The Magdalena #1
Written by Ron Marz
Pencils by Nelson Blake II
Inks by Sal Regla
Colors by Dave McCaig
Letters by Troy Peteri
Top Cow
Price: $3.99
Release date: April 21, 2010
Finally Ron Marz, known for his other recent Top Cow work on Witchblade and Broken Trinity, got his wish to work on The Magdalena and wow did he start off great. I really was blown away by this first issue of the new run. It isn’t very easy to please everyone with a first issue, but I think Marz did a great job of mixing in references to the old material as well as inform new readers of what they’re in for. Doing all this while peppering in characterization for all of the main cast shows just how much love Marz has for the series.
Let me start off by telling you what The Magdalena is about. After the death and rise of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, who was said by a few to be his wife, had a daughter. From this daughter started the line of Magdalena, which is the royal bloodline. Each daughter is trained as a warrior to protect the Catholic Church and carries the title of Magdalena, which entitles them to weild the Spear of Destiny — the spear that pierced Jesus in the side — as their weapon against evil.
The issue starts off with a little background on who the Magdalena is and the origin of how they are chosen and a slight peek into how they are trained. Introductions to where each character is at this point in this story are made, too. The issue then reveals the main characters who at this point seem to be Kristof, Cardinal Innocent, and the Magdalena herself Patience. Towards the end of the issue we see the start of the story arc as well as the probable over arcing villain for the foreseeable future. This reveal is definitely chilling, especially considering what Patience will probably have to do to defeat this evil.
The art in this issue is beautiful and even if you have no interest in this story you would be well advised to pick this up for the art alone. The entire team from start to finish works wonderfully together and I would like to buy a page of original art from Nelson Blake II because the pencils are gorgeous. The inks by Sal Regla and colors by Dave McCaig make for a perfect finished product that definitely fits the Top Cow Universe. I lingered on multiple panels just studying the detail of each expression.
I suggest that everyone pick this issue up and check out the story and art. I really want this story to continue so I can see where Marz takes The Magdalena. I would also like to thank whoever made the decision to include the final pages with the rundowns of past Magdalenas and their history because not knowing all of the history will probably scare some people away, but with this addition people will be able to research a little of the history. I will definitely be seeking out some of the past issues of The Magdalena and maybe even picking up some trades.
I give The Magdalena #1 a 5 out of 5.
Get the trades!!!! This was one of my favorite series and Patience is a great character. I’m SO happy the series is back.
Comment by Empress Eve — April 21, 2010 @ 11:56 am
I listened to an interview with Marz and he has so much respect for the character it is ridiculous. I am definitely going to pick up the couple of trades available.
Comment by Guy_Jen — April 21, 2010 @ 12:03 pm