Battle of the Planets vs Witchblade: The Clash

Revisiting ’80s Nostalgia: Witchblade Meets Battle of the Planets

Welcome to the nostalgia loop, a place where we revisit 2000s reboots of beloved ’80s sensations. Here, the past feeds the present, creating a nostalgic cycle that delights fans of yesteryear. Today, we dive into a comics crossover that no fan saw coming—but can’t stop talking about now. When Witchblade ignited the ’90s Bad Girls craze, no one anticipated the collision with G-Force heroes. The anticipation was palpable—right? Well, here we are, analyzing the unexpected and eccentric journey.

Witchblade Challenges G-Force

Why would Battle of the Planets, an anime from the late ’70s, cross paths with Witchblade, a ’90s comic centered on mystical power? On the surface, it seems random to the uninitiated. But, take a closer look and it all connects. Both titles found a home under Top Cow’s umbrella. While Witchblade’s glory days waned after 2003, a loyal fanbase lingered, eager to see its adaptation as a live-action series.

The February 2003 release of Battle of the Planets/Witchblade painted a vivid picture. A striking Alex Ross cover lured fans in, with his art decked out in ’80s anime flair. Munier Sharrieff penned the tale, joined by Michelle Lee for script translation. With Christina Chen on art and Jo Chen assisting, readers found both freshness and familiarity.

A Dark Tale in a Bleak Setting

The narrative unfolds in Belarus, a country not often paired with superheroes. An elderly woman rallies her grandson away from the approaching wolves. As twilight sets in, he asks for his favorite story, one he’s heard a million times. It’s the tale of a G-Force member facing Witchblade.

The grandmother spins her yarn of Spectra’s alien invasion, mining the land for resources. During this time, a woman—the mysterious Princess—is captured by the enemy. She’s isolated from her team, her power stripped away, leaving her vulnerable to dark forces.

Princess’s Struggle with the Witchblade

The Witchblade artifact wants Princess, sensing her potential. It binds to her, amplifying her darkest feelings. Mark, her teammate, arrives to face her fury. Princess reveals her resentment toward G-Force and the life she never had.

The story stirs with elements of self-doubt and regret, showcasing Princess’s internal battle. Sharrieff keeps the criticism subtle, not wanting to dismantle the entire concept of G-Force. Princess’s grievances aren’t dismissed, but neither is the team’s heroic nature tarnished.

Revelation and Resolution

The Witchblade, arguing its side through Princess, laments its role in the endless fight. Mark counters, highlighting the bond with his team as a silver lining to their struggles. This connection weakens the Witchblade’s grip on Princess, leading to a climactic showdown.

As the mined-townsfolk maintain distance from the bewitched Princess, Mark manages to fasten her transmutation bracelets back on her wrists. Thus expelled, the Witchblade’s hold loosens, and freedom returns to Princess. In the aftermath, they thank a young girl—a present-day heroic elder—for her role in the victory.

Nostalgia Beckons Us Back

In hindsight, mixing Witchblade and Battle of the Planets seems rather odd. Top Cow fans might break out of loyalty, but the mingling feels more convenient than canonical. What could compel both properties, so different in essence, to align? Maybe it’s nostalgia’s timeless call—or a creative experiment among creators willing to see where it leads.

Despite its quirks, the crossover checks the typical boxes fans expect—art, drama, and nostalgia. Top Cow veterans might have been disappointed Sara Pezzini wasn’t on board, being the Witchblade’s true face, yet the show went on. While presented like a diluted "Dark Phoenix Saga," Sharrieff’s tale stays true to the Witchblade’s duality. It may not win everyone over, but diehard aficionados find nuggets of intrigue in its storyline.

The past continues to reawaken the present, making these intersecting stories worth the revisit.