Witch of the Black Rose is a comic book series created by Jim Balent and published by Broadsword Comics. The series follows the adventures of Tarot, a modern-day witch and warrior. Tarot and her sister, Raven Hex, protect their mystical realm from evil forces while navigating personal dramas and romantic entanglements. The comic combines elements of witchcraft, fantasy, and erotism to create a unique and visually stunning reading experience. Each issue features Balent's intricate artwork, showcasing beautiful and powerful female characters in elaborate costumes. Tarot is the main protagonist of the series.
Tarot main abilities are her martial skills and great agility which enables her to fight supernatural beings even when not using spells or when she has not her magic sword around.
On the other hand, Tarot s sister, Raven Hex, is assaulted by old enemies, a vengeful acolyte and dark elves, who want to bring back their old masters after Raven and her family either killed them or trapped them in a book she should have never stolen from a magic library. I feel you should either just commit fully, or keep her covered up with one of the spiky leather bikini tops she usually wears, instead of half-assing things like this.
Tarot is the main protagonist of the series. She is a voluptuous witch who wields a sword and uses her magical powers to fight off evil spirits. Balent's artwork emphasizes the sensual nature of Tarot, often depicting her in revealing outfits or suggestive poses.
Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose #108 by Jim Balent
I t is always great to find that one story that doesn’t stop surprising you, that always meets your high expectations, something as good as Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose . In the newest chapter, Issue #108, creator, artist and writer Jim Balent presents a mix of elements he hasn’t used for a while.
The red-headed witch and her squad were bewitched by the very Spirit of Halloween a few months ago in the previous Halloween issue, turned into green-skinned witches and even a living skeleton after the spirit classified their “costumes” as unfitting for the occasion. They have been searching for answers and a way to return to their common traits, but also trying not to stop doing what they’re best at: fighting for justice. Tarot keeps the balance between the human world and the magical creatures, Jon protects the dead and their last wishes, and Raven seeks her revenge over those who harmed her in the past.
The Swordmaiden of the Goddess, Tarot, and her husband, Jon Webb, go on a mission that ends with the witch being seriously injured, leaving her on a thin line between life and death. Jon runs a race against time to save her and makes a decision that could affect his marriage. On the other hand, Tarot’s sister, Raven Hex, is assaulted by old enemies, a vengeful acolyte and dark elves, who want to bring back their old masters after Raven and her family either killed them or trapped them in a book she should have never stolen from a magic library. Although the dark witch faces them, they put more than her life at risk if she doesn’t accept their terms and does what she is told.
The author knows how to immerse the reader in the story, making his characters’ feelings palpable and part of the setting as we go page by page, trying to guess what will happen in the next panel. Balent honors the comic book tradition of using seemingly simple plots to create a whole new perspective of what his fans and followers may expect.
Although I’m not sure it was on purpose, I felt a deeper and more complete development on Raven’s side of the story, with three major plot elements of her previous storylines finally taking shape as a disastrous consequence. It proves that the author really knows how to work with long lengths of time to develop his ideas. I don’t recall other comics that made me feel anxious and nervous about what will happen next, not realizing I’ve been holding my breath until I reached the last page, but several other issues of Tarot: Witch for the Black Rose certainly have done that so far, this issue included.
As for the art, there’s hardly anything new I can say. It never disappoints, bores me or makes think I’ve had enough of it already. Colorist and letterer Holly Golightly is always showing the best of her abilities to bring this series to life. I cannot imagine someone else could do a better job than her with this series. Golightly truly gave a new face to the horror elements alongside her brilliant husband (the author), adding her own special, professional touch as always – one that makes Tarot so special. She freely lets her hands work their magic as they flirt between the fantasy and the gothic enchantment that make this a unique comic. As brilliant as always, Miss Golightly!
I can hardly wait for the next chapter in this addictive adventure to see how everything evolves and what will become of the characters. Although I know they all remain alive, at least for now, I’m eager to see which new ideas and twists this duo has in the future.
Raven Hex is Tarot's younger sister and a powerful witch in her own right. She shares Tarot's devotion to protecting their realm but often struggles with her darker impulses. Raven Hex is portrayed as a more gothic and mysterious character compared to Tarot's more light-hearted and sexy persona. The comic explores various themes such as the balance between good and evil, the power of love and friendship, and the empowerment of women. It often delves into Tarot and Raven Hex's personal lives, showcasing their relationships with other characters and the challenges they face in their roles as witches. Witch of the Black Rose has gained a loyal following since its debut in 2000. Its unique combination of fantasy, witchcraft, and eroticism has resonated with readers, who are drawn to the series' beautiful art and engaging storylines. Overall, Witch of the Black Rose is a visually stunning and captivating comic series that combines elements of witchcraft, fantasy, and erotica. It showcases strong female characters and explores themes of love, friendship, and the battle between good and evil. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, witches, or unique storytelling, Witch of the Black Rose is a comic series worth exploring..
Reviews for "Dark Magic Unleashed: The Spellbinding World of Witch of the Black Rose"
1. John Doe - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch of the Black Rose" comic. I found the plot to be convoluted and confusing, and the characters lacked depth. The artwork also didn't appeal to me, as it felt inconsistent throughout the comic. Overall, I didn't find it engaging or enjoyable.
2. Jane Smith - 1 out of 5 stars - I couldn't get into "Witch of the Black Rose" at all. The story seemed like a cliched and shallow attempt at combining dark fantasy and romance. The dialogue also felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Additionally, the artwork was overly sexualized, which detracted from the overall experience for me. I wouldn't recommend this comic.
3. Tom Johnson - 2.5 out of 5 stars - "Witch of the Black Rose" was a letdown for me. While I appreciated the attempt to create a unique and edgy concept, the execution fell short. The story felt disjointed and lacked continuity, making it hard to follow. The artwork had its moments, but overall, it failed to capture the essence of the narrative. The comic had potential, but it failed to live up to my expectations.