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The New Top Cow

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 – running time 28:00
After years of almost totally dismissing an entire line of comic books, this week iFanboy accepts the Top Cow Challenge. The results might surprise you.

Historically a haven for style of substance comic book swith a heavy emphasis on heaving bosoms and overly revealing costumes on the female characters, Top Cow Productions has garned a bit of a reputation in the comic book world. As a result, the guys at iFanboy haven't paid much attention to Top Cow's comic books, save for Rising Stars and Midnight Nation from J. Michael Straczynski.

And then at a recent comic book convention, the publisher of Top Cow, Filip Sablik, challenged iFanboy to take a look at some of Top Cow's comics and give them a fair shake. With a brand new direction for its flagship titles he felt confident that the iFanboys would like would they had to offer.

Challenge accepted!

The iFanboys took a look at the recent offerings from Witchblade, The Darkness, and the slate of books showcased in Top Cow's unique Pilot Season program. What did they think?

Let's find out!

Highlights
New York City ( 11:15, 11:15 ) Adam Dunn ( 18:32, 18:32 ) John Goodman ( 22:11, 22:11 ) South America ( 15:06, 15:15, 15:06, 15:15 ) New York City ( 11:15, 11:15 ) Adam Dunn ( 18:32, 18:32 ) John Goodman ( 22:11, 22:11 ) South America ( 15:06, 15:15, 15:06, 15:15 )

Automatically Generated Transcript(may not be 100% accurate) ( more )

" War."

" So when and I said give me the Pentagon with Gatorade the issue of us weekly. Which went on for new ones and from the black plastic bag."

" It's there's a regular liberated from limbo waiting dominated darkness basically top targets about rap. This ups and -- fan boys brought -- by. Godaddy.com. And netflix.com."

" To another episode of iFanboy public -- from the website I think what dot com Bronfman. -- From my fan -- and -- And New York is talking about top callow. Aka comics which is something people might find surprising and it actually has -- Its economy totally. This is that would it's a studio owners that publishes and we've we've we've we've just missed the books. Sort it's pretty much wholesale and they'll pull pull up and it's time this happened we go to people publisher. -- It is after he said Ali you're gonna show us didn't. It's like -- That -- love love like pulling -- limbo means. Yeah that's got Scott I don't think about that -- on us like we're not really we're not really fans of the books. It's a challenge us meetings and stuff -- direction. Is that what you think it's hot transportation has changed so he sent us -- students that told me on the street Obama."

" That's important to note that despite us not leading into that a lot of people who are. And probably helps the kind of a for those evils as it is anything but I'm part of some human barriers that you will primer on what top -- that was the studio's Batman marks the Backstreet. And is one of the image founders so -- image comics artist you know marks -- though there Clarkson to LT now. Gently. They'll have their little studios and Walt storm probably like filled with extreme yeah. It's interesting because I don't think of it as an image company. Because it seems to be sort of on its -- looks like he's at some point at one point in the ninety's actually broke away on their own publishers came back the old stills but -- issues. Well funded Willits was also is that also if you look at the comics themselves -- have the in the banner above them. But Iran shows up near the bar code yeah yeah and Clinton delegate it conventions like they have a Booth right -- Booth and it's separate so so more so much candidate time the studio in. And those in -- it was launched each crater had their own book entitled to be built off of so much much is definitely want to cyber force. This team is very -- scheme but like with -- separate accidents and guys should write her with multiple arms and and let's go to -- go to wireless and -- actually are wise Adam I don't elegant and Rick cloth -- the Wolverine esque and it's clear that so. I should books or force like well -- I'd like some questions -- a lot by the way that's Lester back Wolverine in the accident so that like them. As so you know desire or for a few years and then and then -- was what's what how. Talk show differs from the other companies McFarland is always transform -- has always done -- But early on Sylvester talked -- took an approach of being open to do different things. And that led to to their biggest titles that have actually eclipsed the popular use of force which slid the darkness it. Now darkness for example co created by current facts yet and darkness left in the last of which lead with what is in the late night. So then we actually featured. Well FEMA character cops are disease who gets this this -- Bracelet that forms that when it's used its forms this whole pixel her body and it's the which -- source. The weapons that are an issue. They did it -- to vote but. And and change the darkness which is you know -- this was the idea of this hit man. It's a power of the darkness and it takes over his body administrative costs of -- little albums around around helpful. -- kind of you know kind of weird mystical kind of things. During this time dribble which would darkness is and other titles being popular topic -- became of very strong breeding ground for artists. Name a lot of artists that are that -- this Davis picks David finch. The late -- terror. Might actually currently top out. Eruption that he can opt out. Yes that's right historically come up -- this is a terrorist comic book or it was a big big deal of them anyway -- marbles. So a lot of a lot of artists that come to opt out -- also at him and his deals with marvel where they use their studio does your for books that -- covers things that. So very politically cubs are. Lot of focus on art. It's it's silence onslaught which probably suffered -- the books the littlest ones we like very much because a lot of big -- shots that."

" Learn more about it is that -- top. Reputation in place to go -- That a certain audience that's -- spies. And its its. That's what this is what's played. Her thoughts in congress some parts of her body are all gonna kinda makes her naked. -- little bit but but reasonably -- the -- yeah. And then some of these even some of these covers got to kind of in. Talking about things you where he'd read in someone best. Odds that. But so that was that was yet not particularly big arm -- and -- stopped. And they say it and they haven't tried associated. Because it's so there spending their core that is the."

" And so but then -- thousands again trying to do different things they invited Mark Miller offered you some stuff and that's where the book wanted him. Huge hit for them you know turned into the movie from this last year we shall want yes. You are by JG Jones knocks. Not what you think of as a pop up book necessarily. I'm so they're they're willing to do different kinds of things -- I think led to a lot of success for them as did you know video game adaptations of which -- darkness probably others is that there was a fairly long run at least 25 receptor that Whitley TV show around TNT. On the big lots of properties and licensing McCain -- I think. I'm guessing enabled them to carry on even their comics the highest selling things out there."

" And it and they've done other stuff like -- to imagine that stuff and it had other creators mark we need. To their studios. Our own Paul Paul -- Madam. -- Yeah yeah he's -- them titles as well. As. I believe it is yes so so they're -- the other little kind of all the little terrorists or is that goes through. But as time goes on -- the go back to which darkness -- me."

" All of the social then -- and exactly. And it's as though it would take a break and come back we're gonna talk about the U which it asked if his books. Thanks to Netflix sponsored -- some sort of -- With Netflix you can rent over 90000 titles online including -- Blu-ray titles with free shipping both ways to your home. They now have a or forty shipping centers almost all deliveries happen in one business day. And Netflix plans start porno mean nine and as a new member you can no risk two week free trial membership -- check out every -- flicks dot com slash iFanboy. And remember to type in a -- every W news in the code."

" Fast forward to -- couple -- you know within recent time and dimension when -- Late challenge sent us a -- the book is the system right yeah yeah neck area so differently on it. Says a stack of books and we -- read them and we started with book which late in the darkness have recently taken any brand new direction. Somewhat of a reboot we."

" Basically it brought in different -- traitors to work on the books that brought it on Mars who is known for ruining I mean. He created. Actually a long time com writer that are easy for very long time. He's -- other stuff outside of their two week. SpinRite stories. Where what is but he's good writer he's he's a really good guy at developing world has been around a long time as. The way things work and then Phil Hester take over the darkness it starts it. He's done everything he did he -- that we've known as yet again he runs. He's he's definitely he's written a book called coffin for which really excellent it's very good. He's -- colleagues for. Americans they got him on the darkness on."

" And they both they passed mistakenly Branson he's kind of you know new directions. As close as we saw it was the first born. On the which was hey this miniseries that was would put those together. And it out of that mini series -- these two new direction and is also a starting point point for anybody if you -- know what the darkness was with the which played was -- what and it's like totally it's great for. Yeah. Honestly apostle first board whether this would trade for a minute certificate which puts it -- I really liked all."

" I -- that. The week that I referees. Obviously those are the most fun comics and -- because I have them already going to want to the other and it wasn't it was a new thing for me. You know I mean I've I've never read this stuff I didn't really know it was and and I didn't appear in the concept of credit --"

" Basically -- so on. I've I really liked yeah we're gonna talk with them individually. I thought for four was it is Christmas card list I like we actually a little more of the darkness. Why from a source -- and I I I found myself really you know like we we read issues -- sixteen thru 122 which was excited -- currently on one point. 45 yes -- president and that was the one that gave gave me the movement -- like on the backs up and."

" The -- it's just like basically it was Serbs in the cop. And she had the which -- hasn't talked about but and first born at some point. That which -- split into it she has happened in the other half that is what this other girl was and I can't think any Danny. Instead he's actually the daughter of Sarah's boss the police captain and the ascent has been -- special cases. Switched. Seats right answer is also had a baby. So she's got a little bit by the the darkness darkness that is not enough. A the guy it was it was the -- Posts. On the darkness. And died in -- it's it's time. Cop story yeah it's very much it's it's in New York City and it feels like you're city it -- and it is that -- city detective the attitude is right. One of the later stories takes place in Jewish orthodox neighborhood of Brooklyn and I was like wow that's. That's really cool I think -- Mars or should. He really did it's not being half fast and -- While I do think that covers. Senses -- the special coverage tend to go back some of the things you tend to think about this a particularly bad. The things that tend to think about especially. Yeah I -- patent covers. The arts is from. Students -- I believe it's painted edits there are elements of -- and that's not too bad normally I hate in these are these the kind of like this is the Arab world be like that's sort of arsenal that I hate. And it didn't bother looking. It's it's it's like painted photo realistic almost yeah. The thing that's really impressive about the backgrounds and how much stuff is in the backgrounds and look at the buildings and everything behind it I don't know how painted -- digital it is it's not. What what an amazing yeah it works as a sort of this just which -- is kind of -- are also -- very. One of the things -- notices of the one point. There's like obscene. Wasn't it wasn't overly gratuitous but it was -- character's -- like at six and com. How is that any different movies -- you don't really see it comics that often I wonder that -- do that reputation."

" That that was won those national went ahead with the do you know there there are cursing this person in the ballots not gratuitously but enough what -- this reminded me of."

" Either. War -- any kind of action little movie type thing or looking nighttime drama and kind of show serious you know kind of subject matter."

" You know there you know realistic dialogue and and language -- You know that yes the which -- it is mystical goes back each time but like."

" I'd like that it was like it was grounded in realism both a little bit of fantasy enough to make it you know. I'm not to make it really you know engaging -- I like since the use necessary as a -- she's a baby. The other half the quickly -- she's dating her partner and secret right."

" Is there are these -- he's Irish and Italian at a time. -- days good guys -- kid yet. You can tell ordered dog's agency secrets are drawn to the darkness at who isn't. In his book offerings don't pay myself a presence there because he's the father."

" Hey now what's that's the way to get to the darkness is that it's a good good balance between which laid -- cop. Kind of working for good. Darkness of the dark misses any force that was given to a mob mobster mob enforcer named -- it's -- bush a cup and what happens is is that. You get this whole light dark kind of play on. Where there you know Anderson -- system so it's like the opposite of of of the darkness in and -- which -- thing that keeps them in line but the middle right rhetoric but it's cool to see the interplay between the two of them than there. Powers are somewhat similar but not so."

" Well Blu-ray before you go on of that -- I think after issue out of all these is she one point. And basically on its era and Danny and they go out and talk together and -- to think that really impressed about it in the book. From a company and a title this sort of known for. On the surface -- it's almost sexist. This was -- conversation between two women it to me it felt very calm unforced very real and very respectful of of of tripled the gender but I'm I'm I'm being serious like they let -- be full fleshed out people not sex. Objects."

" It goes to show what good writing and nuclear sword and it bombed the united collected darkness -- I knew the whole story line of of it being a hit mob hit man sort of thing. But this new direction of having him. You know in South America. "

" Ordinance for sports stories please because he's got power -- he he runs through fast. And -- in the South America where he's he's trying to he's trying to move this country but not not an eight. Like detained him Oriole like Harden our equipment the fairway positive -- but then he's also believes the drug trade. Right which is still and still he's and he's the monster yeah Panetta but he's also been manipulated by the marketplace this pitch and he he can't. He makes a woman what we want to get."

" At least the darkness he can't because basically the darkness is past generations so if he'd impregnated and appropriate to procreate he got its. And can actually truly make love to sleep disease the dark matter to create a woman. As well. It's jerking off. We're -- his vocabulary I can't say that. So so a lot over the succession a lot of crap was that the darkness that separated from him. And it Forbes is on Kennedy and then and then at least in basically off."

" Those Nolan and -- router and after one. And they are in the -- toward the end yes really. Really in -- who or in this -- this is great if not all sort of but -- on all your own style yeah. -- And it's very realistic and just it was it was not expect at all it was really. Bad for you elected the most. -- so pleased to let them."

" Both that the only thing about the darkness -- me is that. The it's a difficult balance because he's a bad guy -- he's a good guy and I think it's very hard to do that believable because and to keep him a bad guy but also make you. -- There's times where it was a little it was a little."

" So we take a break we'll come back we're talking about an online books populist."

" Think you're smarter than the rest prove that you could win big it's mark space and godaddy.com has -- we use the Internet the way you blog where you do business that way you live your life. Create a blogger video -- that shows now. You might just went 25000 dollars in cash prize and -- mark space for life. So head over to godaddy.com slash assets contests that are now. Don't have smart base -- all about and save an additional 15% through April 15 2009. Use promo code space fifteen to check it out at godaddy.com."

" Turns out we found. Firstborn which isn't exactly mini series -- more event. Wasn't that was. It was an anti isn't anything but it it's mixed up with some of the regular straight it's all in order yeah it's -- reads very nicely visit is a very nice who's who artist's view working on this. Yet."

" Our big thing top and as. William weld a violent out that means it's going in this year's and trying different things today. These are doing something which I really liked the concept. Which was today commissioned a bunch of creator -- to -- that first issue of the new possible theories and heatedly mentions pilot season finally the teach pilot season -- thing. It published the first issue and then they asked people come on line vote for the ones -- most and two would get agreement to be published. I thought it was a great idea. When it happened I bought a couple of titles McCain actually. It just bawl me out because apparently voters forty goes through it but that's okay you're done -- by the from Adam Dunn but but I had yet to read the rest of them com. They've done this twice twice already our first go -- Claus yes for. Showcasing won it yeah. Apparently is titled the coming. In this pilot season to -- has passed by yet people often Hickman -- For -- urban myths Josh I'll I'll -- line."

" It's okay and Matt Hawkins we -- dragon -- apparently you Malcolm torturer for topped out. And apparently he's been doing this time off -- years. Oysters because I know."

" What was really cool is that none of the Soviet -- handwriting was the core urban myths toilet guardian genius and alibi. -- these were like one another opponent now you know. I want I -- you know that I agree with you yeah the core is like science fiction book how just outline survives -- genius urban urban crime ridden urban. Mixed with -- worker hours at a great that you can -- it is a little long lines of tolerance in them mr. you know. Fantasy -- thing. Com apple on -- around."

" This is sort of and modern name up myths and real world from fields and find partisanship is a scaled down kick ass. So lot of different books would you."

" I liked the the scope a lot I didn't read want to but I thought is was bad I didn't really against sleep and dragon because I think that a lot that come before this -- meant to be day. Starter rates it's like one of those injured so Arthur an Avalon and that kind of stuff it's probably -- your Alley of our efforts in -- but that was so much I think. Urban -- was lighthearted and fun a little bit like. It was -- a bulletproof in basically the main character whose -- I don't remember. Is the son of Medusa. Agree -- it and so he lives sort of normal world these private investigator. But all of the the the troops of Greek. Myths are real. And so yeah he's our queries -- equities. Yeah well it is it was a it was a good fun fun story very cool kind of an. Art or. Good part about this one is that it kind of played on its own very well lot of these left you -- off a little more. And in being that there will not be more issues that most of them yet. That that was kind of good to read I hope they I mean I -- it's a lot of a lot of them deserve it yeah I'll give you that. You know if not here than maybe somewhere else -- the good stuff going on genius was one that -- I didn't really know it was an X kind of surprised me. Basically the story of of take for south central Los Angeles and the residents of certain area decided they're going to take over this this one girl is at the center of the mean she's a genius. Arms and Jesus is. Out there that she's -- she's Osmond yes -- and basically it's it's what it is and it says she starts it she starts a war. You know it's so much story -- and told after that and is just the very -- integral a little taste of it."

" Program. Where they're all different bills and food Richardson. Jonathan Edwards the Cold War which is remind me a lot of you. -- This is what happens yeah I ever anything I have to it's like. That phone -- at -- time Kenneth broke before great -- he's the artist on that mark Ross. And has the typical John Goodman. Charts and graphs and that's that -- hurdles every -- doozy this idea this team be put the sense that I love this format again I was really on the the tonight I'd like to vote for price I could see why the epithet and."

" While guardian was sent me and really interest today. It was it was -- justice still don't kick -- it was a girl in such -- fight crime her suburban neighborhood and involves just from walking around to get her."

" It doesn't seem to -- much crime which is a little. Paranoid and we shared just to give of the Gaza India was a little like like a little girl rorschach who has gone crazy I just."

" Yeah I think she's -- vision about it okay -- completely crazy and that's that is a really interesting character studies shores or he's about a girl was clearly off her rocker yes yeah and I I was like what was really good ulcers. One shot of -- the fast."

" I believe the voters would disagree with you. First alibi as you say public you know leading man -- an artist -- Scored his articles are really really works."

" Sort of spikes licences. Spy twit twin -- Al -- that's one is but no one knows -- ones you know since world wants from Houston. It hits and it networker. And it was fun -- action and crime. It's been scifi all kinds of different from us so -- who the winners."

" Actually much to my dismay on the after they were and it -- them but twilight guardian. And genius with a two winners -- accidents or Nancy forthcoming series is teaching them both -- Typical. I would like to see the core -- it. If you -- this situation I probably afford to vote I voted for the court urban myths. After reading out like. I would've gone with the core genius -- but -- is unlike all management. So there's more but schools hopefully you know they they go on to the long. Series of successful -- sort of thing. But what's really interesting about topped out more recent days that humanity unite and what. Any companies that statement be aware of the race. Increase -- awful awful. Three that denying comments that historically more mysteries in the past five years it. For 22 page story. Looks like marvel DC making the move to three -- it's more. -- some of the file versus. They're not on. The installer but so it looks at three is -- our. Actually bought. -- can stand in 2009. Lots of price increase passed for their regular. Issues and stuff scared to. So honestly can't be in the fact that today if you worry if you're price conscious human excuse shot that very issue. Here whole bunch of options they."

" credit he really believes in his product which ended we all of them -- and -- quite honestly work accuracy here like this it can't we don't think that yes no yeah hold on guys know that right now and we -- It totally is out of the -- yeah. Yeah Hollywood they've done it without a state that's that. I had secured a discover yet I'll be honest there are some of them there's there were some."

" Covers I'm not going to read on the train. I did you know I would think twice about buying this in the store. But this one it's got a lot of Libya going on anyway. But for the but. You know that's that's that's a small part of it on and they do which split stuff that run our stuff is totally worth it. You know there wasn't a single one of -- pilot season looks like that's off."

" I don't over. So so looks like it is that indeed you are for top down and so you'll find out more about them away from school. It it. It was going to come plot cannot -- I cannot come check out. Judy questions that you disagree with us on which later in the darkness the policies books you know to contact him when -- come."

" That's not the only reason we. Should also she was -- line."

" This question culinary. You want to get on the podcasters that you call -- eight and Boise -- 262697. To keep it short range and -- are."

" And you know take up discussion on this show it'll explain how doctor Steffi can pick I went up on the news channel or. Puzzles and -- accomplished more forums are old news this war. World Cup test."

" Who didn't of the constitution. Decent hence -- this reflects the common for years. You know I figure reflects on comic writers want to make it. I think it's about getting out of the typical. Yes that is it for that -- very."

" We like eight years."

" We think is enough morality."

" You'd better of with a but it did ballads."

" This doesn't even have a title on offense that this does it just may be just. Look at she's spreading but elegant --"

" that I watched."

" War."

" So when and I said give me the Pentagon with Gatorade the issue of us weekly. Which went on for new ones and from the black plastic bag."

" It's there's a regular liberated from limbo waiting dominated darkness basically top targets about rap. This ups and -- fan boys brought -- by. Godaddy.com. And netflix.com."

" To another episode of iFanboy public -- from the website I think what dot com Bronfman. -- From my fan -- and -- And New York is talking about top callow. Aka comics which is something people might find surprising and it actually has -- Its economy totally. This is that would it's a studio owners that publishes and we've we've we've we've just missed the books. Sort it's pretty much wholesale and they'll pull pull up and it's time this happened we go to people publisher. -- It is after he said Ali you're gonna show us didn't. It's like -- That -- love love like pulling -- limbo means. Yeah that's got Scott I don't think about that -- on us like we're not really we're not really fans of the books. It's a challenge us meetings and stuff -- direction. Is that what you think it's hot transportation has changed so he sent us -- students that told me on the street Obama."

" That's important to note that despite us not leading into that a lot of people who are. And probably helps the kind of a for those evils as it is anything but I'm part of some human barriers that you will primer on what top -- that was the studio's Batman marks the Backstreet. And is one of the image founders so -- image comics artist you know marks -- though there Clarkson to LT now. Gently. They'll have their little studios and Walt storm probably like filled with extreme yeah. It's interesting because I don't think of it as an image company. Because it seems to be sort of on its -- looks like he's at some point at one point in the ninety's actually broke away on their own publishers came back the old stills but -- issues. Well funded Willits was also is that also if you look at the comics themselves -- have the in the banner above them. But Iran shows up near the bar code yeah yeah and Clinton delegate it conventions like they have a Booth right -- Booth and it's separate so so more so much candidate time the studio in. And those in -- it was launched each crater had their own book entitled to be built off of so much much is definitely want to cyber force. This team is very -- scheme but like with -- separate accidents and guys should write her with multiple arms and and let's go to -- go to wireless and -- actually are wise Adam I don't elegant and Rick cloth -- the Wolverine esque and it's clear that so. I should books or force like well -- I'd like some questions -- a lot by the way that's Lester back Wolverine in the accident so that like them. As so you know desire or for a few years and then and then -- was what's what how. Talk show differs from the other companies McFarland is always transform -- has always done -- But early on Sylvester talked -- took an approach of being open to do different things. And that led to to their biggest titles that have actually eclipsed the popular use of force which slid the darkness it. Now darkness for example co created by current facts yet and darkness left in the last of which lead with what is in the late night. So then we actually featured. Well FEMA character cops are disease who gets this this -- Bracelet that forms that when it's used its forms this whole pixel her body and it's the which -- source. The weapons that are an issue. They did it -- to vote but. And and change the darkness which is you know -- this was the idea of this hit man. It's a power of the darkness and it takes over his body administrative costs of -- little albums around around helpful. -- kind of you know kind of weird mystical kind of things. During this time dribble which would darkness is and other titles being popular topic -- became of very strong breeding ground for artists. Name a lot of artists that are that -- this Davis picks David finch. The late -- terror. Might actually currently top out. Eruption that he can opt out. Yes that's right historically come up -- this is a terrorist comic book or it was a big big deal of them anyway -- marbles. So a lot of a lot of artists that come to opt out -- also at him and his deals with marvel where they use their studio does your for books that -- covers things that. So very politically cubs are. Lot of focus on art. It's it's silence onslaught which probably suffered -- the books the littlest ones we like very much because a lot of big -- shots that."

" Learn more about it is that -- top. Reputation in place to go -- That a certain audience that's -- spies. And its its. That's what this is what's played. Her thoughts in congress some parts of her body are all gonna kinda makes her naked. -- little bit but but reasonably -- the -- yeah. And then some of these even some of these covers got to kind of in. Talking about things you where he'd read in someone best. Odds that. But so that was that was yet not particularly big arm -- and -- stopped. And they say it and they haven't tried associated. Because it's so there spending their core that is the."

" And so but then -- thousands again trying to do different things they invited Mark Miller offered you some stuff and that's where the book wanted him. Huge hit for them you know turned into the movie from this last year we shall want yes. You are by JG Jones knocks. Not what you think of as a pop up book necessarily. I'm so they're they're willing to do different kinds of things -- I think led to a lot of success for them as did you know video game adaptations of which -- darkness probably others is that there was a fairly long run at least 25 receptor that Whitley TV show around TNT. On the big lots of properties and licensing McCain -- I think. I'm guessing enabled them to carry on even their comics the highest selling things out there."

" And it and they've done other stuff like -- to imagine that stuff and it had other creators mark we need. To their studios. Our own Paul Paul -- Madam. -- Yeah yeah he's -- them titles as well. As. I believe it is yes so so they're -- the other little kind of all the little terrorists or is that goes through. But as time goes on -- the go back to which darkness -- me."

" All of the social then -- and exactly. And it's as though it would take a break and come back we're gonna talk about the U which it asked if his books. Thanks to Netflix sponsored -- some sort of -- With Netflix you can rent over 90000 titles online including -- Blu-ray titles with free shipping both ways to your home. They now have a or forty shipping centers almost all deliveries happen in one business day. And Netflix plans start porno mean nine and as a new member you can no risk two week free trial membership -- check out every -- flicks dot com slash iFanboy. And remember to type in a -- every W news in the code."

" Fast forward to -- couple -- you know within recent time and dimension when -- Late challenge sent us a -- the book is the system right yeah yeah neck area so differently on it. Says a stack of books and we -- read them and we started with book which late in the darkness have recently taken any brand new direction. Somewhat of a reboot we."

" Basically it brought in different -- traitors to work on the books that brought it on Mars who is known for ruining I mean. He created. Actually a long time com writer that are easy for very long time. He's -- other stuff outside of their two week. SpinRite stories. Where what is but he's good writer he's he's a really good guy at developing world has been around a long time as. The way things work and then Phil Hester take over the darkness it starts it. He's done everything he did he -- that we've known as yet again he runs. He's he's definitely he's written a book called coffin for which really excellent it's very good. He's -- colleagues for. Americans they got him on the darkness on."

" And they both they passed mistakenly Branson he's kind of you know new directions. As close as we saw it was the first born. On the which was hey this miniseries that was would put those together. And it out of that mini series -- these two new direction and is also a starting point point for anybody if you -- know what the darkness was with the which played was -- what and it's like totally it's great for. Yeah. Honestly apostle first board whether this would trade for a minute certificate which puts it -- I really liked all."

" I -- that. The week that I referees. Obviously those are the most fun comics and -- because I have them already going to want to the other and it wasn't it was a new thing for me. You know I mean I've I've never read this stuff I didn't really know it was and and I didn't appear in the concept of credit --"

" Basically -- so on. I've I really liked yeah we're gonna talk with them individually. I thought for four was it is Christmas card list I like we actually a little more of the darkness. Why from a source -- and I I I found myself really you know like we we read issues -- sixteen thru 122 which was excited -- currently on one point. 45 yes -- president and that was the one that gave gave me the movement -- like on the backs up and."

" The -- it's just like basically it was Serbs in the cop. And she had the which -- hasn't talked about but and first born at some point. That which -- split into it she has happened in the other half that is what this other girl was and I can't think any Danny. Instead he's actually the daughter of Sarah's boss the police captain and the ascent has been -- special cases. Switched. Seats right answer is also had a baby. So she's got a little bit by the the darkness darkness that is not enough. A the guy it was it was the -- Posts. On the darkness. And died in -- it's it's time. Cop story yeah it's very much it's it's in New York City and it feels like you're city it -- and it is that -- city detective the attitude is right. One of the later stories takes place in Jewish orthodox neighborhood of Brooklyn and I was like wow that's. That's really cool I think -- Mars or should. He really did it's not being half fast and -- While I do think that covers. Senses -- the special coverage tend to go back some of the things you tend to think about this a particularly bad. The things that tend to think about especially. Yeah I -- patent covers. The arts is from. Students -- I believe it's painted edits there are elements of -- and that's not too bad normally I hate in these are these the kind of like this is the Arab world be like that's sort of arsenal that I hate. And it didn't bother looking. It's it's it's like painted photo realistic almost yeah. The thing that's really impressive about the backgrounds and how much stuff is in the backgrounds and look at the buildings and everything behind it I don't know how painted -- digital it is it's not. What what an amazing yeah it works as a sort of this just which -- is kind of -- are also -- very. One of the things -- notices of the one point. There's like obscene. Wasn't it wasn't overly gratuitous but it was -- character's -- like at six and com. How is that any different movies -- you don't really see it comics that often I wonder that -- do that reputation."

" That that was won those national went ahead with the do you know there there are cursing this person in the ballots not gratuitously but enough what -- this reminded me of."

" Either. War -- any kind of action little movie type thing or looking nighttime drama and kind of show serious you know kind of subject matter."

" You know there you know realistic dialogue and and language -- You know that yes the which -- it is mystical goes back each time but like."

" I'd like that it was like it was grounded in realism both a little bit of fantasy enough to make it you know. I'm not to make it really you know engaging -- I like since the use necessary as a -- she's a baby. The other half the quickly -- she's dating her partner and secret right."

" Is there are these -- he's Irish and Italian at a time. -- days good guys -- kid yet. You can tell ordered dog's agency secrets are drawn to the darkness at who isn't. In his book offerings don't pay myself a presence there because he's the father."

" Hey now what's that's the way to get to the darkness is that it's a good good balance between which laid -- cop. Kind of working for good. Darkness of the dark misses any force that was given to a mob mobster mob enforcer named -- it's -- bush a cup and what happens is is that. You get this whole light dark kind of play on. Where there you know Anderson -- system so it's like the opposite of of of the darkness in and -- which -- thing that keeps them in line but the middle right rhetoric but it's cool to see the interplay between the two of them than there. Powers are somewhat similar but not so."

" Well Blu-ray before you go on of that -- I think after issue out of all these is she one point. And basically on its era and Danny and they go out and talk together and -- to think that really impressed about it in the book. From a company and a title this sort of known for. On the surface -- it's almost sexist. This was -- conversation between two women it to me it felt very calm unforced very real and very respectful of of of tripled the gender but I'm I'm I'm being serious like they let -- be full fleshed out people not sex. Objects."

" It goes to show what good writing and nuclear sword and it bombed the united collected darkness -- I knew the whole story line of of it being a hit mob hit man sort of thing. But this new direction of having him. You know in South America. "

" Ordinance for sports stories please because he's got power -- he he runs through fast. And -- in the South America where he's he's trying to he's trying to move this country but not not an eight. Like detained him Oriole like Harden our equipment the fairway positive -- but then he's also believes the drug trade. Right which is still and still he's and he's the monster yeah Panetta but he's also been manipulated by the marketplace this pitch and he he can't. He makes a woman what we want to get."

" At least the darkness he can't because basically the darkness is past generations so if he'd impregnated and appropriate to procreate he got its. And can actually truly make love to sleep disease the dark matter to create a woman. As well. It's jerking off. We're -- his vocabulary I can't say that. So so a lot over the succession a lot of crap was that the darkness that separated from him. And it Forbes is on Kennedy and then and then at least in basically off."

" Those Nolan and -- router and after one. And they are in the -- toward the end yes really. Really in -- who or in this -- this is great if not all sort of but -- on all your own style yeah. -- And it's very realistic and just it was it was not expect at all it was really. Bad for you elected the most. -- so pleased to let them."

" Both that the only thing about the darkness -- me is that. The it's a difficult balance because he's a bad guy -- he's a good guy and I think it's very hard to do that believable because and to keep him a bad guy but also make you. -- There's times where it was a little it was a little."

" So we take a break we'll come back we're talking about an online books populist."

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" Turns out we found. Firstborn which isn't exactly mini series -- more event. Wasn't that was. It was an anti isn't anything but it it's mixed up with some of the regular straight it's all in order yeah it's -- reads very nicely visit is a very nice who's who artist's view working on this. Yet."

" Our big thing top and as. William weld a violent out that means it's going in this year's and trying different things today. These are doing something which I really liked the concept. Which was today commissioned a bunch of creator -- to -- that first issue of the new possible theories and heatedly mentions pilot season finally the teach pilot season -- thing. It published the first issue and then they asked people come on line vote for the ones -- most and two would get agreement to be published. I thought it was a great idea. When it happened I bought a couple of titles McCain actually. It just bawl me out because apparently voters forty goes through it but that's okay you're done -- by the from Adam Dunn but but I had yet to read the rest of them com. They've done this twice twice already our first go -- Claus yes for. Showcasing won it yeah. Apparently is titled the coming. In this pilot season to -- has passed by yet people often Hickman -- For -- urban myths Josh I'll I'll -- line."

" It's okay and Matt Hawkins we -- dragon -- apparently you Malcolm torturer for topped out. And apparently he's been doing this time off -- years. Oysters because I know."

" What was really cool is that none of the Soviet -- handwriting was the core urban myths toilet guardian genius and alibi. -- these were like one another opponent now you know. I want I -- you know that I agree with you yeah the core is like science fiction book how just outline survives -- genius urban urban crime ridden urban. Mixed with -- worker hours at a great that you can -- it is a little long lines of tolerance in them mr. you know. Fantasy -- thing. Com apple on -- around."

" This is sort of and modern name up myths and real world from fields and find partisanship is a scaled down kick ass. So lot of different books would you."

" I liked the the scope a lot I didn't read want to but I thought is was bad I didn't really against sleep and dragon because I think that a lot that come before this -- meant to be day. Starter rates it's like one of those injured so Arthur an Avalon and that kind of stuff it's probably -- your Alley of our efforts in -- but that was so much I think. Urban -- was lighthearted and fun a little bit like. It was -- a bulletproof in basically the main character whose -- I don't remember. Is the son of Medusa. Agree -- it and so he lives sort of normal world these private investigator. But all of the the the troops of Greek. Myths are real. And so yeah he's our queries -- equities. Yeah well it is it was a it was a good fun fun story very cool kind of an. Art or. Good part about this one is that it kind of played on its own very well lot of these left you -- off a little more. And in being that there will not be more issues that most of them yet. That that was kind of good to read I hope they I mean I -- it's a lot of a lot of them deserve it yeah I'll give you that. You know if not here than maybe somewhere else -- the good stuff going on genius was one that -- I didn't really know it was an X kind of surprised me. Basically the story of of take for south central Los Angeles and the residents of certain area decided they're going to take over this this one girl is at the center of the mean she's a genius. Arms and Jesus is. Out there that she's -- she's Osmond yes -- and basically it's it's what it is and it says she starts it she starts a war. You know it's so much story -- and told after that and is just the very -- integral a little taste of it."

" Program. Where they're all different bills and food Richardson. Jonathan Edwards the Cold War which is remind me a lot of you. -- This is what happens yeah I ever anything I have to it's like. That phone -- at -- time Kenneth broke before great -- he's the artist on that mark Ross. And has the typical John Goodman. Charts and graphs and that's that -- hurdles every -- doozy this idea this team be put the sense that I love this format again I was really on the the tonight I'd like to vote for price I could see why the epithet and."

" While guardian was sent me and really interest today. It was it was -- justice still don't kick -- it was a girl in such -- fight crime her suburban neighborhood and involves just from walking around to get her."

" It doesn't seem to -- much crime which is a little. Paranoid and we shared just to give of the Gaza India was a little like like a little girl rorschach who has gone crazy I just."

" Yeah I think she's -- vision about it okay -- completely crazy and that's that is a really interesting character studies shores or he's about a girl was clearly off her rocker yes yeah and I I was like what was really good ulcers. One shot of -- the fast."

" I believe the voters would disagree with you. First alibi as you say public you know leading man -- an artist -- Scored his articles are really really works."

" Sort of spikes licences. Spy twit twin -- Al -- that's one is but no one knows -- ones you know since world wants from Houston. It hits and it networker. And it was fun -- action and crime. It's been scifi all kinds of different from us so -- who the winners."

" Actually much to my dismay on the after they were and it -- them but twilight guardian. And genius with a two winners -- accidents or Nancy forthcoming series is teaching them both -- Typical. I would like to see the core -- it. If you -- this situation I probably afford to vote I voted for the court urban myths. After reading out like. I would've gone with the core genius -- but -- is unlike all management. So there's more but schools hopefully you know they they go on to the long. Series of successful -- sort of thing. But what's really interesting about topped out more recent days that humanity unite and what. Any companies that statement be aware of the race. Increase -- awful awful. Three that denying comments that historically more mysteries in the past five years it. For 22 page story. Looks like marvel DC making the move to three -- it's more. -- some of the file versus. They're not on. The installer but so it looks at three is -- our. Actually bought. -- can stand in 2009. Lots of price increase passed for their regular. Issues and stuff scared to. So honestly can't be in the fact that today if you worry if you're price conscious human excuse shot that very issue. Here whole bunch of options they."

" credit he really believes in his product which ended we all of them -- and -- quite honestly work accuracy here like this it can't we don't think that yes no yeah hold on guys know that right now and we -- It totally is out of the -- yeah. Yeah Hollywood they've done it without a state that's that. I had secured a discover yet I'll be honest there are some of them there's there were some."

" Covers I'm not going to read on the train. I did you know I would think twice about buying this in the store. But this one it's got a lot of Libya going on anyway. But for the but. You know that's that's that's a small part of it on and they do which split stuff that run our stuff is totally worth it. You know there wasn't a single one of -- pilot season looks like that's off."

" I don't over. So so looks like it is that indeed you are for top down and so you'll find out more about them away from school. It it. It was going to come plot cannot -- I cannot come check out. Judy questions that you disagree with us on which later in the darkness the policies books you know to contact him when -- come."

" That's not the only reason we. Should also she was -- line."

" This question culinary. You want to get on the podcasters that you call -- eight and Boise -- 262697. To keep it short range and -- are."

" And you know take up discussion on this show it'll explain how doctor Steffi can pick I went up on the news channel or. Puzzles and -- accomplished more forums are old news this war. World Cup test."

" Who didn't of the constitution. Decent hence -- this reflects the common for years. You know I figure reflects on comic writers want to make it. I think it's about getting out of the typical. Yes that is it for that -- very."

" We like eight years."

" We think is enough morality."

" You'd better of with a but it did ballads."

" This doesn't even have a title on offense that this does it just may be just. Look at she's spreading but elegant --"

" that I watched."

ConorKilpatrick

Started discussion: March 24, 2009 @ 10:38pm GMT

Episode 114 - The New Top Cow [Discussion]

After years of almost totally dismissing an entire line of comic books, this week iFanboy accepts The Top Cow Challenge. The results might surprise you.

Click here for download info!

Historically a haven for style of substance comic books with a heavy emphasis on heaving bosoms and overly revealing costumes on the female characters, Top Cow Productions has garned a bit of a reputation in the comic book world. As a result, the guys at iFanboy haven't paid much attention to Top Cow's comic books, save for Rising Stars and Midnight Nation from J. Michael Straczynski.

And then at a recent comic book convention, the publisher of Top Cow, Filip Sablik, challenged iFanboy to take a look at some of Top Cow's comics and give them a fair shake. With a brand new direction for its flagship titles he felt confident that the iFanboys would like would they had to offer.

Challenge accepted!

The iFanboys took a look at the recent offerings from Witchblade, The Darkness, and the slate of books showcased in Top Cow's unique Pilot Season program. What did they think?

Let's find out!

GabeJa
8 months ago
On a tuesday??!!! WHaauuuuggghhhh???
Valoharth
8 months ago
I use to be really into Top Cow when I first got into comics, so much so that for my career planing class in High School used the company for my mock interview. I had to make calls to the actual Top Cow offices about their hiring processes (Creative and Non-creative side).

Watching this episode reminded me of that, I mean I totally for got about all the work I put into it. Thanks guys!
cormano
8 months ago
I loved this episode and I would love to see more episodes like this, focusing on some publisher or genre or something that isn't normally discussed on the show.
Kenny Wisdom
8 months ago
I agree that I'd like to see more shows about smaller, less talked about publishers/genres/books/creators.

I've never been really into Top Cow, and I don't think I'm going to check out Witchblade or The Darkness (just not the types of genres I like), but it's great to know more about them and the new direction they're going, and I hope they do another pilot season this year.

Thanks, as always, for the hard work that goes into the show.
infernorhythm
8 months ago
Pretty interesting show. I've generally passed over Top Cow for a while, but this was a cool look at them. I'll have to check out the Pilot Season one shots if I can find them, Core and Genius sound really cool.
miyamotofreak
8 months ago
My only problem with Pilot Season is it seems we'll never really get much more than the pilot itself.
cormano
8 months ago
I think the Pilot Season is a really cool idea, my idea would be to release a trade of all the entries rather than the single issues so anyone who buys it will get all of them and be able to make their vote based on that. When they're single issues spread out over a few months or whatever, it's a lot harder to make a sure vote on your favorite.
CaptHowdy
8 months ago
Well, I don't really have a problem with the scantily clad buxom female characters, kinda like it actually. However the stories just don't appear to be n topics I generally like. I tried out several Witchblade issues and while it was fine, I am not into police detective type stories. I'll keep an eye on em though in little summaries to see if there is anything that may be interesting for me in the future. Superheroes n' Horror!
filipsablik
8 months ago
Hey CaptHowdy,

If you dig superheroes and horror you might want to give The Darkness a gander. We have the $4.99 introductory The Darkness Accursed Volume 1 TPB which collects the first 6 issues of the current series by Phil Hester and Michael Broussard.

Take care,
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