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{{short description|American comics publisher}}
{{Unreferenced|date=July 2007}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Copyedit|date=July 2007}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2007}}
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[[Image:Cs02topcow.jpeg|right]]
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'''Top Cow Productions''' ('''TCP''') is a partner studio of [[Image Comics]] founded by [[Marc Silvestri]] in [[1992]].
{{Infobox publisher
| image = [[File:Cs02topcow.jpeg|200px]]
| parent = [[Image Comics]]
| status =
| founded = 1992
| founder = [[Marc Silvestri]]
| successor =
| country = [[United States]]
| headquarters = [[Los Angeles]]
| distribution =
| keypeople = Marc Silvestri<br/>Matt Hawkins
| genre = [[Superhero fiction]], [[science fiction]], [[horror fiction]]
| url = {{URL|https://topcow.com/}}
}}
'''Top Cow Productions''' is an American [[comics]] publisher, an [[imprint (trade name)|imprint]] of [[Image Comics]]. It was founded by [[Marc Silvestri]] in 1992.


==History==
==History==
[[File:10.13.12MattHawkinsByLuigiNovi2.jpg|thumb|right|Top Cow President Matt Hawkins (left) speaking with fans (right) at the [[Image Comics]] booth at the 2012 [[New York Comic Con]].]]
During initial stages of [[Image Comics]], [[Mark Silvestri]] shared a studio with [[Jim Lee]], where he created his first [[creator ownership|creator-owned]] comic, ''[[Cyberforce]]'', as part of Image's initial line-up. After setting up his own studio, Top Cow Productions, he expanded into other comics, launching ''[[Codename: Strykeforce]]'', a new ''Cyberforce'' series and various spin-offs.
During the early years of [[Image Comics]], founder [[Marc Silvestri]] shared a studio with [[Jim Lee]]. In this studio, he created his first [[creator ownership|creator-owned]] [[comic book]], ''[[Cyberforce (Image Comics)|Cyberforce]]'', as part of Image's initial line-up.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Overstreet |first=Robert M. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/34703954 |title=The Overstreet comic book price guide : books from 1897-present included : catalogue & evaluation guide-- illustrated |date=1996 |publisher=Avon Books |isbn=0-380-78778-4 |edition=26th |location=New York |pages=A-50 |oclc=34703954}}</ref> After setting up his own studio, Top Cow Productions, he expanded into other comics, launching ''[[Codename: Strykeforce]]'', a new ''Cyberforce'' series and various spin-offs.


The company attracted several professionals known across the industry, including artist [[Brandon Peterson]], writer [[Garth Ennis]] and former Marvel staffer [[David Wohl]]. It also helped launch the careers of various writers and artists, such as [[Christina Z.]], [[Joe Benitez]], [[Michael Turner (artist)|Michael Turner]] and [[David Finch]]. Turner and Finch have since worked for [[DC Comics|DC]] and [[Marvel Comics]].
Top Cow attracted several professionals including artist [[Brandon Peterson]], writer [[Garth Ennis]] and former Marvel staffer [[David Wohl]]. The company also helped launch the careers of various writers and artists, such as [[Christina Z]],<ref>{{Citation |title=Christina Z |date=2022-12-11 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christina_Z&oldid=1126878635 |work=Wikipedia |language=en |access-date=2023-01-17}}</ref> [[Joe Benitez]], [[Michael Turner (artist)|Michael Turner]] and [[David Finch (comics)|David Finch]]. Benitez, Turner and Finch have since worked for [[DC Comics|DC]] and [[Marvel Comics]].


In 1996, Top Cow briefly parted ways with Image during a power struggle with Image associate [[Rob Liefeld]]. Liefeld left the company shortly after Top Cow's departure, and Top Cow returned to the partnership.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dean|first1=Michael|title=The Image Story Part Two: The Honeymoon|url=http://archives.tcj.com/3_online/n_image2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406102534/http://archives.tcj.com/3_online/n_image2.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 April 2012|website=The Comics Journal|access-date=9 September 2017|date=25 October 2000}}</ref> At the same time, Top Cow was moving more into the [[fantasy]] genre with new properties ''[[Witchblade]]'' and ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]''. Thanks to the success of ''Witchblade'', Top Cow was able to expand, adding new titles to its lineup including ''The Darkness'', ''[[The Magdalena|Magdalena]]'', ''[[Aphrodite IX]]'', and others. Silvestri was heavily involved in training and developing new talent through the studio and Top Cow was known for a time for its "[[house style]]" (standardized elements of illustration across multiple titles produced by Top Cow), though former publisher Filip Sablik has argued that the company never truly had a house style.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tung |first1=Tommy |date=2004-03-05 |title=A background artist steps forward in the comic book industry |url=https://www.international.ucla.edu/apc/article/8405 |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=UCLA Asia Pacific Center}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Yanes |first1=Nicholas |date=2009-04-08 |title=Filip Sablik On The Evolution of Top Cow Comics|url=https://www.scifipulse.net/filip-sablik-on-the-evolution-of-top-cow-comics/ |website=SciFi Pulse| access-date=2023-05-17}}</ref>
In 1996, Top Cow briefly departed from Image during a power struggle with Image associate [[Rob Liefeld]] until Liefeld left the company shortly after. At the same time, Top Cow was abandoning superheroes and moving into a darker subsegment, the [[fantasy]] genre. New properties were ''[[Witchblade]]'' (where Turner had his first big success) and ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]'' (where Marc Silvestri returned to artist duties). Due to the success of ''Witchblade'' Top Cow began cashing in on Turner. Most of its books turned to Turner variants, producing multiple "clone artists". Soon enough Top Cow also began cashing in on [[T&A]].


Due to the success of these titles, Top Cow, which was now functioning like a regular publishing company, launched a line of creator-owned comics, that included '' Turner's [[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' and ''[[Aphrodite IX]]''. Unfortunately, problems with deadlines and royalties forced Michael Turner to leave the company, and Top Cow went back to focus on their chief properties. Silvestri tried the old concept once more with a new imprint, [[Joe's Comics]], created exclusively for [[J. Michael Straczynski]], by launching ''[[Rising Stars]]'' and ''[[Midnight Nation]]''. Again disagreements led to the imprint's demise.
In addition to its company-owned properties, Top Cow has worked with creators to develop creator-owned properties. These properties have included Michael Turner's ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' (which eventually ended up at [[Aspen Comics]]), and [[Joe's Comics]], created exclusively for [[J. Michael Straczynski]], which included ''[[Rising Stars (comic)|Rising Stars]]'' and ''[[Midnight Nation]]''.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} Top Cow is also known for bringing ''[[Tomb Raider]]'''s [[Lara Croft]] to comics.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}


In 2006, Top Cow made a business agreement with Marvel Comics to publish crossovers such as ''Darkness/Wolverine'' and ''Witchblade/Punisher''.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Justin |last=Jordan |date=2006-06-04 |title=Top Cow Surprises Fans @ WW Philly |url=https://www.cbr.com/top-cow-surprises-fans-ww-philly/ |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> As part of this agreement, several Top Cow artists also provided art chores on various Marvel series.<ref>{{Citation |title=List of Marvel Cinematic Universe television series |date=2023-01-14 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Marvel_Cinematic_Universe_television_series&oldid=1133599524 |work=Wikipedia |language=en |access-date=2023-01-17}}</ref> Tyler Kirkham worked on ''[[X-Men: Phoenix - Warsong|Phoenix: Warsong]]'' and ''[[New Avengers/Transformers]]''; [[Michael Choi (comics)|Mike Choi]] worked on ''[[X-23: Target X]]''; and Silvestri himself worked on ''[[X-Men: Messiah Complex]]''. At the 2007 [[San Diego Comic Con]], an announcement was made by Marvel Comics extending the deal into 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Richard |last=George |date=2007-07-27 |title=SDCC 07: Cup O' Joe Report |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/07/27/sdcc-07-cup-o-joe-report |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
Top Cow is also known for bringing ''[[Tomb Raider]]'''s [[Lara Croft]] to comics, with various graphic novels written and drawn by some of the industry's best known creators, including [[Dan Jurgens]] and [[Paul Jenkins]] and artist [[Andy Park]]. The cartoon ''[[Battle of the Planets]]'' is another, licensed property where Top Cow has invested, thanks to the collaboration of cover artist [[Alex Ross]].


At the 2007 [[New York Comic Con]] Top Cow announced that they would be one of the first major comics publishers to offer online distribution, through a partnership with [[IGN]]. The initial titles offered included ''[[Tomb Raider (comics)|Tomb Raider]]'', ''The Darkness'', and ''[[Witchblade]]'', at $1.99 per issue.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Heidi |last=MacDonald |date=2007-03-28 |title=IGN launches online digital comics shop |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/ign-launches-online-digital-comics-shop/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=The Beat |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Stephen |last=Schleicher |date=2007-03-28 |title=Download Comics (legally) |url=https://majorspoilers.com/2007/03/28/download-comics-legally/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Major Spoilers |language=en}}</ref> They also announced a deal with Zannel to license their comics as [[mobile comic]]s.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powers|first1=Kevin|title=BAM! KAPOW! BOOM! Zannel And Top Cow Team Up To Fight Mobile Boredom|url=http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/news/118978182188519.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012071618/http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/news/118978182188519.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2007|website=Silver Bullet Comics|access-date=9 September 2017|date=14 September 2007}}</ref>
In 2006, Top Cow made a business agreement with Marvel Comics to use several of their licensed properties in their own series, with characters including Wolverine and the Punisher, appearing in crossovers (Darkness/Wolverine and Witchblade/Punisher). Also, as part of this agreement, several Top Cow artists are to provide art chores on various Marvel series (e.g. with Tyler Kirkham completing a 2 issue arc for ''Amazing Spider-Man'''s Civil War issues 531 and 532). Top Cow also relaunched Cyberforce during this period, while managing editor Renae Geerlings replaced the outgoing Jim McLaughlin as Editor-In-Chief of Top Cow Entertainment.


In 2022, Top Cow Productions reprinted the early issues of ''Cyberforce'' for the first time since 1994 in a 30th anniversary commemorative hardcover edition<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |first=Mike |last=Avila |date=2021-11-18 |title=Exclusive: Artist Marc Silvestri Looks Back On Cyberforce's 30TH Anniversary |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/cyberforce-30th-anniversary-marc-silvestri-interview |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Syfy |language=en}}</ref> The project was funded through Kickstarter, and the commemorative edition was exclusively available through the platform.<ref name=":0" /> The book collected ''Cyberforce'' #0, ''Tin Men of War'' #1-4, ''WildCATS'' #5-7, ''Cyberforce'' volume 2 #1-13, ''Origins'' #1 (''Cyblade'') and #2 (''Stryker''), and ''Cyberforce Annual'' #1.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Rich |last=Johnson |date=2021-12-14 |title=Four Big Hardcovers From Image Comics For 30th Anniversary In 2022 |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/four-big-hardcovers-from-image-comics-for-30th-anniversary-in-2022/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Bleeding Cool |language=en}}</ref> Later in the same year the book was reprinted in a trade paperback with the same contents.
At the 2007 [[New York Comic-Con]] it was announced that Top Cow will be one of the first major comics publishers to offer online distribution, through a partnership with [[IGN.com]]. The initial titles offered will be [[Tomb Raider series#Comic books|Tomb Raider]] #1-50, ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]'' #1-50 and ''[[Witchblade]]'' #1-50, at around $1 per issue. <ref>[http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=102847 NYCC 07/D2: Hawkins corrects/clarifies Top Cow Digital Comics], February 25, 2007, [[Newsarama]]</ref>


In 2024, the company announced a new ''Witchblade'' series written by [[Marguerite Bennett]] and drawn by [[Giuseppe Cafaro]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Heidi |date=2024-04-19 |title=Witchblade is back! |url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/witchblade-is-back/ |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=The Beat |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Top Cow Bibliography==
===A - C===


==Titles==
* ''[[Aphrodite IX]]'' #0-4
{{Main|List of Top Cow Productions publications}}
* ''[[Ascension (comic)|Ascension]]'' #0-22
* ''[[Ballistic (comics)|Ballistic]]'' #1-3
* ''[[Ballistic (comics)|Ballistic Action]] #1
* ''[[Ballistic (comics)|Ballistic SwimSuit Special]]
* ''[[Battle of the Planets (comics)|Battle of the Planets]]'' #1-12 (licensed to but not owned by Top Cow)
* ''[[Battle of the Planets (comics)|Battle of The Planets]]'' - Mark #1 (licensed to but not owned by Top Cow)
* ''[[Battle of the Planets (comics)|Battle of The Planets]]'' - Princess #1-6 (licensed to but not owned by Top Cow)
* ''[[Blood Legacy]]'' #0-4
* ''[[Butcher Knight]]'' #1-4
* ''[[City of Heroes comic book|City of Heroes]]'' #1-present(licensed to but not owned by Top Cow)
* ''[[Codename: Strykeforce]]'' #1-14
* ''[[Common Grounds]]'' #1-6
* ''[[Cyberforce]]'' vol.1 #1-4
* ''[[Cyberforce]]'' vol.2 #1-35
* ''[[Cyberforce]]'' vol.3 #0-6
* ''[[Cyberforce]]''-Origins #1-3 & Misery Special


===D - G===
==Media adaptations==
===''The Darkness''===


====Film====
* ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]'' vol.1 #1/2-40
In December 2004, [[Dimension Films]] paid an undisclosed six-figure sum to develop a [[movie]] based on the comic, possibly for release in 2008.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} The film was pitched as a movie similar to ''[[The Crow (1994 film)|The Crow]]'', which was also produced by [[Dimension Films|Dimension]]. There have been no further developments.
* ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]'' vol.2 #1/2-24
* ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]''- Black sails #1
* ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]''- Infinity #1
* ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]''- Wanted Dead
* ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]''- Level 0 - 5
* ''[[Down (comics)|Down]]'' #1-present
* ''[[EVO]]'' #1
* ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' vol.1 #1/2-14 (Published by Top Cow, owned by Aspen MLT)
* ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' Crossover tour book (Published by Top Cow, owned by Aspen MLT)
* ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' Killian's Tide #1-4 (Published by Top Cow, owned by Aspen MLT)
* ''[[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' Swimsuit Special (Published by Top Cow, owned by Aspen MLT)
* ''[[Freshmen (comics)|Freshmen]]'' vol.1 #1-5
* ''[[Freshmen (comics)|Freshmen]]''- Yearbook


===H - K===
====Video games====
In March 2005, ''[[The Darkness (video game)|The Darkness]]'' was licensed by [[Majesco Entertainment]] for a [[The Darkness (video game)|console game]] to be developed by [[Starbreeze Studios]]. [[2K Games]] later obtained the rights to the game, and a [[first-person shooter]] adapation was released for the [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]] console systems on June 25, 2007 in the [[United States]]. In the EU, the game was released for [[Xbox 360]] on June 29, 2007, and for [[PS3]] on July 20 of the same year.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}


To promote the video game, a five-issue [[Limited series (comics)|mini-series]] was released, with each issue chronicled a chapter of the game. In June 2007, the mini-series was collected into a [[trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]].<ref>{{comicbookdb|type=title|id=11459|title=''The Darkness: Levels''}}</ref>
* ''[[Hunter-Killer (comics)|Hunter-Killer]]'' #0-12
* ''[[Hunter-Killer (comics)|Hunter-Killer]]''- Dossier


In February 2012, a sequel to the video game, entitled ''[[The Darkness II]]'', was released for [[Personal computer|PC]], [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]]. The script for the game was written by comic book writer [[Paul Jenkins (writer)|Paul Jenkins]], who previously worked on ''The Darkness'' comic series. Unlike the first game, the graphics for ''The Darkness II'' were developed using a [[Cel shading#Basic process|cel-shading technique]], emulating the aesthetic of its [[graphic novel]] namesake.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review: The Darkness II |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-darkness-ii/ |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US}}</ref> The game received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Darkness 2 review: Shooting bullets off a list |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-02-20-the-darkness-2-review.html |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}</ref>
===L - P===


===''Witchblade''===
* ''[[The Magdalena]]'' vol.1 #1-3
* ''[[The Magdalena]]'' vol.2 #1-4
* ''[[Madame Mirage]]''
* ''[[Midnight Nation]]'' #1/2-12 (Joe's Comics)
* ''[[Myth Warriors]]'' #1
* ''[[The Necromancer (comic)|The Necromancer]]'' #1-6
* ''[[Nine Volt]]'' #1-4
* ''[[No Honor]]'' #1-4
* ''[[Pilot Season]]'' <ref>[http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=11523 Top Cow's Pilot Season with Rob Levin and Jason Aaron], August 9, 2007, [[Comic Book Resources]]</ref>
* ''[[Proximity Effect (comic)|Proximity Effect]]'' #1-3


===R - T===
====Television series====
{{Main|Witchblade (2001 TV series)}}


Following a pilot film in August 2000, the [[cable television|cable]] network [[Turner Network Television|TNT]] premiered a [[television series]] based on the comic book series in [[2001 in television|2001]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} The series was directed by [[Ralph Hemecker]] and written by [[Marc Silvestri]] and J.D. Zeik. [[Yancy Butler]] starred as Sara Pezzini. Although critically acclaimed and popular with audiences, it was canceled in September 2002.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grossberg|first1=Joss|title=Witchblade Sliced by TNT|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/43825/witchblade-sliced-by-tnt|website=E! Online|access-date=9 September 2017|date=5 September 2002}}</ref> The cancellation was announced as a production decision, but there was widespread speculation that the true reason for its cancellation was Butler's alcohol addiction; Butler was ordered to enter rehab for [[alcohol addiction]] a year later, after being arrested for wandering intoxicated amidst traffic.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grossberg|first1=Joss|title=Witchblade Star Ordered to Rehab|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/46332/witchblade-star-ordered-to-rehab|website=E! Online|access-date=9 September 2017|date=24 November 2003}}</ref>
* ''[[Ripclaw]]'' Vol 1 #1/2-3
* ''[[Ripclaw]]'' Vol 2 #1-6
* ''[[Ripclaw]]'' Special
* ''[[Rising Stars]]'' (Joe's Comics) #1-24
* ''[[Rising Stars]]''- Bright #1-3
* ''[[Rising Stars]]''- Untouchable
* ''[[Rising Stars]]''- Voices of the Dead #1-5
* ''[[Soul Saga]]'' #1-5
* ''[[Spirit of the Tao]]'' #1-15
* ''[[Strykeforce]] #1-5
* ''[[Tales of the Darkness]]'' #1/2-4
* ''[[Tales of the Witchblade]]'' #1/2-9
* ''[[Tokyo Knights]]'' #1
* ''[[Tom Judge: The Rapture]]'' #1
* ''[[Tomb Raider (comics)|Tomb Raider]]'' #1/2, 0-50 (licensed to but not owned by Top Cow)
* ''[[Tomb Raider (comics)|Tomb Raider]]''- Journey's #1-12
* ''[[Tomb Raider (comics)|Tomb Raider]]''- Takeover #1


''Witchblade'' ran for two 12–episode seasons on TNT. The first episode aired on June 12, 2001, and the last episode aired on August 26, 2002. On April 1, 2008, [[Warner Home Video]] announced a long-anticipated DVD release. ''Witchblade: The Complete Series'' — a seven-disc collectors set including the original made-for-TV movie, all 23 episodes of the series, and special features — was released July 29, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Witchblade-The-Complete-Series/9296 |title=Witchblade DVD news: Announcement for Witchblade - The Complete Series |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com |date=2008-01-04 |access-date=2017-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105063929/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Witchblade-The-Complete-Series/9296 |archive-date=2013-11-05 }}</ref>
===U - Z===


====Reboot====
* ''[[Universe (comics)|Universe]]'' #1-8
In January 2017, [[NBC]] announced that it would be developing a ''Witchblade'' reboot, with [[Carol Mendelsohn]] and [[Caroline Dries]] serving as executive producers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/witchblade-reboot-carol-mendelsohn-caroline-dries-set-at-nbc-966629 |title='Witchblade' Reboot From Carol Mendelsohn, Caroline Dries Set at NBC |first=Lesley |last=Goldberg |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=[[Valence Media]] |date=January 20, 2017 |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126195345/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/witchblade-reboot-carol-mendelsohn-caroline-dries-set-at-nbc-966629 |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''[[Velocity (comics)|Velocity]]'' #1-3

* ''[[V.I.C.E.]]'' #1-5
====Film adaptation====
* ''[[Wanted (comics)|Wanted]]'' #1-6
An [[Cinema of the United States|American]] [[superhero film]] based on the series was announced in 2008.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |author=PBADMIN |date=2008-05-27 |title=Witchblade Teaser Poster and Site Revealed |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/45438-witchblade-teaser-poster-and-site-revealed |access-date=2017-03-19 |website=Comingsoon.net |publisher=}}</ref> The film was to be directed by [[Michael Rymer]], who directed the 2002 film ''[[Queen of the Damned (film)|Queen of the Damned]]'' and several episodes of ''[[Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica]]'', and was to be written by [[Everett De Roche]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=MrDisgusting|title='Witchblade' Director and Writer Revealed!|url=https://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/12487|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826072940/http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/12487|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2009|website=Bloody Disgusting|access-date=9 September 2017|date=4 June 2008}}</ref>
* ''[[Weapon Zero]]'' #0-4

* ''[[Witchblade]]'' #1/2-present
The film was one of the two being produced and financed back-to-back by [[Platinum Studios]], IDG Films and [[Relativity Media]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} The film was to be produced by Arclight's Gary Hamilton and [[Nigel Odell]], Platinum Studios' [[Scott Mitchell Rosenberg]], and Steve Squillante of Havenwood Media. Top Cow's Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins were to be executive producers with Platinum Studios' Rich Marincic and Greenberg Group's Randy Greenberg. Filming was announced to begin in September 2008, with [[China]] and [[Australia]] among the possible locations being considered for filming.<ref>{{cite web|author=Pamela McClintock |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117934492.html?categoryId=1350&cs=1 |title=Pic trio wields 'Witchblade' |publisher=Variety |date=2005-12-12 |access-date=2017-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Fleming |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117985461.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2562 |title='Witchblade' sharpened for bigscreen |publisher=Variety |date=2008-05-11 |access-date=2017-03-19}}</ref> [[Megan Fox]] was approached for the role of Sara Pezzini at the 2008 [[San Diego Comic-Con]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2017}}
* ''[[Witchblade]]''- Animated #1

* ''[[Witchblade]]''- Blood Oath #1
The film's website and teaser poster were released in May 2008,<ref name="autogenerated2"/> but the project was later cancelled.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}
* ''[[Witchblade]]''- Demon #1

* ''[[Witchblade]]''- Destiny's Child #1-3
====Anime series====
* ''[[Witchblade]]''- Infinity #1
* ''[[Witchblade]]''- Nottingham #1
{{Main|Witchblade (2006 TV series)}}
In 2004 Japanese animation studio [[GONZO]] announced an [[anime]] version of ''Witchblade'', with a subsequent [[manga]] adaptation. The anime version is considered controversial by some, because GONZO has announced that the main character of the anime is of [[Ethnic groups of Japan|Japanese ethnicity]] but is not [[Hangaku Gozen|Itagaki]], one of the previous bearers of the Witchblade.{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}} Instead the main character is a new character named Masane. Although this series centers around all new characters and tells a new story not contained in the source material, it is set in the same continuity as the comic book.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2006-12-12/top-cow-announces-witchblade-manga-in-2007 |title=Top Cow Announces Witchblade Manga in 2007 |publisher=Anime News Network |date=2006-12-12 |access-date=2017-03-19}}</ref> The anime series began broadcast during April 2006 and ran for 24 episodes.
* ''[[Witchblade]]''- Obakemono #1

* ''[[Witchblade]]''- Origin Special
==See also==
* [[Semic Comics]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.topcow.com/ Top Cow] - Official Site
*{{official website|https://topcow.com/}}
*{{comicbookdb|type=publisher|id=61|title=Top Cow Productions}}
*[http://www.imagecomics.com/ Image Comics] - Image Comics Official Site
*{{gcdb publisher|id=983|title=Top Cow Productions}}



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[[Category:Comic book publishing companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:Publishing companies established in 1992]]
[[Category:Book publishing companies based in California]]

Revision as of 17:41, 21 April 2024

Top Cow Productions
Parent companyImage Comics
Founded1992
FounderMarc Silvestri
Country of originUnited States
Headquarters locationLos Angeles
Key peopleMarc Silvestri
Matt Hawkins
Fiction genresSuperhero fiction, science fiction, horror fiction
Official websitetopcow.com

Top Cow Productions is an American comics publisher, an imprint of Image Comics. It was founded by Marc Silvestri in 1992.

History

Top Cow President Matt Hawkins (left) speaking with fans (right) at the Image Comics booth at the 2012 New York Comic Con.

During the early years of Image Comics, founder Marc Silvestri shared a studio with Jim Lee. In this studio, he created his first creator-owned comic book, Cyberforce, as part of Image's initial line-up.[1] After setting up his own studio, Top Cow Productions, he expanded into other comics, launching Codename: Strykeforce, a new Cyberforce series and various spin-offs.

Top Cow attracted several professionals including artist Brandon Peterson, writer Garth Ennis and former Marvel staffer David Wohl. The company also helped launch the careers of various writers and artists, such as Christina Z,[2] Joe Benitez, Michael Turner and David Finch. Benitez, Turner and Finch have since worked for DC and Marvel Comics.

In 1996, Top Cow briefly parted ways with Image during a power struggle with Image associate Rob Liefeld. Liefeld left the company shortly after Top Cow's departure, and Top Cow returned to the partnership.[3] At the same time, Top Cow was moving more into the fantasy genre with new properties Witchblade and The Darkness. Thanks to the success of Witchblade, Top Cow was able to expand, adding new titles to its lineup including The Darkness, Magdalena, Aphrodite IX, and others. Silvestri was heavily involved in training and developing new talent through the studio and Top Cow was known for a time for its "house style" (standardized elements of illustration across multiple titles produced by Top Cow), though former publisher Filip Sablik has argued that the company never truly had a house style.[4][5]

In addition to its company-owned properties, Top Cow has worked with creators to develop creator-owned properties. These properties have included Michael Turner's Fathom (which eventually ended up at Aspen Comics), and Joe's Comics, created exclusively for J. Michael Straczynski, which included Rising Stars and Midnight Nation.[citation needed] Top Cow is also known for bringing Tomb Raider's Lara Croft to comics.[citation needed]

In 2006, Top Cow made a business agreement with Marvel Comics to publish crossovers such as Darkness/Wolverine and Witchblade/Punisher.[6] As part of this agreement, several Top Cow artists also provided art chores on various Marvel series.[7] Tyler Kirkham worked on Phoenix: Warsong and New Avengers/Transformers; Mike Choi worked on X-23: Target X; and Silvestri himself worked on X-Men: Messiah Complex. At the 2007 San Diego Comic Con, an announcement was made by Marvel Comics extending the deal into 2008.[8]

At the 2007 New York Comic Con Top Cow announced that they would be one of the first major comics publishers to offer online distribution, through a partnership with IGN. The initial titles offered included Tomb Raider, The Darkness, and Witchblade, at $1.99 per issue.[9][10] They also announced a deal with Zannel to license their comics as mobile comics.[11]

In 2022, Top Cow Productions reprinted the early issues of Cyberforce for the first time since 1994 in a 30th anniversary commemorative hardcover edition[12] The project was funded through Kickstarter, and the commemorative edition was exclusively available through the platform.[12] The book collected Cyberforce #0, Tin Men of War #1-4, WildCATS #5-7, Cyberforce volume 2 #1-13, Origins #1 (Cyblade) and #2 (Stryker), and Cyberforce Annual #1.[13] Later in the same year the book was reprinted in a trade paperback with the same contents.

In 2024, the company announced a new Witchblade series written by Marguerite Bennett and drawn by Giuseppe Cafaro.[14]

Titles

Main article: List of Top Cow Productions publications

Media adaptations

The Darkness

Film

In December 2004, Dimension Films paid an undisclosed six-figure sum to develop a movie based on the comic, possibly for release in 2008.[citation needed] The film was pitched as a movie similar to The Crow, which was also produced by Dimension. There have been no further developments.

Video games

In March 2005, The Darkness was licensed by Majesco Entertainment for a console game to be developed by Starbreeze Studios. 2K Games later obtained the rights to the game, and a first-person shooter adapation was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 console systems on June 25, 2007 in the United States. In the EU, the game was released for Xbox 360 on June 29, 2007, and for PS3 on July 20 of the same year.[citation needed]

To promote the video game, a five-issue mini-series was released, with each issue chronicled a chapter of the game. In June 2007, the mini-series was collected into a trade paperback.[15]

In February 2012, a sequel to the video game, entitled The Darkness II, was released for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The script for the game was written by comic book writer Paul Jenkins, who previously worked on The Darkness comic series. Unlike the first game, the graphics for The Darkness II were developed using a cel-shading technique, emulating the aesthetic of its graphic novel namesake.[16] The game received positive reviews from critics.[17]

Witchblade

Television series

Main article: Witchblade (2001 TV series)

Following a pilot film in August 2000, the cable network TNT premiered a television series based on the comic book series in 2001.[citation needed] The series was directed by Ralph Hemecker and written by Marc Silvestri and J.D. Zeik. Yancy Butler starred as Sara Pezzini. Although critically acclaimed and popular with audiences, it was canceled in September 2002.[18] The cancellation was announced as a production decision, but there was widespread speculation that the true reason for its cancellation was Butler's alcohol addiction; Butler was ordered to enter rehab for alcohol addiction a year later, after being arrested for wandering intoxicated amidst traffic.[19]

Witchblade ran for two 12–episode seasons on TNT. The first episode aired on June 12, 2001, and the last episode aired on August 26, 2002. On April 1, 2008, Warner Home Video announced a long-anticipated DVD release. Witchblade: The Complete Series — a seven-disc collectors set including the original made-for-TV movie, all 23 episodes of the series, and special features — was released July 29, 2008.[20]

Reboot

In January 2017, NBC announced that it would be developing a Witchblade reboot, with Carol Mendelsohn and Caroline Dries serving as executive producers.[21]

Film adaptation

An American superhero film based on the series was announced in 2008.[22] The film was to be directed by Michael Rymer, who directed the 2002 film Queen of the Damned and several episodes of Battlestar Galactica, and was to be written by Everett De Roche.[23]

The film was one of the two being produced and financed back-to-back by Platinum Studios, IDG Films and Relativity Media.[citation needed] The film was to be produced by Arclight's Gary Hamilton and Nigel Odell, Platinum Studios' Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, and Steve Squillante of Havenwood Media. Top Cow's Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins were to be executive producers with Platinum Studios' Rich Marincic and Greenberg Group's Randy Greenberg. Filming was announced to begin in September 2008, with China and Australia among the possible locations being considered for filming.[24][25] Megan Fox was approached for the role of Sara Pezzini at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con.[citation needed]

The film's website and teaser poster were released in May 2008,[22] but the project was later cancelled.[citation needed]

Anime series

Main article: Witchblade (2006 TV series)

In 2004 Japanese animation studio GONZO announced an anime version of Witchblade, with a subsequent manga adaptation. The anime version is considered controversial by some, because GONZO has announced that the main character of the anime is of Japanese ethnicity but is not Itagaki, one of the previous bearers of the Witchblade.[citation needed] Instead the main character is a new character named Masane. Although this series centers around all new characters and tells a new story not contained in the source material, it is set in the same continuity as the comic book.[26] The anime series began broadcast during April 2006 and ran for 24 episodes.

See also

References

  1. ^ Overstreet, Robert M. (1996). The Overstreet comic book price guide : books from 1897-present included : catalogue & evaluation guide-- illustrated (26th ed.). New York: Avon Books. pp. A-50. ISBN 0-380-78778-4. OCLC 34703954.
  2. ^ "Christina Z", Wikipedia, 2022-12-11, retrieved 2023-01-17
  3. ^ Dean, Michael (25 October 2000). "The Image Story Part Two: The Honeymoon". The Comics Journal. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  4. ^ Tung, Tommy (2004-03-05). "A background artist steps forward in the comic book industry". UCLA Asia Pacific Center. Retrieved 2023-05-17.
  5. ^ Yanes, Nicholas (2009-04-08). "Filip Sablik On The Evolution of Top Cow Comics". SciFi Pulse. Retrieved 2023-05-17.
  6. ^ Jordan, Justin (2006-06-04). "Top Cow Surprises Fans @ WW Philly". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-05-17.
  7. ^ "List of Marvel Cinematic Universe television series", Wikipedia, 2023-01-14, retrieved 2023-01-17
  8. ^ George, Richard (2007-07-27). "SDCC 07: Cup O' Joe Report". IGN. Retrieved 2023-05-17.
  9. ^ MacDonald, Heidi (2007-03-28). "IGN launches online digital comics shop". The Beat. Retrieved 2023-05-21.
  10. ^ Schleicher, Stephen (2007-03-28). "Download Comics (legally)". Major Spoilers. Retrieved 2023-05-21.
  11. ^ Powers, Kevin (14 September 2007). "BAM! KAPOW! BOOM! Zannel And Top Cow Team Up To Fight Mobile Boredom". Silver Bullet Comics. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  12. ^ a b Avila, Mike (2021-11-18). "Exclusive: Artist Marc Silvestri Looks Back On Cyberforce's 30TH Anniversary". Syfy. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  13. ^ Johnson, Rich (2021-12-14). "Four Big Hardcovers From Image Comics For 30th Anniversary In 2022". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  14. ^ MacDonald, Heidi (2024-04-19). "Witchblade is back!". The Beat. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  15. ^ The Darkness: Levels at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
  16. ^ "Review: The Darkness II". Destructoid. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  17. ^ "The Darkness 2 review: Shooting bullets off a list". Engadget. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  18. ^ Grossberg, Joss (5 September 2002). "Witchblade Sliced by TNT". E! Online. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  19. ^ Grossberg, Joss (24 November 2003). "Witchblade Star Ordered to Rehab". E! Online. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  20. ^ "Witchblade DVD news: Announcement for Witchblade - The Complete Series". TVShowsOnDVD.com. 2008-01-04. Archived from the original on 2013-11-05. Retrieved 2017-03-19.
  21. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (January 20, 2017). "'Witchblade' Reboot From Carol Mendelsohn, Caroline Dries Set at NBC". The Hollywood Reporter. Valence Media. Archived from the original on January 26, 2017. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  22. ^ a b PBADMIN (2008-05-27). "Witchblade Teaser Poster and Site Revealed". Comingsoon.net. Retrieved 2017-03-19.
  23. ^ MrDisgusting (4 June 2008). "'Witchblade' Director and Writer Revealed!". Bloody Disgusting. Archived from the original on 26 August 2009. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  24. ^ Pamela McClintock (2005-12-12). "Pic trio wields 'Witchblade'". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-19.
  25. ^ Michael Fleming (2008-05-11). "'Witchblade' sharpened for bigscreen". Variety. Retrieved 2017-03-19.
  26. ^ "Top Cow Announces Witchblade Manga in 2007". Anime News Network. 2006-12-12. Retrieved 2017-03-19.


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