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Switch #1
Switch #1
In SWITCH, a teenage girl must bear a mighty artifact that grants her immense powers… the catch? It’s a bit haunted!
Unknown Binding
First published October 14, 2015
8 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Stjepan Šejić
348 books1,538 followersStjepan Šejić is a Croatian comic book writer and artist, known for his work on the series Witchblade, Aphrodite IX, Sunstone, and The Darkness among others.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 7, 2017
I feel like I can never go wrong with Stjepan. I love his art, his writing style, his humor. This was a great start to a promising story and I can't wait to find out what happens next. Also, I love it when I see a character with my name because it rarely happens. So, hey Una!
November 22, 2015
4.5/5 Rating Originally posted first at MyLifeMyBooksMyEscape
An ambitious and exciting new series
Apparently, Switch was originally being created as a fan project on DevianArt, but was then picked up to be a series. (Impressive, right?) This series actually takes place in the Top Cow universe of Witchblade (and The Darkness, Artifacts, and Angelus). Yet, if I hadn't been told me that, I never would have known. Did not feel lost once.
Witchblade was born from his father, The Darkness, the physical embodiment of darkness, and from his mother, Angelus, the physical embodiment of light. Witchblade leaves and come here to find a bearer. When the bearer comes in contact with Witchblade, it transformers into this "symbiotic biometallic armor" surrounding its bearer. Over the times, Witchblade has sought out many queens, warriors, scholars, and adventures.
Witchblade has been silent for decades, but it hears the call again. Time has now come for it choose a new bearer. A bearer that will be full of courage, willpower, and, of course, great beauty. So why it chose Mary, we have no idea.
I know NADA about the Witchblade Universe, but I thought Stjepan summed up its history and origins in the first 4 pages perfectly: alien artifact from another world, girl touches it, she transforms, this repeats over that years.
The new choosen one is Mary. At first, appears to be nothing like previous bearers: she is high school girl, bit of an outcast, is into aliens and U.F.O.s and is currently wearing an iron t-shirt and a beanie to hide her pimple. I loved her character! Stjepan does a great job at capturing that teenage attitude and talk - a good chuck of the narration in the story is told from her perspective, and Mary's personality is so teenager sarcastically funny! - and how she has a little brother and both loves and hates him at the same time. Mary felt very real, and the one thing I was we had more of in this issue was more time with her.
We also meet Tony Estacado. Him and Mary used to best friends back in the day until Tony moved away. Turns out, that Tony is actually the bearer of the darkness.
Like I've said, I know nothing about the Witchblade universe, but from what I can tell, The Darkness and The Angelus are in one of these everlasting wars for world dominance. Each with their own type of bearer? At least, the darkness has a bearer. Fans of Wtichblade probably already know this, but as of right now, I'm not sure if Witchblade has a side itself, so much as it's the bearer who decides for light or dark.
What I've told you so far, is just a brief summary of what is not even half way through the first issue (while leaving out a couple major points too). First issues are generally always an introduction of sorts, but with Switch there is two-fold of intros to do. Not only does Stjepan have to introduce us to Mary, Witchblade, and this series, but for readers not familiar with the Witchblade Universe, he needs to make sure he includes what we would need to know of the Universes's history, and some of character's history too, that will be needed to understand what is going on in this new series. And you know what? I think he did great. Sure I have question, but those are because of mysteries, I don't have them because I feel lost.
What I appreciated about this world-building, was that it was done while also moving the plot forward. After the start with Mary, the story goes to explain its origins. Fans of Witchblade, I'm assuming, will already know who these characters are and what the current situation is, but it's not present in an info dump. To me, it felt like I was learning about the origins at the same time while events were happening that were key to this series.
Coincidently, I just purchased a new Humble Book Bundle. This time, it's Humble Bundle Comics. They are doing a GIANT giveaway of Top Cow Productions which include Witchblade, The Darkness, and Artifacts. And if you pay above $15, you get Switch #1! Unfortunately, I just checked (11/12) and that bundle is no longer on. Sorry, folks!
Really enjoyed this first issue. Which, I forgot to say, is 42 pages! I will most definitely be picking up issue #2 next month :)
4.5/5 Rating
-DJ
An ambitious and exciting new series
Apparently, Switch was originally being created as a fan project on DevianArt, but was then picked up to be a series. (Impressive, right?) This series actually takes place in the Top Cow universe of Witchblade (and The Darkness, Artifacts, and Angelus). Yet, if I hadn't been told me that, I never would have known. Did not feel lost once.
Witchblade was born from his father, The Darkness, the physical embodiment of darkness, and from his mother, Angelus, the physical embodiment of light. Witchblade leaves and come here to find a bearer. When the bearer comes in contact with Witchblade, it transformers into this "symbiotic biometallic armor" surrounding its bearer. Over the times, Witchblade has sought out many queens, warriors, scholars, and adventures.
Witchblade has been silent for decades, but it hears the call again. Time has now come for it choose a new bearer. A bearer that will be full of courage, willpower, and, of course, great beauty. So why it chose Mary, we have no idea.
I know NADA about the Witchblade Universe, but I thought Stjepan summed up its history and origins in the first 4 pages perfectly: alien artifact from another world, girl touches it, she transforms, this repeats over that years.
The new choosen one is Mary. At first, appears to be nothing like previous bearers: she is high school girl, bit of an outcast, is into aliens and U.F.O.s and is currently wearing an iron t-shirt and a beanie to hide her pimple. I loved her character! Stjepan does a great job at capturing that teenage attitude and talk - a good chuck of the narration in the story is told from her perspective, and Mary's personality is so teenager sarcastically funny! - and how she has a little brother and both loves and hates him at the same time. Mary felt very real, and the one thing I was we had more of in this issue was more time with her.
We also meet Tony Estacado. Him and Mary used to best friends back in the day until Tony moved away. Turns out, that Tony is actually the bearer of the darkness.
Like I've said, I know nothing about the Witchblade universe, but from what I can tell, The Darkness and The Angelus are in one of these everlasting wars for world dominance. Each with their own type of bearer? At least, the darkness has a bearer. Fans of Wtichblade probably already know this, but as of right now, I'm not sure if Witchblade has a side itself, so much as it's the bearer who decides for light or dark.
What I've told you so far, is just a brief summary of what is not even half way through the first issue (while leaving out a couple major points too). First issues are generally always an introduction of sorts, but with Switch there is two-fold of intros to do. Not only does Stjepan have to introduce us to Mary, Witchblade, and this series, but for readers not familiar with the Witchblade Universe, he needs to make sure he includes what we would need to know of the Universes's history, and some of character's history too, that will be needed to understand what is going on in this new series. And you know what? I think he did great. Sure I have question, but those are because of mysteries, I don't have them because I feel lost.
What I appreciated about this world-building, was that it was done while also moving the plot forward. After the start with Mary, the story goes to explain its origins. Fans of Witchblade, I'm assuming, will already know who these characters are and what the current situation is, but it's not present in an info dump. To me, it felt like I was learning about the origins at the same time while events were happening that were key to this series.
Coincidently, I just purchased a new Humble Book Bundle. This time, it's Humble Bundle Comics. They are doing a GIANT giveaway of Top Cow Productions which include Witchblade, The Darkness, and Artifacts. And if you pay above $15, you get Switch #1! Unfortunately, I just checked (11/12) and that bundle is no longer on. Sorry, folks!
Really enjoyed this first issue. Which, I forgot to say, is 42 pages! I will most definitely be picking up issue #2 next month :)
4.5/5 Rating
-DJ
January 1, 2020
This was AWESOME!!!!
June 27, 2021
I feel cheated with this comic because there are only 4 issues of them, leaving us wanting to know how the story ended?
Stjepan Šejić es un dibujante fantástico y empezó este proyecto en Deviant art (él dibujaba desde antes Wicthblade y su universo), como una historia alternativa en que la armadura no llega a manos de Sara Pezzini, sino que a las de una adolescente de 16 años llamada Mary. Yo no conozzco de que va el comic, que segun parece es para publico adulto, y solamente vi un par de episodios de la serie de tv que quedo inconclusa tambien (veo aqui un patrón).
El resultado es una historia llena de fantasia, de encarnaciones de luz y oscuridad que siguen luchando, del ser que crearon en conjunto y que pasa de mujer en mujer participando en esta lucha el witchblade que contiene luz y oscuridad. De una familia que sirve a la oscuridad y su heredero, y esta chica que una geek que piensa en UFOs y aliens.
Que cuenta con la gracia de recibir consejo de las antiguas elegidas: una cavernicola, una erudita, una tirana?
Es una historia dinamica y divertida. Que lástima que no sabemos como continua.
Stjepan Šejić es un dibujante fantástico y empezó este proyecto en Deviant art (él dibujaba desde antes Wicthblade y su universo), como una historia alternativa en que la armadura no llega a manos de Sara Pezzini, sino que a las de una adolescente de 16 años llamada Mary. Yo no conozzco de que va el comic, que segun parece es para publico adulto, y solamente vi un par de episodios de la serie de tv que quedo inconclusa tambien (veo aqui un patrón).
El resultado es una historia llena de fantasia, de encarnaciones de luz y oscuridad que siguen luchando, del ser que crearon en conjunto y que pasa de mujer en mujer participando en esta lucha el witchblade que contiene luz y oscuridad. De una familia que sirve a la oscuridad y su heredero, y esta chica que una geek que piensa en UFOs y aliens.
Que cuenta con la gracia de recibir consejo de las antiguas elegidas: una cavernicola, una erudita, una tirana?
Es una historia dinamica y divertida. Que lástima que no sabemos como continua.
November 2, 2015
Okay, so I very rarely give anything 5 stars, as it is very difficult for any work of art to be perfect. However, I would say this is as close to a perfect first issue as I have read to date.
I requested this from my local comic shop on a whim because the artwork was pretty, and it reminded me of Witchblade, which at the time I had just finished the first origin volume of. Turns out this is a kind of reboot of Witchblade, mixed in with The Darkness and possibly other Top Cow comics that I don't know about. You don't need to have read these to read this (though it means you can smile at all the references) - in fact, I'd say it might be better for newcomers if they didn't, as this is essentially Witchblade with a likeable and relatable teen protagonist, less opaque humour and best of all, no horrible 90s cliche artwork. There is just the right amount of backstory mixed in with the plot, and I genuinely can't wait for the next issue. Obviously I can't tell now, but if it stays as good as this it might well become one of my favourite titles.
I requested this from my local comic shop on a whim because the artwork was pretty, and it reminded me of Witchblade, which at the time I had just finished the first origin volume of. Turns out this is a kind of reboot of Witchblade, mixed in with The Darkness and possibly other Top Cow comics that I don't know about. You don't need to have read these to read this (though it means you can smile at all the references) - in fact, I'd say it might be better for newcomers if they didn't, as this is essentially Witchblade with a likeable and relatable teen protagonist, less opaque humour and best of all, no horrible 90s cliche artwork. There is just the right amount of backstory mixed in with the plot, and I genuinely can't wait for the next issue. Obviously I can't tell now, but if it stays as good as this it might well become one of my favourite titles.
April 25, 2017
Nice, fast paced and very funny. Captures a realistic teenager who suddenly gets superpowers. The monsters are pretty out there, but the art is gorgeous to look at so it all works out.
I like the various incarnations she can summon, can't wait to see what comes next.
I like the various incarnations she can summon, can't wait to see what comes next.
September 15, 2019
I finally got my hands on Switch! Of course it's just part of the story, but better later than never! Now just to buy the rest of it...
My thoughts on the comic: I liked it. Sejic's art is still - or was - on point. It's just the first chapter in the story, but he does a good job of creating multiple conflicts and an interesting world/mythos. And good characters
My thoughts on the comic: I liked it. Sejic's art is still - or was - on point. It's just the first chapter in the story, but he does a good job of creating multiple conflicts and an interesting world/mythos. And good characters
December 1, 2015
I have never seen Witchblade. The only thing I really know is... well, what it's called and that it's a weapon. I was afraid going into this I was going to be lost. I was not. Instead this was an amazingly woven first story where you do not know which side you should be on other than the girl at the center of it all, a teenager who is inadequate in her own eyes. This does angsty emo teen without making you want to throttle the teenager in question and manages to have a story, and character, that hook you quickly.
October 17, 2015
Switch #1 by StjepanSejic is a very competent introduction to the Top Cow universe, mixing familiar Witchblade elements with Sejic's nerdy humour. I'm so proud of this book that started out as an artist goofing around and became a canon extention of the world. I've been waiting for this for ages, and it's pretty good!
September 27, 2020
Never actually read the original Witchblade this relates to (I hear this is more like an alternate universe than a continuation or reboot), but I really like Stjepan's art style and humor and this work is no different. Bummer they ran out of support to continue the series. Reminds me a bit of the 2014 run of Ms. Marvel.
June 24, 2020
Trop cool de retrouver l'univers de witchblade. Le seul défaut serait l'incapacité de Stjepan à dessiner des personnages différents les uns des autres. À part la coiffure, tous ses persos féminins sont similaires. Les dialogues sont une vraie réussite.
October 11, 2024
Art was fantastic. Dialogue didn't quite work for me.
February 22, 2016
The premise of this book is easy to grasp. Dark versus light and a weapon both of them want control over. Unfortunately for them this weapon has a mind of its own.
Over the centuries the Witchblade as it's called has chosen various wielders, all of them women. Now it has chosen a new master and the forces of Light and Dark are none to happy to find out their plans have been derailed.
As for who exactly is good and who is bad that's less clear cut. Most would assume the Darkness is evil but the Light side clearly isn't going around helping humanity either. It's an interesting set up and a great first issue even for those who know nothing about the past history of various Witchblade series like me.
This issue sets up the series very nicely giving plenty of information to help ease readers into this world while still leaving plenty of mystery to keep them reading and wanting more.
Over the centuries the Witchblade as it's called has chosen various wielders, all of them women. Now it has chosen a new master and the forces of Light and Dark are none to happy to find out their plans have been derailed.
As for who exactly is good and who is bad that's less clear cut. Most would assume the Darkness is evil but the Light side clearly isn't going around helping humanity either. It's an interesting set up and a great first issue even for those who know nothing about the past history of various Witchblade series like me.
This issue sets up the series very nicely giving plenty of information to help ease readers into this world while still leaving plenty of mystery to keep them reading and wanting more.
January 18, 2016
I've not generally been a big fan of Witchblade. I don't find the characters flat and the drawing often shows enough flesh that it feels strange in a mystical adventure comic. This was a neat, refreshing change. The characters in this feel more realistic and like they have emotional depth and interesting relationships, and the comic stays pretty well away from titillation entirely. It feels more like it's aimed at readers who would identify with the protagonist: young women rather than young men. I only have the one comic, so I don't know how the series as a whole winds up going, but this seemed a very promising start.
May 29, 2016
When an ancient magical artifact chooses a teenage girl to wield it, the machinations of the fanatical Angelus and the dark-Darkness are turned upside down. Switch is a reboot of Top Cow's Witchblade. I'm not familiar with the original work, but Stjepan Sejic's version exhibits his beautiful artistry, quirky humor and multicultural characters in a present day world with fantasy tropes: light vs. dark, angels, monsters, ninjas, priests, ghosts, and an off-beat heroine. An origin story with themes of loyalty, worthiness and corruption. 5 red ninja duels out of 5.
January 20, 2016
Wow, wow, wow wow wow.
This is everything I want in a YA comic. GREAT characters, wonderful family dynamics and friendships, epic stakes, a fun sense of humor, and beautiful art.
Our main character is so well fleshed out that I'm over here like, "I want to be your BEST FRIEND" even if I would be jealous that she gets to be the chosen one and I don't. I'm in it for the long haul. I can't wait to get issue 2!!!
This is everything I want in a YA comic. GREAT characters, wonderful family dynamics and friendships, epic stakes, a fun sense of humor, and beautiful art.
Our main character is so well fleshed out that I'm over here like, "I want to be your BEST FRIEND" even if I would be jealous that she gets to be the chosen one and I don't. I'm in it for the long haul. I can't wait to get issue 2!!!
November 6, 2015
A great re-start to the franchise. Reminded me about what I liked about the original Witchblade series, great action but didn't take itself too seriously. I like the characters are not all black and white, there's a ton of gray. I also love the background of the other weiders of the blade. Hopefully the rest of the series continues on like this.
January 8, 2016
Its the newest witchblade comic serries. Its well drawn and beautiful. The action is fast paced and its easy to fall into. Its awesome and if your looking for modern adventure with a hint of magic this is definitely a read for you.
March 17, 2016
Beautiful artwork. A reboot, I gather, of Witchblade, which I never read or watched so I can't judge it there. I find it very reminiscent of Buffy and the origins of the Slayer. I'm interested in seeing where it goes.
March 16, 2016
Amazingly awesome Art,
Brilliant Story !!
i highly recommend to Everyone!
Brilliant Story !!
i highly recommend to Everyone!
December 4, 2015
Wow, this was great. It makes me wish I'd paid more (or any) attention to the whole Witchblade concept that I always found interesting but not quite to the point where I followed up.
February 21, 2019
Loetud kuni #4
December 2, 2016
Art is so good. Story is meh for now.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews