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{{short description|American comics publisher}}
{{Refimprove|date=December 2007}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{redirect|Top Cow|the episode of Back at the Barnyard|List of Back at the Barnyard episodes}}
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{{Infobox publisher
{{Infobox publisher
| image = [[File:Cs02topcow.jpeg|200px]]
| image = [[File:Cs02topcow.jpeg|200px]]
| parent = [[Image Comics]]
| parent = [[Image Comics]]
| status =
| status =
| founded = [[1992 in comics|1992]]
| founded = 1992
| founder = [[Marc Silvestri]]
| founder = [[Marc Silvestri]]
| successor =
| successor =
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| headquarters = [[Los Angeles]]
| headquarters = [[Los Angeles]]
| distribution =
| distribution =
| keypeople = [[Marc Silvestri]]
| keypeople = Marc Silvestri<br/>Matt Hawkins
| genre = [[Superhero fiction]], [[science fiction]], [[horror fiction]]
| publications =
| topics =
| url = {{URL|https://topcow.com/}}
| genre =
| imprints =
| revenue =
| numemployees =
| nasdaq =
| url = {{URL|http://www.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.

'''Top Cow Productions''' ('''TCP''') is an American comics publisher, a partner studio of [[Image Comics]] founded by [[Marc Silvestri]] in [[1992 in comics|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]], [[Marc 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]]. Benitez, 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 in comics|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 different 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). Thanks to the success of ''Witchblade'' Top Cow was able to expand, adding to its line with titles that included ''[[The Darkness (comics)|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".
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 addition to company owned properties Top Cow has from time to time worked with creators to develop creator generated properties. These properties have included '' Turner's [[Fathom (comics)|Fathom]]'' which eventually ended up at Aspen Comics; [[Joe's Comics]], created exclusively for [[J. Michael Straczynski]], which included ''[[Rising Stars]]'', ''[[Midnight Nation]]'', ''[[The Agency (comics)|The Agency]]'', and ''[[Obergeist]]''.
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]], [[Paul Jenkins (writer)|Paul Jenkins]], and artist [[Andy Park]]. The cartoon ''[[Battle of the Planets]]'' is another licensed property in which Top Cow has invested, collaborating with 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 in comics|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, such as [[Tyler Kirkham]] (''[[X-Men: Phoenix - Warsong|Phoenix: Warsong]]'' and ''[[New Avengers/Transformers]]''), [[Michael Choi (comics)|Mike Choi]] (''[[X-23|X-23: Target X]]''), and Silvestri himself ([[X-Men: Messiah Complex|X-Men: Messiah CompleX]]). At the 2007 [[San Diego Comic Con]] an announcement was made by Marvel Comics extending the deal into 2008.


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 in comics|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]].<ref>[http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=102847 NYCC 07/D2: Hawkins corrects/clarifies Top Cow Digital Comics], February 25, 2007, [[Newsarama]]</ref> The initial titles offered will be ''[[Tomb Raider (comics)|Tomb Raider]]'' #1–50, ''[[The Darkness (comics)|The Darkness]]'' #1–50 and ''[[Witchblade]]'' #1–50, at around $1 per issue.<ref>[http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/38556/sd-comic-con-2010-strange-and-wondrous-things-brewing-top-cow SD Comic-Con 2010: Strange and Wondrous Things Brewing at Top Cow]</ref> They have also announced a deal with [[Zannel]] to license their comics as [[mobile comic]]s.<ref>[http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/news/118978182188519.htm BAM! KAPOW! BOOM! Zannel And Top Cow Team Up To Fight Mobile Boredom], September 14, 2007</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>


==Titles==
==Titles==
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==Media adaptations==
==Media adaptations==
===''The Darkness''===


Like many other comic book companies, Top Cow has used many of their properties to create video games, movies and televisions. However, unlike other companies, it is arguable that Top Cow has not produced as many projects as other companies. To explain why Top Cow has taken so long to produce so few non-comic book projects, Top Cow publisher [[Filip Sablik]] said in an interview with Nicholas Yanes from scifipulse.net that:
<blockquote>
Both film and television, as well as video games and animation, are things that Top Cow is regularly and constantly pursuing. All of those things also take a long time to develop and set up. The Witchblade Anime that Gonzo produced and was released by FUNimation in the US took almost a decade to come to fruition. Add on to that Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins mantra of “we’d rather have no movie than a crappy movie” and you can see why it can take a while to bring a Witchblade or The Darkness movie to fans.<ref>[http://scifipulse.net/?p=7185 "Filip Sablik – On The Evolution Of Top Cow Comics" Scifipulse.net (April 8, 2009).]</ref></blockquote>

===The Darkness===
====Film====
====Film====
In December 2004, [[Dimension Films]] paid an undisclosed six-figure sum to develop a possible [[movie]] based on the comic, planned for release in 2008 but has not been released yet. The comic was pitched as a similar movie to ''[[The Crow]]'', which was also produced by [[Dimension Films|Dimension]].
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.


====Video game====
====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>
In March 2005, [[The Darkness (video game)|The Darkness]] was licensed by [[Majesco]] for a [[The Darkness (video game)|console game]] to be developed by [[Starbreeze Studios]]. [[2K Games]] later obtained the rights to the game, and the [[first-person shooter]] was released for the [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]] console systems on June 25, 2007 in the [[United States]] and on June 29, 2007 in the [[EU]] ([[Xbox 360]] only – [[PS3]] version was released on July 20).


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>
To promote the video game a five-issue mini-series was released, with each issue chronicled a chapter of the game. In June 2007 it was collected into a [[trade paperback (comics)|trade paperback]] (ISBN 1582407975).<ref>{{comicbookdb|type=title|id=11459|title=''The Darkness: Levels''}}</ref>


===''Witchblade''===
The game is mostly based on the events of the first volume of the Darkness comics, however it does alter some key elements such as having Paulie being the one that adopts Jackie.


====Television series====
[[Marc Silvestri]] noted in an interview that a sequel to the first game is already in the works.
{{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>
During the game, The Darkness holds true to the comics, with the same powers. Though the Darkness becomes extremely resillient, and tries to make you kill people, it is relatively docile toward the beginning of the game. By the time The Darkness realizes you are taking control it then starts to try to persuade you to stop.


''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>
===Witchblade===
====Television series====
{{Main|Witchblade (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]]. The series was directed by [[Ralph Hemecker]] and written by [[Marc Silvestri]] (who also wrote the comic book) and [[J.D. Zeik]]. [[Yancy Butler]] starred as Sara Pezzini. Although critically acclaimed and popular with audiences, it was canceled in September 2002.<ref name="EOnline-WitchbladeCancelled">{{cite web
| publisher=E! Online
| title="Witchblade" Sliced by TNT
| url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=79462aa7-4e88-49cb-9d58-429008f1b665
|date=2002-09-05
| first=Grossberg
| last=Josh
| accessdate=2006-12-29
}}</ref> Announced as a production decision, the cancellation nevertheless provoked widespread speculation that the true reason 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 name="EOnline-ButlerRehab">{{cite web
| publisher=E! Online
| title="Witchblade" Star Ordered to Rehab
| url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=d58f45ce-6162-413d-bf44-a71b7c2127e8
|date=2003-11-24
| first=Grossberg
| last=Josh
| accessdate=2006-12-29
}}</ref>


====Reboot====
''Witchblade'' ran for two seasons on TNT, each featuring 12 episodes. 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>[http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Witchblade-The-Complete-Series/9296 Witchblade DVD news: Announcement for Witchblade – The Complete Series | TVShowsOnDVD.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
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>


====Film adaptation====
====Film adaptation====
An [[Cinema of the United States|American]] [[superhero film]] based on the series is currently in development.<ref name="autogenerated2">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=7255 "''Witchblade'' Teaser Poster and Site Revealed "; superherohype.com; May 26, 2008.]</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.witchblade2009.com/ Official site of the 2009 feature film]</ref> The film will be directed by [[Michael Rymer]], who directed the 2002 film ''[[Queen of the Damned (film)|Queen of the Damned]]'', and various episodes of ''[[Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series)|Battlestar Galactica]]'', and written by [[Everett De Roche]].<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0753382/ Michael Rymer at the Internet Movie Database]</ref><ref>[http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/12487 BD Horror News – 'Witchblade' Director and Writer Revealed!<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
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>


The film is one of two being produced and financed back-to-back by Platinum Studios, IDG Films and Relativity Media. The film will 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 will be executive producers with Platinum Studios' Rich Marincic and Greenberg Group's Randy Greenberg. Filming is scheduled to begin in September 2008, with China and Australia among the possible locations being considered for filming.<ref>[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117934492.html?categoryId=1350&cs=1 McClintock, Pamela; "Pic trio wields 'Witchblade': Platinum, IDG, Relativity to finance, produce pics"; ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''; December 12, 2005.]</ref><ref>[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117985461.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&nid=2562 'Witchblade' sharpened for bigscreen; ''Variety''; May 11, 2008.]</ref> [[Megan Fox]] was recently approached for the role of Sara Pezzini at the 2008 [[San Diego Comic-Con]], but has neither accepted or declined yet. <ref>[http://topcow.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=42179&st=60-->]{{dead link|date=January 2011}}</ref>
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}}
<ref>[http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_7458-->]{{dead link|date=January 2011}}</ref>


The film's website and teaser poster were released in May 2008.<ref name="autogenerated2" />
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}}


====Anime series====
====Anime series====
{{Main|Witchblade (anime)}}
{{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.

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 [[fictional character|character]] of the anime is of Japanese ethnicity but is not [[Hangaku Gozen|Itagaki]], one of the previous bearers of the Witchblade. Instead it is a new character named Masane. Although this series sets up an entire new story, with all new characters, it is considered [[Canon (fiction)|canon]].<ref name="ANN-WitchbladeAnnouncedCanon">{{cite web
| publisher=Anime News Network
| title=Top Cow Announces Witchblade Manga in 2007
| url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2006-12-12/top-cow-announces-witchblade-manga-in-2007
| date=2006-12-12
| accessdate=2007-03-24
}}</ref>

The anime series began broadcast during April 2006 and ran for 24 episodes (a standard series run). The lead character (and new blade wielder) is the kind-hearted Masane who, despite her good intentions, is fairly clumsy and not good around the house. After the events of an earthquake that struck her home six years before the series, "year zero", Masane has no recollection of her past prior to this date. When she comes into contact with the Witchblade, Masane also finds herself under the watchful eye of an organization called the NSWF (National Scientific Welfare Foundation), and struggles to hold onto her daughter Rihoko, whom the government is trying to take from her. Unlike the comic witchblade, which only induces bloodlust when in a violent confrontation and creates armor, the anime Witchblade entirely transforms Masane, giving her different eyes and hair, and will ultimately destroy her body.


==See also==
==See also==

* [[Comics]]
* [[Graphic Novel]]
* [[Comic-Con International|San-Diego Comic-Con International]]
* [[Angoulême International Comics Festival]]
* [[Semic Comics]]
* [[Semic Comics]]
* [[Image Comics]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


==References==
==References==
{{refbegin}}
{{Reflist|30em}}
*[http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080625-TopCow2.html Top Cow: Then and Now 2: Q&A with Publisher Filip Sablik] by Chris Arrant, [[Newsarama]], June 25, 2008
*[http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080624-TopCow1.html Top Cow: Then and Now 1: Q&A with President Matt Hawkins] by Chris Arrant, [[Newsarama]], June 24, 2008
*{{gcdb publisher|id=983|title=Top Cow Productions}}
*{{comicbookdb|type=publisher|id=61|title=Top Cow Productions}}
{{refend}}


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


===Interviews===
{{More footnotes|section|date=April 2009}}
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=18990 WEEK OF TOP COW: Marc Silvestri], [[Comic Book Resources]], December 1, 2008
*[http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19006 WEEK OF TOP COW: Filip Sablik], [[Comic Book Resources]], December 2, 2008
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19017 WEEK OF TOP COW: Ron Marz & Phil Hester], [[Comic Book Resources]], December 3, 2008
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19044 WEEK OF TOP COW: Rob Levin], [[Comic Book Resources]], December 4, 2008
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19058 WEEK OF TOP COW: Matt Hawkins], [[Comic Book Resources]], December 5, 2008
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19080 The Future of Top Cow with Filip Sablik], [[Comic Book Resources]], December 8, 2008
*[http://www.flamesrising.com/interview-with-filip-sablik Interview with Top Cow Productions Publisher, Filip Sablik], Flames Rising, May 1, 2010


{{Image Comics}}
{{Comic book publishers in North America navbox}}
{{Comic book publishers in North America navbox}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Top Cow Productions| ]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1992]]


[[fr:Top Cow]]
[[Category:Top Cow Productions| ]]
[[Category:1992 establishments in California]]
[[it:Top Cow Productions]]
[[Category:Comic book publishing companies of the United States]]
[[ja:トップ・カウ・プロダクション]]
[[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.

External links


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