Series writer Ron Marz and guest artist Matthew Dow Smith helm this latest issue of
Witchblade, as Detective Patrick Gleason (partner and lover to Detective Sara Pezzini) takes center stage.
The story begins with our (temporary) main character explaining how he ended up in a different city. Detective Gleason went to visit a friend in Saratoga, and on his way back home got a phone call from the District Attorney's office. They want him to escort a mob-killer (Vincent "No Prints" Petramale) back to Manhattan. Detective Gleason heads to the local courthouse where almost immediately things get out of control.
Ron Marz, once again proves why he is the series writer and the Top Cow universe architect, as his extensive knowledge of the characters he writes and the world they live in shows on every page. He handles the transition from a Wichblade-centric arc, to a Pezzini-less story quite well, as the character of Patrick Gleason easily makes the leap from supporting character to leading man.
Matthew Dow Smith (previously seen writing and drawing a section of the
2010 Annual), does an impressive job through out the issue. I'll admit that the initial jump from series artist Stjepan Sejic to Matthew Dow Smiths' art is a bit jarring, but his unique style definitely adds a refreshing look to the book and the characters.
Overall the issue is a really good read, a bit flawed but lots of fun.