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THE DESTINY OF THE WITCHBLADE CONTINUES

Adapted from the hit Top Cow comic book series that inspired the live-action TV series starring Yancy Butler, this brand new animated Witchblade series relocates the action from present day New York to a near-future Tokyo, where a new bearer has been chosen to wield the awesome power of the Witchblade.

Released on DVD in February 2008, WITCHBLADE VOLUME 1 features the first four episodes of the series, as well as an extra

special treat for Witchblade comic book fans in the form of an exclusive video tour of Top Cow Studios with founder and illustrator, Marc Silvestri.

An ancient, supernatural, sentient weapon of unparalleled destructive force that also holds a seemingly limitless potential for protecting its bearer, the Witchblade has been coveted and sought throughout history by countless men eager to control it.  But for reasons unknown, this fearsome artefact can only be bestowed upon a woman, chosen by the blade itself and one whose fate will forever be scarred by the burden of its power.

After being found barely conscious at the epicentre of a devastating earthquake that almost wiped Japan from the face of the earth, single mother Masane Amaha has existed on the fringes of society, constantly on the run from the agents of the Child Welfare Ministry who are concerned for the safety of Masane's young daughter, Rihoko.  But Masane's true destiny was written long ago…

Finally tracked down by the Agency, Masane finds herself behind bars as Rihoko is taken into protective custody.  Concerned only with retrieving her daughter, Masane is overwhelmed by a force beyond comprehension as the Witchblade reveals itself to its new host.  But getting Rihoko back proves to be the least of Masane's worries.  The eyes of a giant corporation known as the Doji Group have been watching and waiting for the mythical weapon to reappear and now they believe they have found what they were looking for.

One of the most beautifully produced and impressive looking anime series in recent memory, Witchblade also boasts an unusually emotive and involving storyline that posits a moving mother-daughter relationship saga against the backdrop of an explosive supernatural action-adventure.

WITCHBLADE VOLUME 1 (cert. tbc) will be released on DVD (£19.99) on 4th February 2008.  Extras include a tour of Top Cow Studios with artist and CEO Marc Silvestri; interview with Japanese cast star Mamiko Noto (the voice behind Masane Ahama); promotion video; textless opening and closing; trailers; English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 audio options; optional English subtitles.
 

RELEASE INFORMATION
 

Title Release Date Format DVD RRP Certificate Genre Running time

Witchblade vol 1 4th February 2008 DVD £19.99 TBC Fantasy Action 100 mins (approx.)