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Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose #47 "The Witch Key" Part 4 Posted 09 Sep 2009 Writer: Jim Balent Artist: Jim Balent Colors: Holly Golightly Publisher: Broadsword  5.00 out of 5 Stars Reviewed by Sara Michelle Kowalczyk

Tarot, swordmaiden to the Goddess, has broken free from her bonds. She was captured, tortured, and held prisoner by the Bleeding Man. He believed she held the secret to unlocking the Witch Key, “the source of all the witches’ powers.” Swords and spells collide in this very special issue of Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose.

I loved this issue. It marked the conclusion of the “Witch Key” storyline. Tarot and her witch sisters battle the Bleeding Man and his minions. The Bleeding Man is a metaphor for prejudice and hate, the intolerance Tarot wishes to rid from this world. Tarot feels unaccepted because she is Wiccan. She also embraces her femininity. She’s happy with what that Goddess gave her, curves and all. Tarot is not ashamed of her body. In our society, women are pressured to be modest, but Tarot does not conform. She has confidence in herself.

As I mentioned, Tarot is the swordmaiden to the Goddess which means she has the responsibility of keeping the balance between man and magick. Many of her adventures take place in the mortal world, but some of them also take place in the fairy realm. Tarot and her family are witches of the Black Rose Coven. Tarot is not afraid of her sexuality. Many times you will see her drawn in skyclad form. Tarot believes there is power in her nudity.

Forty-four Broadsword models grace this issue’s pages; they star as Tarot’s witch sisters. That’s what I love about Jim Balent’s comics. He draws real women in his books. I think that’s so cool! Jim’s bewitching beauties are enhanced by his wife, Holly Golightly’s, alluring colors. I recently became a fan of Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose, but I’ve been a long time fan of Jim Balent. I loved his pencils on Catwoman and Purgatori: The Vampire’s Myth. Jim consistently demonstrates his talent for drawing strong, beautiful women.

My only criticism is that I missed Raven, Jon, and Boo Cat. Even though this issue focuses primarily on Tarot and her battle, I feel Raven, Jon, and Boo are important people in her life, so I’m introducing you to them anyway! Raven is Tarot’s wicked older sister. She adds a pinch of dark magick to the Tarot books. Jon, the Skeleton Man/Guardian of the Graveyard, is Tarot’s lover. Like most men, his mind is always on something naughty. Last but not least is Boo Cat, the shape shifting were-cat. She is also Tarot’s loving and affectionate girlfriend.

Jim and Holly’s stories are filled with enchantment and sensuality, but they also contain powerful morals. They teach us to respect nature and embrace our differences as well as see the beauty inside ourselves. There is nothing like Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose. It’s as unique and uninhibited as its creators. So mote it be.

 

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