Issue #1 (October 2004)

Regular Cover - Pugh $2.99
Limited Edition Cover - Shy (1,500 copies) $9.95
Limited Edition Cover - Jusko (1,500 copies) $9.95
Limited Edition Virgin Cover - Jusko (500 copies) $19.95

Union of the Damned
Story - Justin Gray: Art - Liam Sharp and Jimmy Palmiotti

Detective Sara Pezzini (Witchblade) gets involved when the Police capture a demon "child" with a bloody invitation for Vampirella. Vampirella and Witchblade are magically transported to Hell where Damien, the son of Satan, wants to marry Vampirella so he can have dominion over Drakulon. Outnumbered five hundred to one, part of the Witchblade jumps to Vampirella so they are both "armed" and very deadly in the melee that follows.

In the aftermath of the slaughter Sara and Vampirella meet Satan who returns then to Earth. On their return to Earth Vampirella explains to Sara that marriage is about property not love.

Interestingly, this story introduces us to Vampirella's (younger) sister who is not named, merely shown in one panel held captive by Damien's minions.

What can you say about Joe Jusko's handiwork? It just gets better and better, and deserves to have a virgin cover to show it off to it's best advantage.

Liam Sharp's cover is fine, but it is outshone by his work on the interior pages. The story carries you from page to page in a compulsive rush to find out what happens next, yet you want to linger over every page to appreciate the stunning artwork.

A very enjoyable comic book with some wonderful moments to make you smile, and (probably) the best of the Vampirella / Witchblade crossovers.

Now all I have to do is find out a bit more about Vampirella's "sister"!