TOP COW RE-BRANDS WITCHBLADE TRADE PAPERBACK LINE, VOL 1 - $4.99

[MattBrady]

Press Release

In January 2008, Top Cow Productions will give new and lapsed readers and retailers an opportunity to rediscover Witchblade, the ongoing flagship title for the publisher. Top Cow will be re-branding the entire trade paperback line for Witchblade and unveiled the first trade cover today as well as a page count increase.

Witchblade Volume 1 is slated for release in January 2008 and will contain the initial storyline by current series writer, Ron Marz (First Born, Samurai: Heaven & Earth) entitled “Witch Hunt.” The six issue story is an ideal jumping point for readers interested in discovering the modern Witchblade series. The first volume collects Witchblade #80-85 written by Marz and drawn by Mike Choi (X-Men, X-23: Target X). Subsequent volumes will follow with volumes 2-4 being released in the first half of 2008. The new trade collections will feature a redesigned trade dress, brand new painted covers by upcoming Witchblade ongoing artist Stjepan Sejic (First Born), new introductions, and a new Witchblade logo by Eisner award-winner Todd Klein. Most noteworthy will be Top Cow’s aggressive introductory pricing for Volume 1, available exclusively in comic shops for only $4.99. The book market version will carry the regular $9.99 SRP on the cover.

Top Cow revealed for the first time today the new painted cover for Volume 1 by Stjepan Sejic featuring the iconic Witchblade gauntlet itself. The publisher also announced a page count increase to 160 pages with no increase in price. Earlier volumes of Witchblade containing the classic stories by David Wohl, Christina Z., and Michael Turner, will be re-branded as Witchblade: Origins and offered beginning in the second quarter of 2008. Witchblade: Origins will consist of four volumes and collect Witchblade #1-25

“The Witch Hunt storyline was really my introduction to Witchblade as a writer, and I wrote it to be an introduction for the readers as well,” commented author Marz. “The arc is very much a ground-floor read, so the collection should be a serve as a great starting point at an amazing price. I don't think you can get much more new-reader friendly than that."

“With over 100 issues of Witchblade out there it can be intimidating for new fans to try out the series,” commented Filip Sablik, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Top Cow. “By re-branding the trade program we’re letting fans and retailers know, this is the place to jump on board. The Ron Marz run on Witchblade has been one of the best reviewed in the history of the title.”

“Marz has cut away the fat without destroying the history.” Grade A – Paperback Reader

“The Witchblade-verse is at its most newbie-friendly point in years.” 4 Out of 5 – Silver Bullet Comics

“Don’t be intimidated by this series having over 100 issues so far. Now is as good a time as any to get on board.” Grade A – Judgement Day, Comic World News

“There is no greater accomplishment for a writer than leaving a reader wanting more, and I want more. Witchblade is highly recommended.” – Suspended Animation

[matchesmalone]

This seems very shrewd in many ways. Very good marketing. And as a frequent detractor, I am especially impressed that the cover focuses on the Witchblade, instead of featuring a mannequin-looking, improbably posed figure. This book will be easier to take seriously.

[md62]

I thought the recent Dynamo 5 trade was an amazing price. This price is awesome! Definitely a great idea to get readers to try the book. I think many overlooked the new direction of Witchblade by Ron Marz.

[waterdragon]

Sounds like a good incentive. Dynamo 5 Vol. 1 sold me at $9.99. Witchblade has me at $4.99. I'm not sure if I'm fond of tossing out a ton of comics due to the fact it's daunting for new readers, nor essentially forcing a new Vol. 1 upon us, but whatever. As long as it works for the new direction for Spawn, why not here?

[Sims]

Can you imagine if DCBService offers this at 50% off? It would only be $2.50, baby! (Though I doubt they'll sell it for that little.)

[Sims]

Hell, even at the standard 40% off it's still a $2.99 trade!

[mitch0624]

a trade for $5, you can't beat that! and the big compedium is not so bad either. i wish that was a little less, though. oh well.

[TheMaxx]

Wow, with this type of move, it's cheaper to wait for the trade than to buy the comics. I would think that this would destroy their comic sales. Regardless, I have recently become a big fan of Witchblade and I'm excited to see Top Cow pulling in new readers.

[Jason Seaver]

Originally Posted by TheMaxx

Wow, with this type of move, it's cheaper to wait for the trade than to buy the comics. I would think that this would destroy their comic sales.

Only for people willing to wait a couple years, by which point pretty much everybody who is going to buy singles has done so. People still buy hardcover books and $20 DVDs even though they'll be in the $5.99 bin within a couple of years.

Besides, it's not like Top Cow will be charging $5 for future volumes; I expect they'll be in the $12-15 range. This is about getting new readers to sample the title, and looks like it could do that very well indeed.

[filipsablik]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the great feedback on this rebranding effort, we do appreciate the feedback and support. As it has been pointed out, only the first volume will be priced at the introductory $4.99. The subsequent volumes will be the more standard price of $14.99 or so. But on the plus side each of those subsequent trades looks like it will have more issues in it than Volume 1.
I also wanted to clarify that the first volume will be of the same quality as all of the other volumes - same top notch glossy paper stock, full color, etc - and will match up with the later volumes. The only thing dropping on this one is the price.

Give the modern era of Witchblade a shot, we think you will like it.

Take care,

[jza1218]

Top Cow continues to impress me with their collections. I loved their omnibuses and this is a great idea to attract new readers to a title they might have passed on in the past

[lanzajr26]

At $5 I don't see any reason not to pick this up... it's a good excuse for me to get reacquainted with a title I used to love.

[dopplegager]

Thats good marketing. I've really loved the way new direction of witchblade since Marz to over a couple years ago. I first picked up the book on a whim becasue I liked choi's art though I hadn't read the titile in years and I think I've got every issues since 80 and completed most of the past catalogue as well.

Float On

[Zabardast]

I was planning on going back and reading the stuff I've missed but wow, this is a great price, this really gives me an incentive. Definitely buying.

[gr8alberto]

Very nice. I didn't jump on the Witchblade bandwagon until Bandai did those horribly printed B&W manga sized trades. Despite the quality, I've been reading more and more, and I will definitely be picking this up.

I remember when DC first started the "Showcase presents" collections and Green Lantern was like $9. I thought "okay, just this one becuase it is so cheap..." I guess I'm just a sucker for smart marketing.

[Cray_ws]

Originally Posted by matchesmalone

This seems very shrewd in many ways. Very good marketing. And as a frequent detractor, I am especially impressed that the cover focuses on the Witchblade, instead of featuring a mannequin-looking, improbably posed figure. This book will be easier to take seriously.

I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments.

[yensid]

Hey, I think this is a great idea! I passed on this series for financial reasons, despite being a fan of Mr. Ron Marz's. This is a wonderful way for me to catch up with everything he's done to this series.

Thank you Top Cow!

[Supreme Convoy]

I like the introductory price! It's enough to convince me to check out Marz's run. I've been meaning to pick up his first arc.

[yensid]

DCBService just listed this trade for only $2.49

That is just unbelievable!