Tarot: Witch of The Black Rose
Issue #43 Cover A
Creator: Jim Balent
Writer: Jim Balent
Artist: Jim Balent
Colorist: Holly Golightly
Letterist: Holly Golightly
Assistant Colorist: Stephanie Chan & Dean Welsh
Editor: Neil Morris
BroadSword Comics
Issue #43 entitled “Dead Leaves” finds Tarot on her way to the fairy realm for a witch gathering. However, before she reaches her destination finds herself in a strange realm where dreams go to die, a realm over ran by spirits wanting to only exist once more. Meanwhile Jon (Skeleton Man) finds himself on a case of his own when two spirits arrive at his front door pleading for him to help them. Their son who was cremated has been deemed unwelcome in the cemetery they are buried in and want to be able to spend eternity together in peace.
My favorite aspect of his issue has to be the unique character designs given to each of the spirits that Tarot comes across through out the issue. The ballerina with a very strange stitch job nails the creepy bull’s-eye and is a great example of how dark this series can be at times. Jim Balent comes up with creatures of the night that would even impress Clive Barker the king of disturbing characters.
I also really appreciate the positive message that is found in this issue a topic that often touched on through out the series but was extra prevalent in this one. Being true to yourself and proud of whom you are and the way you look has always been an on going issue in the Tarot: Witch of The Black Rose series and something that I respect highly. Any comic book series that works hard to promote individuality is one that I believe deserves credit, in an age of face-lifts and Botox we all could use a reminder that our differences and imperfections are what make us interesting.
It’s quiet sad to me that many potential readers will fail to see past the mature warning on the cover and large amount of nudity in each issue. Yet, they will be perfectly fine with picking up an ultra violent blood soaked story with little issue. Our fear of sexuality and our bodies cause many of us to miss a lot of beautiful stories and solid forms of media an issue that all forms of art continue to run into.
It is not secret that I love this franchise and to think just a few months ago I made the mistake of labeling it as just another “adult” comic using T&A to sell issues to sexually frustrated males. I could not of been more wrong and instead was shown a series about being yourself and loving yourself. Not to mention all the strong female characters and the most positive portrayal of pagans I have ever came across in comic book form if you have yet to give it a shot please do so.
Tarot: Witch of The Black Rose is hands down one of the most high quality indie comic book series I have ever been exposed to and will continue to sings its praises to anyone willing to listen. When it comes to an indie comic that deserves support, look no further than Tarot: Witch of The Black Rose and BroadSword Comics.
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