. Her partner, Michael Yee is killed in #01. Befriended by Lara Croft and The Magdalene. Transferred to precinct 1 issue #87. Sara is a slob, living on beer and takeaways. Her fridge contents, in her words, would “embarrass a frat boy”. Every once in a while, when the universe isn’t needing her to hold it together, she feels a nagging feeling that she should have a boyfriend, and reaches out to whomever is closest at the time, but this is always only a fleeting moment, as she has no time for any commitments.
There have been many spin-off titles, which place the Witchblade in other times or settings and in the hands of other heroines, ranging from a pirate woman to Joan of Arc.
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The Witchblade
One of Thirteen, an intelligent, ancient, conscious weapon, and is extra-terrestrial. The offspring of the universe’s opposing aspects, The Darkness and The Angelus, (the dark and the light). A male aspect created to act as a balance, it must have a female for a host. Found in Greece by Kenneth Irons, it has had many wielders. When not in use, can look like an ornate, jewel encrusted, right handed gauntlet. When wielded by an unworthy wielder, that person will lose their arm. Forms a symbiotic relationship with host, whom can hear the Witchblade. The gauntlet can appear as an ornate looking bracelet, when wielded it expands across the body of the wielder, shredding clothes, covering the body like armour. The armour seems subjective as to the level of threat. Faced against mortals, it will usually generate less armour than when faced against a demon of hell. This armour can form swords, or stabbing weapons, shields and wings, enabling the wielder to fly. May be temperamental in it’s choice of when to be wielded. When wielded, it can shoot energy blasts from the hand or sword, also can fire projectile darts, and whip-like grapples to wound or for climbing. The Witchblade is also an excellent lock pick, can heal the wielder of wounds, even mortal ones and the wielder can heal others. The Witchblade can re-animate the dead, can empathetically show the wielder scenes of great trauma, and also relive experiences from wielders of the past in dream like experiences.
Top Cow's world
The Top Cow universe is populated by demons, dimensional gates, ghosts and magic. Supers are generally enhanced humans from government, or private entrepreneurial projects. Both the mafia and the Yakuza are prominent forces. Sara’s precinct, 18, or “one eight” is in the roughest part of New York. There are a lot of murders. There is a reference to a time that no homicides are reported for two days running, and all the cops think this is a sign that the apocalypse is coming. Religious followers of God and Satan are prolific, with agents of both sides frequently showing up with their minions to do battle.
Television series
Following a pilot film in August, 2000, the cable network TNT premiered a television series based on the comic book series in 2001. The series was directed by Ralph Hemecker and written by Marc Silvestri (who also wrote the comic book) and J.D. Zeik. Yancy Butler starred as Sara Pezzini. Although critically acclaimed and popular with audiences, it was cancelled in September, 2002 after Butler was ordered to enter rehab for alcoholism.
Witchblade ran for two seasons on TNT, each featuring 12 episodes. The first episode aired on June 12, 2001, and the last episode aired on August 26, 2002.
Anime series
In 2004 Japanese animation studio GONZO announced an anime version of Witchblade, with a subsequent manga adaptation to be published by Kodansha. The anime version is considered controversial by some due to the fact that GONZO has announced that the main character of the anime is of Japanese ethnicity but is not Itagaki, one of the previous bearers of the Witchblade. Instead it is a new character named Masane. This has caused some fans to cry out against what they see as a Nipponisation of the franchise.
The anime series will begin broadcast during April 2006 and will run for 26 episodes (a standard series run). The lead character (and new blade wielder) is the kind-hearted Masane who, despite her good intentions, is fairly clumsy and not good around the house. After the events of an earthquake that struck her home 6 years before the series "year zero", Masane has no recollection of her past previous to this date. When she comes into contact with the Witchblade, Masane also finds herself under the watchful eye of an organisation called the NSWF (National Scientific Welfare Foundation).
Characters
English, formally a captain for special air services for MI5. Underwent behavioural modifications so he could get deep undercover. Forgot his past, and became bodyguard for Kenneth Irons. Can catch bullets. Kills Sara’s partner in #01. Has ties to Yakuza. Body and soul built to absorb mass quantities of energy. Temporarily hosts both Witchblade and Darkness powers. Wields Excalibur, the Witchblade’s twin.
Rich entrepreneur. Discovered Witchblade in Greece. Three times Nottingham’s age. Lost his hand and sacrificed his wife to gain control of the Witchblade. Wife became Ms.Boucher. Son is Microwave killer. Takes over First Church of Prosperity. Killed by Joe Siry #75.
- Joe Siry
Sara’s captain 18 precinct, partner to her dead father, Detective Vincent Pezzini. Married to Dalia. Hidden agenda with Irons, forced to kill Vincent Pezzini to save Sara’s life.
- Jake McCarthy
Sara’s best friend, cop. Madly in love with Sara and it is un-requited.
- Lisa
Mother Maria, deceased. Sara promised to keep an eye on her. 16 years old, (in issue #10), friend, model.
- Julie Pezzini
Sara’s sister. Romantically involved with Jake.
The Darkness, mafia hitman.
Yakuza assassin who is introduced in issue 15. Works for the Yakuza in the Family Ties storyline and gets beat by Jackie. Reappears in issue 54. Fights Ian Nottingham, then attepts to assassinate Kenneth Irons at Caulty Towers. Ian shows up and beats Tora. After that Irons takes Tora as his new bodyguard/tool and begins a series of chemical rituals on him (Story can be shown in the Blood Relations TPB). In the Deathpool storyline Tora is one of the characters voted to be killed by the fans. He is promptly killed by Ian in issue 75.
Image:Witchblade Obakemono 01.jpg
Blade wielders
In reverse chronological order:
- Sara Pezzini (fictitious)
- Elizabeth Brontë (fictitious)
- Marie Curie
- Florence Nightingale
- Anne Bonny
- Queen Isabella
- Joan of Arc
- Itagaki
- Septima Zenobia
- Cathain
- Boudica
- Cleopatra
- Artemisia
- Myrine
Pretenders
In reverse chronological order:
- Fiona(fictitious)
- John Sansmain (fictitious)
- Dominique Boucher (fictitious)
- Kenneth Irons (fictitious)
- Abigail Williams
- Elizabeth Paris
- Marie d'Estrada (fictitious)
- Mirabella Avila (fictitious)
Issue events breakdown (Contains Spoilers)
01 Irons introduced, holding a tournament to find a wielder for the Witchblade. Sara Pezzini undercover against drug dealers. Drexler the dealer snitches about the tournament. Sara and Yee investigate. Ian Nottingham introduced. Murders by microwave killer announced. Witchblade introduced. Incorrect wielder loses arm. Yee is discovered, Sara leaps in front as he is shot by Nottingham, knocks Witchblade from pedestal and is shot too. Mortally wounded, she reaches out and the Witchblade crawls onto her hand, healing her. Witchblade kills everyone, Yee dies.
02 Sara removes Witchblade, passes out, wakes in hospital. Witchblade taken into evidence by Jake. Nottingham saves Irons by catching a bullet, uses sword to kill assassins. Lisa introduced. Sara re-animated Yee while trying to heal his dead body. Yee dies again.
03 Sara casts Witchblade away, thinks it is evil. Kenneth Irons contacts Sara. Sara kidnapped by a mob trying to understand importance of Witchblade, is mortally wounded and given Witchblade. Sara wields Witchblade and escapes. Nottingham attacks Sara.
04 Nottingham’s attack is against Irons’ wishes. Sara saved by Irons.
05 Witchblade turns into ornate looking bracelet. Ms.Boucher introduced. Sara has a peek around Irons’ office, flees when he sees her. Nottingham has erotic dream about Sara.
06 Irons and Sara have coffee. Julie Pezzini introduced. Irons explains Witchblade was found by himself in Greece, was wielded by Joan of Arc, by a member of Alexander the Great’s army, and in Ancient Egypt. Sara leaves knowing Irons has offered to remove Witchblade from her. Attacked by Nottingham at Yee’s graveside. Witchblade refuses to help.
07 Nottingham leaves Sara after explaining his dream. Sara guest of Irons at party at his house. Meets Michael Madsen. Jake crashes party, Irons and Sara go to his high rise office block. Irons yells at Sara, and Witchblade makes her bleed. Nottingham told to kill Sara.
08 Internal Affairs agent Selzer reveals to Jake that Irons is his boss. Nottingham betrays Irons. Irons reveals he is three time older than Nottingham. Nottingham thrown off building. Irons reveals he lost his hand to the Witchblade. Irons takes some of Witchblade from Sara, can barely control it. Jake is attacked by Irons. Sara retains a small portion of the Witchblade, which she wields to save herself being thrown from building. She defeats Irons who throws himself from building after Sara takes Witchblade from him.
09 Sara has waking dream about another wielder from 1736, Anne Bonny.
10 Julie tells Sara Lisa is with Ms.Boucher. Sara attacked by demons.
11 Sara confronts Ms.Boucher.
12 Siry flashback to when he was partnered with Vincent Pezzini, investigating microwave murders. Tells Sara her father killed by microwave killer.
13 Jake and Sara attacked by mob. Witchblade kills them all. Microwave killer revealed.
14 Danette Boucher revealed to be Irons’ wife, whom he sacrificed trying to get Witchblade to work. Traces of Witchblade remained, re-animating Boucher as a killer. Sara kills Boucher. Microwave killer is Irons and Boucher’s son.
15 Sara and Jake fired, offered job by Justice Department. Tora No Shi introduced. Sara goes to Rio.
16 Sara drugged, taken to government weapons laboratory interested in Witchblade. Devin released. Sara attacked by those she rescued.
17 Sara saved by Nottingham. Jackie Estacado introduced.
18 Family ties pt.1. Nottingham reveals ties with Yakuza. Witchblade goes wild near Estacado.
19 Family ties pt.4. Nottingham takes both Darkness and Witchblade.
20 Sara gives up the Witchblade to Nottingham. Gavin Taylor, and First Church of Prosperity introduced. Sara seeks out Nottingham.
21 Nottingham and Sara rescue Setsuke. Sara visits mother. Taylor recruits Nottigham.
22 Sara and Jake back at work. Jake’s ex-girlfriend slaughtered. Jake and Julie get close.
23 Nottingham struggles for control. Witchblade awakes inside Sara.
24 Sara finds photo of her father with Taylor and Irons. Nottingham does hit for Taylor against Jake.
25 Sara confronts Siry, manifests Witchblade. Irons returns, taking over Church from Taylor. Nottingham attacks Jake, Sara attacks Nottingham. Witchblade loses a stone, Sara calls Witchblade back.
26 Eric Sketh introduced as new partner. Julie tells Sara about Irons and Taylor. Irons visits Siry.
27 Sara heals Jake. Setsuke attacks Taylor. Sketh has interest in antiques. See similar artefacts to Witchblade at museum.
28 Siry’s past revealed. Blackmailed into dropping investigation of ancient artefact. Payback attacks Sara. Nottingham rescues Setsuke.
29 Sara attacks mafia.
30 Jackie Estacado attacks Sara. Nottingham beds Setsuke.
31 Nottingham kills Setsuke. Siry confesses shooting Sara’s father to protect Sara from Irons.
32 Witchblade has a new stone. Taylor revealed to be a monster. Sara attacked by Shine.
33 Lisa living with Drexler, who used to be Sara’s snitch. Sara has lunch with Irons and Nottingham. Has troubles controlling Witchblade.
34 Sketh offers Sara help with the Witchblade.
35 Sketh reveals he has a twin weapon. Julie tells Jake that Sara was kidnapped at the age of 13 by her perverted, female, child psychologist.
36 Witchblade, Darkness. Sara reveals she was into perverted danger, and she has to fight those urges. There are four Noble Ones, Sara and The Darkness are two of these. Jake and Julie are a couple. Leads to Witchblade Darkness mini series.
37 Sara attacked by a monster. Tsin-Sen introduced. Attacked by demons.
38 Sketh attacks Jake. Jake kills Sketh.
39 Sara protects Lisa.
40 New era. New partner, fire marshall Blake. Pyro introduced.
41 Blake and Pyro killed. Pyro states Witchblade is extra-terrestrial in origin.
42 Pez killer introduced. Sara has frequent nightmares.
43 Sara uses internet blogs to investigate bizarre and strange occurrences. Sara transferred to special unit. Sara witnesses a body possessed.
44 Pez killer revealed.
45 Sara dreams of killing demons in ages past. Jake is shot and mortally wounded.
46 Sara given a choice by the Witchblade, to sacrifice an innocent man to be blamed as the Pez killer to save Jake’s life. She accepts. Pez killer triumphant.
47 Suicide investigation. Witchblade has empathetic link with scenes of trauma.
48 Pyro returns. Sara meets Adrian Smith.
49 Sara kills Pyro. Sees herself as an angel of mercy.
50 Sara and Ian join forces. Nottingham origin revealed. Programmed by MI5 to be deep cover, but forgot his identity when he joined with Irons. Wields Excalibur, the Witchblade’s twin. End of Days.
51 Nottingham revealed to have shot Sara’s father.
52 Smith killed. Sara and Nottingham attacked by monster.
53 Nottingham uses the L word. Nottingham crawls back to Irons.
54 Yakuza and mafia war. Lord Sonatine introduced. Tora No-Shi returns.
55 Nottingham vs Tora No-Shi.
56 Kim Lee introduced. Nottingham vs Tora No-Shi round 2.
57 Nottingham, Sara and Jake go after Sonatine.
58 Irons enslaves Tora No-Shi. Lisa reveals Drexler is back on drugs.
59 Weave introduced. Leads into Tomb Raider #25.
60 Sara attacks Weave possessed Lara Croft. Continued in E.V.O. #1.
61 Killed Lara Croft, her best friend. Evo come to visit. Sara kisses Lee.
62 Magdalena introduced.
63 Girls go clubbing, get attacked by monsters.
64 Sara gets a dog. Magdelena attacked by Solites.
Image:Witchblade 82 cover.jpg 65 Witchblade fires projectile spikes against Solites.
66 Sara fights Bogeyman. Disgustingly bad artwork.
67 Sara fights cannibals. Terrible art as well.
68 Better artwork. Sara shot by hitcher’s psycho family.
69 Tree of life. Sara kills psychos.
70 Shine returns. Sara attacks Shine.
71 Jake uses the L word. Nottingham flies. Sara dates Lee briefly.
72 Sara attacked by cyborgs. Flies using the Witchblade.
73 Sara uncovers Windows of the World, a project Irons is involved in, monitoring and developing Supers.
74 Kim Lee is investigating Nottingham, knows Sara is mixed up. Julie is dealing for Drexler. Nottingham and Sara combine Witchblades to form huge destructive dragon. Sara pulls out scared.
75 Nottingham makes Irons mortal, Lee attacked by Nottingham, Sara defends Lee. Jake arrests Julie. Siry kills Irons.
76 Celestine introduced. Sara uses Witchblade as grappling iron to climb high and fast. Celestine beats Sara.
77 Sara kills Celestine.
78 Lachryma introduced.
79 Sara attacked by demons. Jake attacks Julie, loses his job.
80 Patrick Gleason introduced. Sara in a coma after visiting her church. Curator introduced. Witchblade is One of Thirteen.
81 Sara uses Witchblade as a lock pick. Visit curator’s shop, attacked by demons.
82 Magdelena warns Sara to back off investigation.
83 Sara attacked in her church. Learns of conspiracy of catholic priests. Jake mortally wounded.
84 Curator gives Gleason a totem. Sara and Gleason attack catholic gathering, attacked by demonic dog. Priests summon god demon.
85 Sara kills god demon, and dies. Gleason revives her with totem.
86 Sara defeats Kurosawa, a samurai ghost manifested by ancient sword. Sara gives sword to curator.
87 Sara transferred to one-p-p, (one police plaza), gains a funny, foul mouthed office parrot. Sara meets ghosts Nieuw Amsterdam and Quiet Tom.
88 Partnered with Gleason, investigate friend’s missing grandchild.
89 Feds show up to grisly murder. Michael, an American Super Soldier blamed, breaks Gleason’s arm.
90 Gleason refuses Witchblade healing. Feds show up after Witchblade and Super Soldier. Feds are Supers too.
91 Michael kills feds, Gleason accepts healing. Samantha Argent introduced.
92 Witchblade origin revealed. Stunning artwork. The curator helps Sara travel through time, reliving all the wielder’s experiences from the past. Stalingrad 1942, Paris 1898 where Irons is sniffing around, Anne Bonny in 1718, as in issue #09, where The Darkness wielder Miguel Estacado resides. Japan 1632 with Shiori-Sama as seen in Witchblade Obakemono. Africa 1509, Yucatán Peninsula 1288, dragon slaying Katarina in Bavaria in 1176, Samantha the Roman gladiator from 229. The first wielder, a cave woman and her sabre toothed tiger found the Witchblade after it fell from the stars. Sara is granted a vision of creation from Dawn, the Witchblade’s midwife. Offspring of The Darkness and The Angelus, the Witchblade acts as a universal balance between dark and light, a male, it requires a female host. Sara in trance for 3 days.
93 Sara’s life is analyzed, and her role as universal guardian is accepted.
94 Gleason’s ability to find the lousiest, nastiest cup of coffee is discovered. Curator asks Sara to recover an artefact as a test.
95 Sara defeats artifact. Captain Peyroux offers permanent partnership between Sara and Gleason.
96 Sara interogates a man for the murder of a young girl in issue 88. Sara and Gleason go out on a date which is broken up by....