Lara Croft Tomb Raider #47
Top Cow/Image Comics
Writer: James Bonny
Pencils: Eric Basaldua
Inks: Jay Leisten
Colors: Tyson Wengler
Price: $2.99

Rating: 2 ? stars

Tomb Raider has been an iconic game for years, as well as having two movies made starring the incomparable Angelina Jolie. Given the hype and success of the concept, it is startling to me that the comic book hasn?t caught on more favorably. It seems like a natural fit for gamers, and at first seemed to really strike a cord with comic book readers as well, but as the comic book has become more fully integrated into the Top Cow universe, it seems to have lost its luster.

Unfortunately, the best part of Tomb Raider #47 is the eye popping cover by Adam Hughes featuring Lara Croft and the Magdelena. The two appear to be pressing their chests together while grimacing, which I am sure, is always a crowd pleaser. I have to give Top Cow credit as the cover was easily the first thing my eyes wandered to at my local comic book shop.

This issue is part two of a crossover between the two above aforementioned characters, and the story continues from a story arc over in Witchblade. Tom Judge from the Universe maxi-series is found dead and Sara Pezzini, who just happens to be a detective as well as bearer of the Witchblade, is assigned his case. She and the Magdelena interact, and she also gives old friend Lara Croft a call. The result is a clash between two of the hottest chicks in the Top Cow universe.

Let me preface that I have been an avid Top Cow reader for several years, reaching back to Cyberforce and Witchblade with Michael Turner on pencils. I like the production value of their titles and am intrigued by the supernatural themes they explore. Having said this, through the years there has been a large variance in the company?s consistency and quality which has always troubled me. Tomb Raider is an example of this. I was one of the readers who appreciated Dan Jurgens? approach to the character at the beginning of the series. After his departure, I became disenchanted and have only purchased the title sporadically since then.

The main reason I picked up this title is that I think the Magdelena character has a great deal of untapped potential. The other reason is that I read an article with Top Cow Editor In Chief Jim McLauchlin where he mentions that Tomb Raider is being cancelled and rebooted as a series of specials. I had a desire to see why, and after reading this story arc I can see that a new direction is in order.

Lara Croft is a great character. Her sense of adventure and her obsession with historical artifacts make her mysterious and intriguing. I wouldn?t mind seeing her do a special from time to time where she teams up with other Top Cow characters, but I believe she is better served to have a title that keeps her in her realm.

Issue 47 definitely did have its good points. Artist Eric Basaldua continues to shine as Top Cow?s new answer to Michael Turner. He is ably inked by Jay Leisten, who has done such an outstanding job working with Greg Land. I also have to applaud the coloring of Tyson Wengler, who brought a great deal of depth to the art with his use of shading and highlights.

Writer James Bonny did a credible job on a script that at times had to fill in gaps for the reader. I was a bit shell shocked by how the story seemed to chop back and forth at times, but can?t quibble with the basic content of the tale. I would really like to find an issue done by him that wasn?t a crossover to get a better sense of his writing.

Fans of the Top Cow Universe will consider this a must-read, as will Adam Hughes fans of the world. The cover is incredibly sexy, and the art inside is scintillating as well. The Magdelena is a central figure, which will please fans of her past mini-series. I am still disappointed about the Tomb Raider title in general and am looking forward to picking up specials that focus solely on Lara Croft in the future, instead of trying to integrate a Top Cow crossover.

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