Sumita’s storytelling kept my interest throughout what was basically an issue long (though very, very bloody) fight scene. There were a few panels where I had a hard time following what was going on, but even in those cases each page was still nice to look at. The angles were dramatic, each panel was filled with a sense of fluid motion, and the few characters that appeared in this issue were easily distinguishable from one another.
This issue ends Volume one, and it looks like a few plot threads are left dangling to keep the story going. This was my first issue of Witchblade Takeru: Manga, and though it didn’t compel me to run out and pick up previouse issues, I wouldn’t mind reading some more. Considering I’m not a huge fan of Manga or the Witchblade, that’s an impressive feat.
For more Witchblade, Manga or otherwise, hit up Top Cow’s official site.