Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose

[boshobosho]

I usually start a thread for each issue that comes out, but I figured why not just start a general discussion thread because there do seem to be some fans of this book on here besides me. This is just to discuss the book, characters, and ideas presented within.

My first question, is does anybody else miss Raven Hex, Skeleton Man, and Tarot's mother? They seem to be characters that have fallen by the wayside and I feel they are really integral to making Tarot enjoyable.

[Miss Kitty Fantastico]

I wouldn't say Raven's been sidelined. While it's true that it's been some time since she's had a major part to play in an arc, she just had #48 devoted to her exclusively. What with New Avalon being destroyed, and Raven herself grievously injured in the process, it's not unnatural to suppose she'd have taken a while to recuperate and lick her wounds, while Tarot's been having solo adventures. But Raven's been around here and there - since #38, where she was recovering from her injuries, she's been in the 'future fates' issue, the Christmas one along with everyone else, and alongside Tarot in #49. the Fione Horne story. But the 'Dark Path' issue really cemented her place in recent Tarot history - I have no doubt we'll see much more of her.

Jon and Tarot's mother less so - her mother's last appearance was in the Christmas issue, and Jon's in #42, the one with the 3 Little Kittens guest appearance. The four-issue Witch Key arc, with Tarot soloing it, makes it seem a long time since they were around, but when you look at it in terms of what subplots and character arcs have been running parallel to Tarot's personal stories, they haven't been absent as such - we haven't had Earthbound Tarot stories where they might have been, but weren't. Jon's a part of Tarot's current love life arc, with her and Boo resuming their relationship - what we saw in #50 with Boo is kind of a parallel to Jon's role in #40, when the notion of Tarot being lover to both of them was solidified, so I wouldn't be surprised if Jon turns up in this arc to offer his perspective (Raven too, perhaps).

Tarot's mother, I'm not so sure - she's always been kept on the sidelines, with a bit of an air of mystery to her. There's always the sense that there's a lot going on with her, but we just don't see it - witness her cadre of boyfriends turning up unexpectedly in the Hawaii issues, or (my perception) her being somewhat quiet and withdrawn in the Christmas issue. She's never really taken centre stage - I'd love it if she did, with an issue devoted to her specifically, but I don't think it's a sign of her being 'sidelined' that she's not more present currently. That said, if Jon and Raven have a part to play in guiding Tarot in her current 'trial', I'd be surprised if her mother doesn't have something to offer as well.

[Deathstroke]

I get the comic in my pull file for a co-worker of mine.

I always tease her that it's a porn comic.

She gets offended when I do that.

I have never opened the book before and then I opened up #50 and holy crap! The beginning of the issue...pure porn inspiration.

Oh and I know the two porn actresses that could play that opening scene perfectly.

[Arvandor]

As I said in the last thread, #50 was a great issue and one of my favourites of the whole series.

I'm looking forward to the duel between Tarot and Thornwic. It was interesting how he said he was going to teach her humility. I've been feeling that Tarot has been acting particularly arrogant and self-righteous in recent issues, and it was affecting my enjoyment. I wonder if this was a deliberate build-up, or if Jim Balent was just reacting to feedback. Either way, I like it.

[boshobosho]

I get the comic in my pull file for a co-worker of mine.

I always tease her that it's a porn comic.

She gets offended when I do that.

I have never opened the book before and then I opened up #50 and holy crap! The beginning of the issue...pure porn inspiration.

Oh and I know the two porn actresses that could play that opening scene perfectly.

I've never seen it as a porn comic, it's more about sexual freedom and exploration and finding joy and substance in the human sexual nature.
My only problem, is yes it is a comic and anything goes in such a fantasy realm, but it's sex without caution.

[Arvandor]

Just read #51. Damn. That was GOOD!

SPOILERS.....

























That was just a fantastic, epic battle between Tarot and Thornwic. Beautifully drawn and action packed. I wish all comic fights had that kind of pacing.

Thornwic is such a great adversary. He humiliated Tarot, and he did it with style. Tarot fought well, but was just outclassed in every way.


And then Skeleton Man shows up, and BOOM. That's how you deal with fairies. None of that fancy magic and swordplay. Just a boot to the face. I LOVED that!

Too often Jon has been made to look a bit of a fool next to Tarot and her allies. It's so good to see him saving her ass for a change. Jon is hardcore again.


I LOVED this issue, even more than the last one. If the conclusion is as good as this, then So Mote It Be will be the best story arc of the entire series.

Fantastic.

[Big Red Spider]

For some reason it wasn't in my pull box. Has is came out already or are ready a preview?

[boshobosho]

#51 was a good issue.
I really felt let down by the whole Witch Key story, but this is making up for it in spades.
Thornwic is a superb character. I like the fact that two "good guys" are fighting and it's not just your dumb superhero brawl. Though in this case, I think Thornwic may be right, and I'd like to see him win. Sometimes it is nice to see the other side take a victory, and even if Thornwic did win, it wouldn't be wrong.
Nice to see Skeleton Man too, but I'd like a little Raven Hex please!

[Deathstroke]

I just got the issue in my comic delivery. I get it for my co-worker but I leafed through it.

Man, that guy can draw women eh?

[Miss Kitty Fantastico]

Thornwic is such a great adversary. He humiliated Tarot, and he did it with style. Tarot fought well, but was just outclassed in every way.
That was a great fight - I especially liked the pages where they were throwing lightning at each other, that was really good colouring work, selling the danger and fury of the magic they were using.

I'm intrigued by Thornwic, but after this issue, not so much by the notion of him as an adversary - there's something about the timing of his moves and dialogue, the placement of actions and the subtext of what happens during the fight, that really makes me think there's more to him than what he appears to be. Perhaps he'll remain an ongoing antagonist - I think the whole notion of him has great potential, as a counterpart to Tarot, one who can and will oppose her but who isn't motivated by evil, but right now, I have my suspicions that this is all about the Labyrinth. Going out on a limb, I'm not yet 100% convinced that Thornwic is real - what he is and does is almost too tailored to this experience that he brings to Tarot. (I've even gone back to issue #50, looking for any clues that Tarot's been inside the Labyrinth this whole time without realising it.)

That said, on a purely technical level... well, regardless of how much I adore Tarot, that's what you get for taking a broadsword to a rapier fight :rolleyes: I know, I know, magic blades - but as a fencer I always favoured the lighter weapons.

For some reason it wasn't in my pull box. Has is came out already or are ready a preview?
Yup, it's out - check with your shop, it's possible Diamond may have shorted them on their shipment. It happens to my local store now and then (fortunately not with Tarot thus far).

I'd like a little Raven Hex please!
I was wondering if she'd show up - so far, in dealing with Thornwic and the Labyrinth, Tarot's had Boo Cat's advice (ignore it, basically - live in the moment), and now we've got Jon's take on it, demonstrated rather physically, but nonetheless representative of his stance, which is essentially that he doesn't much care who or what Thornwic is, but if he hurts Tarot he's got a faceful of fist due to him. Both valid points of view, but neither really address why Thornwic is here. I'd be very interested to see what Raven might bring to Tarot to help her - she's always been the one to speak her mind, regardless of how it may affect others to hear what she has to say.

Man, that guy can draw women eh?
Heh, he sure can. Taking nothing away from the storytelling or the depth of the characters, but every issue is a lovely reminder of how good women look.

[boshobosho]

I just got the issue in my comic delivery. I get it for my co-worker but I leafed through it.

Man, that guy can draw women eh?

Yes, I'll say for issue #50 Boo Cat's "cat" so to speak was drawn very well.

[Arvandor]

#51 was a good issue.
I really felt let down by the whole Witch Key story, but this is making up for it in spades.
Thornwic is a superb character. I like the fact that two "good guys" are fighting and it's not just your dumb superhero brawl. Though in this case, I think Thornwic may be right, and I'd like to see him win. Sometimes it is nice to see the other side take a victory, and even if Thornwic did win, it wouldn't be wrong.
Nice to see Skeleton Man too, but I'd like a little Raven Hex please!

I disagree. I'm with Tarot, in that Thornwic has crossed the line from justice into murder. He may have had a case for punishing the boy, but crucifying the whole family was WAY too far - especially since it was unclear whether the boy even knew what he was doing, whether he knew he was murdering fairies, or if he thought he was just killing butterflies.

I'd be very interested to see what Raven might bring to Tarot to help her - she's always been the one to speak her mind, regardless of how it may affect others to hear what she has to say.

From what we know, Raven would probably be of the opinion that the family had it coming, and would just be sorry she missed the crucifixion.

[Deathstroke]

So has Tarot always been shaved?

[boshobosho]

So has Tarot always been shaved?

Generally. In some of the earlier issues, you see some wispy hair.

[Deathstroke]

The current style works far better.

[cap5]

I stated getting Tarot with 50 and i thought it was pretty good and 51 was even better
Whats a good link for a neebe thats intrested in ordering past trades of Tarot

[Arvandor]

Whats a good link for a neebe thats intrested in ordering past trades of Tarot

Actual back issues are pretty hard to come by. They're all sold out and they don't reprint.

You're better off going for the trades. They've released 5 and are about to release number 6. Try Amazon.

[boomboom]

or try www.jimbalent.com and visit the store...

there is a special photocover TPB available for a low price I believe

[Stevens]

Well I am now curious about this title after reading about it. I was checking the numbers at comicbookpage.com and this used to sell literally ten times what it does now (it's not even close to top 300). I'm surprised they can keep putting it out with such low numbers. How the comic book industry has fallen.

It is so so sad. I can remember when a title like QUADRANT could sell like hotcakes. Remember Peter Hsu?

EDIT: Just checked Amazon. Uh, yeah. $99 for the trades, um, OK. That's just a tad out of reach, thank you!

[Arvandor]

EDIT: Just checked Amazon. Uh, yeah. $99 for the trades, um, OK. That's just a tad out of reach, thank you!

:eek:

Jesus. You're right.

Fuck me! I knew they were rare but . . . . Fuck me!

[Stevens]

Dude, great website yuou have there, but no Peter Hsu lesbian creations from GUANTLET and QUADRANT?!?!?! WTF?! They are the all time best lesbians in comic books!!!

[Arvandor]

Dude, great website yuou have there, but no Peter Hsu lesbian creations from GUANTLET and QUADRANT?!?!?! WTF?! They are the all time best lesbians in comic books!!!

Never heard of them. More info please.

[Stevens]

I'm guess you are a younger guy. :) He was huge in the early to mid 1980's with his glorious airbrushed B&W lesbian themed sci-fi and fantasy comic books.
http://www.atomicavenue.com/atomic/TitleDetail.aspx?TitleID=4492

Dude went way over the top X rated at times.

[boshobosho]

Dude, great website yuou have there, but no Peter Hsu lesbian creations from GUANTLET and QUADRANT?!?!?! WTF?! They are the all time best lesbians in comic books!!!

Don't let any X-men fans hear you say that! They'll stampede and go crazy, because X-men has the best gays ever! yayyy!

[boshobosho]

Well Wednesday marks the release of the newest issue. Let's hope this is as good as the rest because the current arc has been really phenomenal.

[boshobosho]

So, Tarot #52...what do I say. After two really brilliant issues and the introduction of a great new villain? 52 was "meh" and Raven Hex looked mannish. I just could not get into this issue at all.

[Stevens]

The local shops are charging four times cover price for any recent issue of this series. They want $10 for the newest issue.

WTF?!

[cap5]

Can anyone Recemend some good Tarot storys?

[Arvandor]

I disagree with bosho. I loved this issue and I now officially consider this the single greatest story arc of the whole series.

I loved the way Jon tore Thornwic apart. So hardcore. Yet they also made it clear that if Thornwic got off even a single spell, the battle would have gone very differently. Thornwic is such a cool adversary and I can't wait to see him again.

I even enjoyed Tarot's inner monologue. Sometimes I find her monologues pretentious and boring, but not this time. It was well-written and made sense, and her inner struggle played out against the background of the Jon and Thornwic's battle made it very effective.

And the ending with Boo was hilarious. She is such a bad girl.

Loved this issue. Loved this story arc. Love this series.

[Arvandor]

Can anyone Recemend some good Tarot storys?

The most recent one, 50-52: So Mote it Be.

I also recommend 19-22: The Mists of Darkness...

...and it's sequel, 32-35: The Shadow Witch.

[Big Red Spider]

Well I guess I missed the last one and it sounds like it was much better. The whole long inner monoluge was not that great. Was there an artist change halfway throught the issue? It looked very strange. I still love Tarot, but this issue wasn't the best.

[Deviancy]

I picked up #51 the other day, haven't been able to find #52. It's been awhile since I've picked up an issue of Tarot, and since that last issue I did pick up, the art seems to have gotten even better. The story telling has seemed to have improved, at least at times. I'm not sure if having Tarot get sexually assaulted with a sword was a great idea, that could have been handled a bit more tasteful.

But well, it's Tartot.

Now I need to find #52..

[Stevens]

Impossible for new readers to start because the trades are nowhere. Long ago sold out. :(

[boshobosho]

Issue #53 was SUPERB.
First, it had some great humor, like Skeleton Man telling that woman her vagina was haunted.
Also, it delved a little deeper into John's powers. I enjoy when this book focuses outside Tarot sometimes to give you a better look at the other characters and how they operate. Plus, the concept behind the antagonists was very entertaining and different.
I liked the art a lot as well. The group drawing of the nurses on page 4 was really good, as was the drawing of the bloody lipped nurse on page 5. I really enjoyed the spiderweb of blue veins across the breasts. Great effect.

Can't wait for issue #54. I see Raven Hex on the cover, and I love me some Raven Hex, I even got the Raven Hex christmas ornament. YES!

[Miss Kitty Fantastico]

Yeah, it's been a while since they did a horror/slasher issue. Interesting to see Jon as the lead, rather than Tarot herself - that grounded it a lot more, since he's got far less supernatural artillery to call on; made it feel more survival-horror than usual. I hope the Nurses get revisited though - after what happened, this doesn't seem like something Jon would be able to just put behind him.

[Robo Ape]

Don't know a great deal about this series, but is much like any other current title for a comparisons sake?

[boshobosho]

Don't know a great deal about this series, but is much like any other current title for a comparisons sake?

No. I'm going to say Tarot really is it's own thing.

[Big Red Spider]

Man this SUCKs! This book is on my subscription list, but my store only gets it to me sporadically. I want to read about a haunted vagina too.

[Arvandor]

I agree that this was another great issue. The ghost nurses were both sexy and creepy, as they should be.

The ending was kind of open-ended though. I hope we do get a resolution, and that we see those nurses again. Jon deserves to get his vengeance.

[Robo Ape]

No. I'm going to say Tarot really is it's own thing.

About the only things I know about it are it features large breasted ladies, witches & a guy who looks like Ghost Rider.

[Arvandor]

About the only things I know about it are it features large breasted ladies, witches & a guy who looks like Ghost Rider.

Its more than that. Its hard to sum up. Like bosho suggested, Tarot is pretty unique.

The series is sexy, funny, and about as hardcore as it can get without being relegated to Previews Adult.

Tarot is a witch from a family of witches, sworn to uphold the balance between man and magick. Her sister, Raven Hex, believes that mankind is inferior and that witches should rule. Tarot's lover is the Skeleton Man, who has the power to speak with the dead and cause them to appear among the living.

[Robo Ape]

Its more than that. Its hard to sum up. Like bosho suggested, Tarot is pretty unique.

The series is sexy, funny, and about as hardcore as it can get without being relegated to Previews Adult.

Tarot is a witch from a family of witches, sworn to uphold the balance between man and magick. Her sister, Raven Hex, believes that mankind is inferior and that witches should rule. Tarot's lover is the Skeleton Man, who has the power to speak with the dead and cause them to appear among the living.

Isn't one of the main characters a catwoman in the literal sense not like Catwoman in DC?

[Arvandor]

Isn't one of the main characters a catwoman in the literal sense not like Catwoman in DC?

Boo Cat. Yes, how could I forget her? A werecat - and completely sex-mad. Funniest character in the series.

[boshobosho]

Impossible for new readers to start because the trades are nowhere. Long ago sold out. :(

This is untrue. I have every volume in trade. Now it did take me some time and luck to get vol. 1 but I do have them.

What seems harder is to get this statue they are producing. It seems to have been in production forever!

Boo Cat. Yes, how could I forget her? A werecat - and completely sex-mad. Funniest character in the series.

If we are having a list of characters mentioned let's not forget Boo Cat's other lover, Licorice Dust, a vampire.
There is also Crypt Chick, Skeleton Man's former girlfriend who died in the car crash that gave him his powers to speak to the dead.
There is also raven and tarot's mother, who has not been in the comics at all recently.

I will try to give a brief description of this whole series.
Yes it's sexy, yes it's funny, and mystical. What I really find it to be about is being open to new ideas, casting aside shame over things that are natural (where the sex/sexiness comes in) and loving life (the humor, doing good deeds).
Tarot does have Wiccan faith at its' center of course, especially with trips to the fairie realm and the threefold path and all of those ideals.
But I think, even if you have no care for the Wiccan faith there is something for you in this comic. Hey, if you love big breasts go for it. It's got great comedy. It's got great action.
A lot of the characters are just a ton of fun too. Me, I adore Raven Hex. I have a t-shirt, framed print, christmas ornament, and coffee mug.
And for all intents and purposes Jim and Holly love their fans. They were at Pittsburgh Comicon this year and were totally awesome people.
If you have not picked this book up yet, #53 is a pretty good place to start. It does not allow you to get to know many of the characters but it is a great primer for the soul of the comic, namely it's humor and the performing of good deeds.

[cap5]

Just read 53.Relly good
Is this a story from earler issues,I mean was there a background to this story al continuaton from a previes story or just a one shot deal
Is tarot a comic that hase its own continuary or is it just ramon storys?

[Arvandor]

Just read 53.Relly good
Is this a story from earler issues,I mean was there a background to this story al continuaton from a previes story or just a one shot deal
Is tarot a comic that hase its own continuary or is it just ramon storys?

This issue was a one-shot. The spectral nurses were a new enemy.

Tarot tends to alternate between a few one-shots, followed by a multi-part storyline. There is only a slight sense of continuity through the series, though some of the multi-parters do tie together.

[Stevens]

This is untrue. I have every volume in trade. Now it did take me some time and luck to get vol. 1 but I do have them.

It is completely true. I cannot get them anywhere local and online you have to pay WAY over cover for the early ones, IF you can find them. Their being OOP is preventing new readers from coming aboard.

And I just do not get why all new issues are double cover price when they come out here in NY. WTF?! No other title has that distinction.

How I wish the guy behind this thing would release the sucker in two Omnibus editions. 25 issues each. Just do it!

[Arvandor]

It is completely true. I cannot get them anywhere local and online you have to pay WAY over cover for the early ones, IF you can find them. Their being OOP is preventing new readers from coming aboard.

And I just do not get why all new issues are double cover price when they come out here in NY. WTF?! No other title has that distinction.

How I wish the guy behind this thing would release the sucker in two Omnibus editions. 25 issues each. Just do it!

Your retailers charging you double for Tarot?! He's scum. Go somewhere else. There must be more than one comic shop in NY.

But your right. The rarity of Tarot comics is probably Balents biggest mistake at this point. It may have helped during the eary run, when profits were minimal, but now its an established series and there are more and more people whod like to try it, but can't, because they can't find it. Not even the trades. The omnibus suggestion is wise and he should probably take it.

[Stevens]

Only two shops carry it in NYC that I have found (and not at cover). But for a series, any series, I need to start from the beginning, so I am kind of stuck right now.

An Omnibus would certainly solve that problem.