Comics Alliance: An AOL Comic Book Community

Press Release

Top Cow Productions proudly announces the upcoming release of the new ongoing series starring The Darkness in December 2007. The Darkness #1 is slated for release on December 12th.

The new ongoing series will be written by Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Deep Sleeper) and penciled by Michael Broussard (Unholy Union). Both Hester and Broussard have stated their commitment to the ongoing series with Broussard recently signing a 3 year exclusive contract with Top Cow. The Darkness #1 finds the title character, Jackie Estacado irrevocably changed by the life changing events of First Born. Estacado has relocated to the Central American country of Sierra Muñoz and has seemingly gained a new understanding and control over his powers. But every tropical paradise has dark secrets underneath the surface...

The series promises to be an ideal jumping on point for new fans as well as an exciting evolution of the property for existing fans of The Darkness. The Darkness #1 is an over-sized first issue featuring three regular covers by co-creator Marc Silvestri (X-Men: Messiah CompleX), First Born artist Stjepan Sejic (Witchblade), and veteran The Darkness artist Dale Keown (The Darkness/Pitt). The series will be supported by house ads, outside advertising, promotional material, signings, and the October Previews contest.

"Michael and I are doing our doing or level best to intensify both the thematic and visual power of past incarnations of The Darkness, from the comics to the video game. We hope we've given the new series a

flavor that will startle and intrigue faithful Darkness readers while giving new fans a perfect chance to jump on the runaway train that is Jackie Estacado's life," said series scribe Hester. "I think it's some of the best writing of my career, and Michael's art will set the funnybook business on its ear."

"With video game sales exceeding 900,000 units worldwide interest for The Darkness has never been higher," commented Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Top Cow, "Phil and Michael are bringing the noise AND the funk on the ongoing series and I'm certain fans will be blown away."

Additional information regarding The Darkness can be found at http://www.topcow.com. Information regarding the October Previews contest can be found at http://previews.diamondcomics.com.

Our friends at top Cow have provided Comics Alliance with a 5 page preview of the new Madame Mirage #3.

Madame Mirage #3
(W) Paul Dini
(A) Kenneth Rocafort
(Cov) Kenneth Rocafort

Award-winning writer Paul Dini (DC's Countdown, Lost) and hot new talent Kenneth Rocafort (Hunter-Killer) answer the question - "Who is Madame Mirage?"

A locked room, two deadly adversaries, and one loaded gun between them. Madame Mirage finds herself in a life or death duel with ASI's most skilled assassin, and the only way out is for one to kill the other. While the fatal drama unfolds, shocking secrets are revealed about our heroine's past, radically changing the direction of the series and everything you think you know about the mysterious Mirage.

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

Madame Mirage #3 Preview

The Darkness #2
(W) Phil Hester
(A) Michael Broussard
(Cov) Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic

Following the stunning events of the spectacular first issue, writer Phil Hester (DEEP SLEEPER, GREEN ARROW) and new talent Michael Broussard (UNHOLY UNION) introduce the sensual and mysterious Eve into the world of The Darkness! And as Jackie takes on the rebels he finds there may be more to them than meets the eye. Will Jackie's time in paradise be short lived?

Cover A – Dale Keown
Cover B – Stjepan Sejic

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
ongoing series

The Darkness #2 CGC Graded Edition
(W) Phil Hester
(A) Michael Broussard
(Cov) Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic

For the diehard member of the Herd, a selection of pristine slabbed copies of the hard to find second issue.

Keown CGC Graded 9.8 - $69.99
Sejic CGC Graded 9.8 - $69.99

Witchblade #115
(W) Ron Marz
(P) Sami Basri
(Cov) Mike Choi & Sonia Oback

Sara Pezzini and Dani Baptiste both face new challenges, but the question is – which is more difficult raising a newborn or fighting off the latest supernatural threat that is drawn to the Witchblade? With a stunning two-part diptych cover by Mike Choi and Sonia Oback (X-MEN, X-23: TARGET X) and the stage set for the dramatic debut of painter Stjepan Sejic as the new Witchblade ongoing artist next issue, this one is not to be missed!

Cover A – Mike Choi and Sonia Oback
Cover B – Mike Choi and Sonia Oback

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

Witchblade #115 Mike Choi Lithograph
(Art by) Mike Choi & Sonia Oback

Available as a limited edition lithograph of 500 pieces reproduced at the highest quality at 11X17 inches! Will ship in a clear protective sleeve with a certificate of authenticity.

Limited Edition Lithograph $29.99

Witchblade/The Darkness First Look
(W) Ron Marz & Phil Hester
(P) Stjepan Sejic & Michael Broussard
(Cov) Stjepan Sejic & Michael Broussard

Don't miss your chance to get in on the ground floor for these two ground breaking runs! That's right, Ron Marz and Stjepan Sejic join forces beginning WITCHBLADE #116 to compliment the stellar team of Phil Hester and Michael Broussard on THE DARKNESS. Get a FIRST LOOK at both series here. Two rock solid teams and Top Cow flagship books – something you can count on for years to come!

Full Color
16 pages
$0.99
First Look

Witchblade Volume 1 Witch Hunt Trade Paperback
(W) Ron Marz
(A) Mike Choi
(Cov) Stjepan Sejic

"Witch Hunt" the storyline that reinvented Top Cow's flagship title by industry powerhouse Ron Marz (FIRST BORN, SAMURAI: HEAVEN & EARTH) and Wizard Top Ten artist Mike Choi (X-MEN, X-23: TARGET X) is reprinted in its entirety in this introductory volume. This collection marks a complete rebranding of the Witchblade trade paperback line in 2008 which collects the Ron Marz era of WITCHBLADE and featuring brand new painted covers by Stjepan Sejic (FIRST BORN, WITCHBLADE). With a reader friendly story, established creators and an unbelievable introductory price, you're out of excuses! Collects WITCHBLADE #80-85.

Full Color
144 pages
$4.99
trade paperback

Madame Mirage #6
(W) Paul Dini
(A) Kenneth Rocafort
(Cov) Kenneth Rocafort

Don't miss the finale of MADAME MIRAGE Season 1! The answers to the questions surrounding Madame Mirage's motives and her unexpected alliance with the villains of ASI are revealed in this issue. Paul Dini's latest smash comes to a shocking conclusion here!

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

Witchblade Takeru Manga #11
(W) Yasuko Kobayashi
(A) Kazasa Sumita
(C) Blond
(Cov) Sumita

Everything comes to a head as Takeru takes control of her destiny, accepts the Witchblade, and take the fight to the military in this penultimate issue! Originally serialized in Japan's popular magazine, CHAMPION RED and written by WITCHBLADE ANIME head writer Yasuko Kobayashi. And now every issue of WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA is over-sized with 38 pages of story and art leading up to the stunning conclusion in issue #12!

Full Color
40 pages
$3.99
continuing series

Witchblade Takeru Manga 1-6 Set
(W) Yasuko Kobayashi
(A) Kazasa Sumita
(C) Blond
(Cov) Sumita and Various

Catch up on the mange event of 2007 with this tremendous set. Included are WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA #1-6 along with beautiful variant covers. Limited to 100 copies, allocations may occur.

Full Color
32 pages each
$15.99
Comic Set (x 8)

Hunter-Killer Volume 1 Trade Paperback
(W) Mark Waid
(A) Marc Silvestri, Eric Basaldua, and Kenneth Rocafort
(Cov) Silvestri

The wait is over! The powerhouse team of Mark Waid (FLASH) and Marc Silvestri ( X-MEN: MESSIAH COMPLEX) bring you superhuman espionage and action at its best! Joining them are artists Eric Basaldua (APHRODITE IX) and Kenneth Rocafort (MADAME MIRAGE). This deluxe trade paperback collects the entire first season of HUNTER-KILLER including issue #0, #1-12, and the HUNTER-KILLER DOSSIER. As an added bonus, fans will get an exclusive look into Marc Silvestri's sketchbook to see how the series was developed.

Full Color
336 pages
$24.99
trade paperback

Madame Mirage #2 Baltimore Comicon Exclusive Variant
(W) Paul Dini
(A) Kenneth Rocafort
(Cov) Kenneth Rocafort

The stunning cover by series artist Kenneth Rocafort of the hard to find second issue. Limited to 1000 copies, allocations may occur.

Full Color
32 pages
$10.00
Convention Exclusive

First Born Complete Cover Set
(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic, Luke Ross, Stephen Sadowski, & Rick Leonardi
(I) Kevin Nowlan
(Cov) Marc Sivestri, Dale Keown, Sejic, Mike Mayhew

Get the complete story from FIRST BORN in one complete set. Included are all the regular covers for FIRST BORN #1-3 and WITCHBLADE #110-112. Limited to 200 copies, allocations may occur.

Full Color
32 pages each
$17.99
Comic Set (x 9)

Pilot Season Complete Set
(W) Jason Aaron, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Joe Casey, Ian Edgington, Joshua Ortega
(A) Jorge Lucas, Rick Mays, Kevin Maguire, Stjepan Sejic, Jonboy Meyers

Get all five pilot issues from PILOT SEASON 2007 in one complete set. Included are RIPCLAW, CYBLADE, VELOCITY, THE ANGELUS, and THE NECROMANCER. Vote at www.myspace.com/pilotseason. Limited to 100 copies, allocations may occur.

Full Color
32 pages each
$11.99
Comic Set (x 6)

Witchblade "Generations" Wizard World Texas Exclusive T-Shirt
Coinciding with the debut of Witchblade Anime on IFC this month, you can show off your Witchblade pride with this limited edition t-shirt. Limited to 500 copies, allocations may occur.

T-Shirt (SM-XL)
$17.99

Our friends at Top Cow have provided Comics Alliance with a 5 page preview of the new The Necromancer: Pilot Season #1.

The Necromancer: Pilot Season #1
(W) Joshua Ortega
(A) Jonboy Meyers
(Cov) Francis Manapul

After the tragic and haunting events of The Necromancer Book I: Something In The Way, Abby van Alstine revisits her past, learns more about her strange connection to the Dark Age demon Mali, and encounters a monstrous creature that threatens to consumer her with its sickly evil. Original series writer Joshua Ortega (Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer, Star Wars) returns to his Harvey nominated co-creation alongside cover artist Francis Manapul (Witchblade, Iron & The Maiden) with interior art by breakout talent Jonboy Meyers (Danger Girl, Ninja Scroll), and a surprise ending that will have fans clamoring for more Necromancer!

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
pilot issue

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

The Necromancer: Pilot Season #1 Preview

Our friends at Top Cow have provided Comics Alliance with a 5 page preview of the new Velocity: Pilot Season #1.

Velocity: Pilot Season #1
(W) Joe Casey
(A) Kevin Maguire
(Cov) Kevin Maguire

Cyberforce's resident speedster, Velocity, finally gets her groove on in this one-shot brought to you by Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes) and Kevin Maguire (Justice League, Superman/Batman)! How does a young heroine find love when she's the target of an all-new batch of super-villains?! Pure pop superheroics unlike anything Top Cow fans have ever experienced!

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
pilot issue

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

Velocity: Pilot Season #1 Preview

The Darkness #1
(W) Phil Hester
(A) Michael Broussard
(Cov) Marc Silvestri, Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic

Following in the wake of the hugely successful The Darkness video game and the summer's smash hit, First Born, The Darkness returns in a brand new ongoing series by Phil Hester (Deep Sleeper, Green Arrow) and Michael Broussard (Unholy Union)! Irrevocably changed by the events of First Born, Jackie Estacado has relocated to the secluded nation of Sierra Muñoz. But every paradise has dark secrets under the surface. And what does the mysterious Professor Kirchner stand to gain by allying himself with Jackie?

Don't miss the next great chapter of the Darkness mythos beginning with an oversized first issue featuring bonus pages of story and art!

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
ongoing series

The Darkness #1 Dale Keown Lithograph
(Art by) Dale Keown

Available as a limited edition lithograph of 500 pieces reproduced at the highest quality at 11X17 inches! Will ship in a clear protective sleeve with a certificate of authenticity.

Limited Edition Lithograph $29.99

The Darkness #1 CGC Graded Edition
(W) Phil Hester
(A) Michael Broussard
(Cov) Marc Silvestri, Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic

For the diehard member of the Herd, a selection of pristine slabbed copies of this inaugural issue.

Silvestri CGC Graded 9.8 - $69.99
Keown CGC Graded 9.8 - $69.99
Sejic CGC Graded 9.8 - $69.99

Witchblade #114
(W) Ron Marz
(P) Sami Basri
(Cov) Mike Choi, Sami Basri

Still adjusting to her role as a new mother, Sara Pezzini moves into a bigger apartment. But she quickly learns why she found such a bargain in New York City real estate -- the apartment already has ghostly tenants, and they want Sara's baby! Meanwhile, Danielle Baptiste is swept off her feet by a new man in her life. But is he too good to be true? And what's his connection to Sara?

Cover A – Mike Choi and Sonia Oback
Cover B – Sami Basri

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

Witchblade Takeru Manga #10
(W) Yasuko Kobayashi
(A) Kazasa Sumita
(C) Blond
(Cov) Sumita

Takeru learns of her origin as she fights to save Kuo & his family from the demon Gakura! Originally serialized in Japan's popular magazine, CHAMPION RED and written by WITCHBLADE ANIME head writer Yasuko Kobayashi.
And now every issue of WITCHBLADE TAKERU MANGA is over-sized with 38 pages of story and art leading up to the stunning conclusion in issue #12!

Full Color
40 pages
$3.99
continuing series

Dark Sector #0
(W) David Wohl
(A) Bill Sienkiewicz
(Cov) Bill Sienkiewicz

Created by Digital Extremes, Dark Sector is a new and original action-thriller video game. Enter the world of Hayden Tenno, a black ops agent sent on a mission into Lasria, an Eastern European city that hides a deadly secret. Attacked by an unknown enemy, he awakens infected but granted with inhuman abilities. Now, Hayden must learn to evolve, survive and become a hero.

Written by acclaimed creator David Wohl (WITCHBLADE, APHRODITE IX) and illustrated by living legend Bill Sienkiewicz (ELEKTRA: ASSASSIN, MOON KNIGHT), this special prequel provides an unseen look into the hit game.

Visit DarkSector.com for more information!

One Shot
32 pages
$2.99

Tomb Raider Compendium Volume 1 Limited Edition Hardcover
(W) Dan Jurgens, David Wohl, James Bonny, & Dan Slott
(A) Andy Park, Adam Hughes, Billy Tan, Tony S. Daniel & more!

Now a limited edition hardcover! Collecting TOMB RAIDER #1-50, TOMB RAIDER COMPENDIUM VOLUME 1 gives you the complete adventures of Lara Croft in one massive volume!

Full Color
1280 pages
$99.99
Limited Edition Hardcover

Witchblade #109 Graham Crackers Exclusive Basri Variant
(W) Ron Marz
(A) Sami Basri
(Cov) Sami Basri

The pre-cursor issue to FIRST BORN and featuring a dynamic cover by interior artist Sami Basri created exclusively for Graham Crackers. Limited to 2000 copies, allocations may occur.

Full Color
32 pages
$10.00
Convention Exclusive

Freshmen San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive T-Shirt

Declare your allegiance to your alma mater Freese College from Seth Green and Hugh Sterbakov's FRESHMEN. Go Beavers! Limited to 500 copies, allocations may occur.

T-Shirt (SM-XL) $17.99
T-Shirt (2XL-3XL) $19.99

Our friends at Top Cow have provided Comics Alliance with a 5 page preview of the new Witchblade Takeru Manga #9.

Witchblade Takeru Manga #9
(W) Yasuko Kobayashi
(A) Kazasa Sumita
(C) Blond
(Cov) Sumita

Takeru and Kuo learn more about the origin of the Witchblade and the return of demons to the world of man. But what is the US military's interest in the Witchblade? Originally serialized in Japan's popular magazine, Champion Red and written by Witchblade Anime head writer, Yasuko Kobayashi. And now every issue of Witchblade Takeru Manga is over-sized with 38 pages of story and art leading up to the stunning conclusion in issue #12!

Full Color
40 pages
$3.99
continuing series

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

Witchblade Takeru Manga #9 Preview

Press Release

Top Cow Productions announced today a change in their line up for the Pilot Season promotion. Pilot Season puts fans in control of Top Cow's 2008 publishing plans by allowing them to vote on which two pilot issues receive their own series.

Pilot Season now consists of five self-contained pilot issues starring Ripclaw, Cyblade, Velocity, The Necromancer, and The Angelus. Aphrodite IX, originally slated to be the final book in November, has been pulled from the line up by the publisher. The publisher has future plans for the property but stated it will not appear in this year's Pilot Season promotion. Fans can sign up at www.myspace.com/pilotseason to receive regular updates and in December will be able to vote on their favorite Pilot Season property. The top two vote getters will receive their own series in 2008. Ripclaw Pilot Season #1 and Cyblade Pilot Season #1 are currently in stores.

"The decision to cancel Aphrodite IX Pilot Season was a tough one," explained Matt Hawkins, President of Top Cow, "The issue wasn't coming together in a way that would work for Pilot Season. We didn't want to risk delaying the voting process for Pilot Season or releasing a pilot issue we weren't completely happy with, so the responsible thing to do was to remove it from the promotion. Fans haven't seen the last of Aphrodite IX though."

Additional information regarding Pilot Season can be found at the official website - http://www.myspace.com/pilotseason.

Our friends at Top Cow have provided Comics Alliance with a 7 page preview of the new Witchblade #110.

Witchblade #110
(W) Ron Marz
(P) Steve Sadowski
(I) Kevin Nowlan
(Cov) Mike Mayhew

FIRST BORN tie-in issue! Patience, the current Magdalena is suddenly drawn into the events of FIRST BORN as Sara Pezzini and new Witchblade bearer Dani Baptiste struggle to survive the battle. This issue will provide fans with a fuller reading experience and accompany this month's FIRST BORN #2!

Long time scribe Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) is joined in the second of three very special FIRST BORN tie-in issues by the unstoppable art team of Steve Sadowski (JSA, Red Sonja Annual), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Black & White, Superman v. Aliens) and cover artist Mike Mayhew (Vampirella, The Pulse).

Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
continuing series

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

Witchblade #110 Preview

Press Release

Top Cow Productions is proud to announce the upcoming release of the new The Darkness ongoing series scheduled to debut in stores in December 2007. In order to give new and devoted fans alike a chance to preview the new series, Top Cow will release The Darkness: First Look in November 2007.

The Darkness: First Look will feature an eight page preview of the first issue of the ongoing series along with additional behind-the-scenes material from writer Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Deep Sleeper) and artist Michael Broussard (Unholy Union). Hot on the heels of the stunning events of Top Cow's summer event First Born, Jackie Estacado has fled his old life and has established himself in a new locale with a new look and some shadowy new allies. Die hard fans of The Darkness are sure to enjoy this evolution of Top Cow's anti-hero and new fans coming onboard from the hit video game from 2K and Starbreeze will find it a reader friendly jumping on point. And with both Hester and Broussard committed to the title for the foreseeable future, readers are assured a consistent and high quality new series.

The Darkness: First Look will be in stores in mid-November and carry a cover price of 99 cents.

"I feel like I know huge secret and can't wait to let everyone in on it. Michael's art is a revelation and I believe the story will satisfy faithful Darkness fans while staking out new territory for the character," commented writer Phil Hester, "We're going all out to make the book scarier, smarter, sexier and weirder. I won't go as far as telling retailers to build on to their stores to accommodate the hordes of new readers, but I guarantee that The Darkness #1 will deliver."

"This new Darkness series is ridiculously good," added Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Top Cow, "I'd go so far as to say if you don't like what Phil and Michael do on this book, you might not like comics."

Additional information regarding The Darkness can be found at www.topcow.com.

Our friends at Top Cow have provided Comics Alliance with a 7 page preview of the new First Born #2.

First Born #2 (of 3)
(W) Ron Marz
(A) Stjepan Sejic
(Cov) Dale Keown, Stjepan Sejic

First Born goes into overdrive as the delicate truce between the forces of Dark and Light breaks down and Sara Pezzini and Patrick Gleason are caught in the middle! The Darkness and the Angelus throw down in the ultimate melee and the true nature of Sara's pregnancy is revealed. Writer Ron Marz (Ion, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) and digital painter Stjepan Sejic (The Darkness: Level 1, Witchblade) deliver the second arc of Top Cow's epic three issue series that sets the stage for the next incredible year!

FIRST BORN #2 features covers by Dale Keown and series artist Stjepan Sejic.

Cover A) Dale Keown
Cover B) Stjepan Sejic
Full Color
32 pages
$2.99
Limited Series

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

First Born #2 Preview

Top Cow's Witchblade series which follows Sara Pezzini, an NYPD Homicide Detective and wielder of the Witchblade, has received many spin-off series chronicling the various possessors of the Witchblade throughout history, but none so unique as FUNimations's Witchblade anime.

The Witchblade anime has two things in common with the comic. The title and the Witchblade itself. Do not think you're getting an animated version of the comic, you're not. What viewers are treated to is a unique story for the Witchblade, one anime and comic fans can both share their joy in. Set in a futuristic Japan ravaged by a massive earthquake, the Witchblade's current bearer, Masane Amaha, is just trying to stay with her child Rihoko while avoiding child services who seek to separate the two.

The Witchblade, as seen in the comic, is an age-old weapon which can only be wielded by women, and chooses it's bearer. Masane does not remember how she came into possession of the Witchblade. She was at the center of a grand catastrophe, left with her child and no memories. Recruited, forcefully, by the Doji Groups Reiji Takayama, Masane is charged with the destruction of men, X-Cons, who transform into murderous machine-like monstrosities preying on society. She agrees to these conditions to protect her daughter Rihoko.

Press Release

Zannel, Inc. (www.zannel.com), the mobile industry's first Instant Media Messaging™ service, which allows people to micro-blog their lives and start real time conversations by sending video, picture and text updates from mobile phones, has partnered with Top Cow Productions to create a branded channel featuring Top Cow images, wallpapers and videos that users can share with friends on their mobile phones.

As a mobile social network, we are "thrilled to be working with the leading independent publisher, Top Cow," said Adam Zbar, CEO, Zannel. "Their powerful stories and characters, married with smart, dramatic action makes for a fun and different micro-blogging experience for our users."

Favorite Top Cow titles such as Wanted, Witchblade, Aphrodite IX, Madame Mirage, The Darkness and more will be featured on Top Cow's channel, allowing fans to access videos on their mobile devices as well as share and send to their friends, post comments, receive alerts when new content is posted, and more, through Zannel's community features.

"Zannel provides a perfect avenue for Top Cow's devoted fans to get closer to the comic books and characters that fuel their passion," said Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Top Cow Productions. "As early adopters of up-and-coming technologies, we're sure that our fans will enjoy Zannel's new IMM (instant media messaging) features, which will allow them new ways to experience their favorite comics."

Users can access Top Cow content on their phone by:
1) Go to - http://www.zannel.com/user.htm?name=topcow1 and click on the share button beside the Top Cow video or picture.
2) Go to wap.zannel.com on your mobile phone and type "Top Cow" in the search box.

Recently, Zannel created customized channels and/or promotions for Warner Bros. Independent Pictures' "11th Hour," Universal's "Knocked Up," The Daily Reel, Ripe TV, Starz Media's "Hatchet," among other brands.

Press Release

During their panel today at the Baltimore Comicon, Top Cow Productions announced that their latest artistic find Michael Broussard has signed a three year exclusive contract with the publisher.

Broussard began his career in 2006 as one of the hopefuls selected during Top Cow's Talent Search and studied under Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri in the Top Cow Studio. His first published work appeared in Civil War: The Initiative where he assisted Silvestri and was quickly followed by his first solo professional work in Unholy Union, an over-sized crossover between Top Cow and Marvel characters written by Ron Marz (First Born, Witchblade). Broussard so impressed Top Cow Vice President of Editorial Rob Levin that he was given his biggest assignment to date and one of the crown jewels of Top Cow's publishing line, the new The Darkness ongoing written by Phil Hester (Green Arrow, Deep Sleeper).

Broussard has signed an exclusive contract with Top Cow Productions for the next three years as part of Top Cow's commitment to nurture and develop new talent and provide its fans with consistent creative teams on their two flagship titles, Witchblade and The Darkness.

"Michael is one of those rare talents that is almost ready to go out of the box," commented Levin, "We're incredibly thrilled to have secured him for our fans on The Darkness for years to come. Fans are going to be blown away by what he and Phil Hester do on this title."

"For me committing to Top Cow for the next three years is like setting up that move to check mate the king in chess. Because I'm here to kick ass," added Broussard.

Additional information regarding Michael Broussard and The Darkness can be found at www.topcow.com.

Our friends at Top Cow have provided Comics Alliance with a 5 page preview of the new Witchblade Takeru Manga #8.

Witchblade Takeru Manga #8
(W) Yasuko Kobayashi
(A) Kazasa Sumita
(C) Blond
(Cov) Sumita, Kirkham

The second jaw-dropping chapter of Witchblade Takeru Manga launches here! Takeru has survived her first battle, but will she survive her union with the Witchblade itself? Originally serialized in Japan's popular magazine, Champion Red and written by WITCHBLADE ANIME head writer, Yasuko Kobayashi, this issue also features an alternate cover by Top Cow star Tyler Kirkham (New Avengers/Transformers, Pheonix Warsong).

Cover A) Kazasa Sumita
Cover B) Tyler Kirkham

Full Color
32 pages
$3.99
continuing series

Click the images below for a full sized preview.

Witchblade Takeru Manga #8 Preview