Charmed (comics)

Charmed is comic book that is an officially licensed continuation of the popular The WB television series of the same name, which ended its eight-year run in 2006. The series is published monthly by Zenescope Entertainment. The comic book serves as a continuation set eighteen months after the events of the televised show's final episode. The first issue was released on June 16, 2010.

Production

Development

Rumors of a comic series began long before Zenescope made the news official in March 2010.^[1] Speculation had started to appear online ^[2] about the possibility of a comic series much earlier, however, largely due to test sketches appearing on the deviantART account of Dave Hoover which featured Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan. Speaking on his deviantART page, Hoover said:

If everything goes according to plan I'll be working on a "Charmed" comic book based on the hit TV series published by Zenescope Entertainment. To get the job I had to compete with others vying for the same gig, and our task was to do model sheets of the girls showing how we would draw them. The art would be approved by the studio. The odd thing about this was that they supplied no photo reference, so I searched the internet high and low looking for the best possible pictures. Of the three girls, I thought Alyssa Milano would be the easiest to draw, but she turned out to be the hardest. She sort of changed her look more often than the other two, Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs.

—Dave Hoover, deviantART, March 13, 2009

Months before the title had officially been announced, and before Zenescope gained acquisition of the publication rights for the comic series, the first advertisement for the series featuring the famous triquetra symbol and the tag line "The Girls are Back" written in the series font appeared in the December 16, 2009 issue of the Zenescope comic book Escape From Wonderland #3.^[3] However, Zenescope did not officially announce possession of the title until the company had successfully been granted the rights from Fox Consumer Products.

Subsequently, the first press release from Zenecope Entertainment indicated that Charmed, based on the "ultra-popular" media franchise, would be a natural addition to the publisher's pre-existing "sultry and strong female characters".^[4] Editor-in-Chief, Ralph Tedesco, also announced that "the key to this series success is to strike a nice balance in creating a brand new, intriguing storyline for fans of the television show while also not alienating Zenescope and comic book readers who haven't really followed it before".^[4] It was further announced that while the TV series had a difficult time due to casting and budget limitations, the comic creators won't have those problems, thus fans may finally see the return of popular characters like Prue and Cole.^[5]

Writing and format

Author Paul Ruditis ^[6] was hired as lead writer of the series with Zenescope veteran Raven Gregory joining him for the first three issues. Ruditis is familiar with the Charmed universe having already published three tie-in novels, two official episode guides which he co-authored with Diana G. Gallagher and the Charmed Book of Love Spells. Ruditis and Gregory also co-authored a special Issue 0, which acted as a prequel to the story recapping the events of the television series in a style reminiscent to the Book of Shadows as seen on the show.

Artist Dave Hoover was eventually hired to do the interior artwork while David Seidman was hired to design the covers for the comics, although various guest artists have contributed variant covers for each issue thus far including Greg Horn, Al Rio, Tony Shasteen and Mark Sparacio. Dave Hoover left the comic after completing Issue 3. Since then various artists have been hired to do the interior artwork such as Marcio Abreu (4, 5 and 7), Carlos Granda (8), Tess Fowler (6 and 11), Dean Kotz (9, 12, 14 and 15), and Reno Maniquis (10 and 13).

Although the process of writing and receiving studio clearance is much the same as for Charmed novels, Ruditis explains, "The big difference now, as you noted, is that with original episodes no longer airing, we have a lot more freedom than we did on the novels".^[6] With the Charmed novels, nothing outrageous could occur to distort established continuity. Stories had to take place 'between' episodes, usually in the first half of a given season. Ruditis notes that while, "[t]he studio still has to approve the direction we take", no longer does "everything ...have to reset by the end. That alone means that nothing is entirely safe."^[6] Raven and Ruditis claim they want the series to "grow and evolve" in the new medium, "expand[ing] upon what worked and what didn't work [in order to make it work]".^[6] The creators believe it stands out from the Buffy, Angel and Pushing Daisies TV-to-comic adaptations because Charmed has a unique focus on the dynamics of family drama.^[6]

Publication

Issues

The first issue premiered during San Diego Comic-Con International in July 2010. Initially only 12 issues were contracted by Zenescope, with around five issues comprising one story arc which would be reprinted in graphic novel form. A one-shot issue has also been announced for Issue #6, and another is followed when Issue #13 comes to start the new story arc. In May 2012, it was revealed that after Issue 24, Charmed would go on a hiatus to prepare for an upcoming Season 10.

Season 9 (2010-2012)

Issue in Series	Issue in Season	Title	Written by	Penciled by	Original Release Date
0	0	"The Sourcebook"	Paul Ruditis & Raven Gregory	Dave Hoover	June 16, 2010
This sourcebook serves as a prequel to the comic book series.
1	1	"Charmed Lives"	Paul Ruditis & Raven Gregory	Dave Hoover	July 21, 2010
The Charmed ones return in this new series that picks up where the series left off. Claiming their victory in the battle against evil, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige were free to settle into the future with their husbands and children.
2	2	"No Rest for the Wicca"	Paul Ruditis & Raven Gregory	Dave Hoover	September 1, 2010
As the charmed ones go about settling into their new lives forces from the underworld prepare to unleash a power that will destroy the sisters once and for all. Meanwhile Paige accepts a new position and learns the hard way that teaching isn't the easiest job. Phoebe and Piper attend the funeral of Brittany, the first innocent they ever saved, only to find that her death may herald the beginning of something terrifying that will endanger the lives of all the innocents and Charmed Ones themselves.
3	3	"Innocents Lost"	Paul Ruditis & Raven Gregory	Dave Hoover	October 6, 2010
Someone or something is hunting down the innocents that have been saved by the Charmed Ones and murdering them. As Piper, Phoebe and Paige race to save the remaining innocents the forces of the underworld continue to gather the last remaining ingredients that will complete the ritual that will bring back the greatest foe the Charmed ones have ever faced.
4	4	"Mortal Enemies"	Paul Ruditis	Marcio Abreau	December 15, 2010
To keep them safe from harm, the Charmed ones bring the remaining innocents back to the manor. But little do they know the Source has returned and cast a spell turning every innocent in the entire city against them. Even as they fight to survive, the Charmed Ones learn that the source has planned his arrival at the perfect time to destroy the power of three once and for all.
5	5	"Unnatural Resources"	Paul Ruditis	Marcio Abreau	January 19, 2011
The Charmed Ones face off against an ancient evil with an army of minions that present Piper, Phoebe, and Paige with their greatest challenge ever. These forces of evil are bent on destruction, tearing apart the Halliwell family, and possibly keeping Piper from ever opening her restaurant.
Volume 2
6	6	"Morality Bites... Back"	Paul Ruditis	Tess Fowler	February 16, 2011
Almost a decade ago Phoebe Halliwell saw a future in which she was publicly burned at the stake for killing a mortal that murdered her friend. Now as the time approaches for her premonition to play itself out, what can she do, if anything, to stop it? Phoebe questions whether the events are destined to play out the way she saw them or if enough has changed to save both her friend's life as well as her own.
7	7	"The Heir Up There"	Paul Ruditis	Marcio Abreu	March 2, 2011
Piper is distraught when she finds that her baby daughter has the same orbing power as her part-Whitelighter aunt Paige and worries that it could put her children at risk again as it did when Wyatt was born. Leo decides to make a visit to the Elders for an explanation and is given an intriguing offer but one that would seriously affect his future with Piper. Meanwhile Neena has teamed up with a Darklighter as the two set forth on a Whitelighter killing spree in order to absorb their abilities. Now that she has taken control of the Underworld, Neena has set her sights on the Upper Regions.
8	8	"Oh, Henry"	Paul Ruditis	Carlos Granda	March 16, 2011
An Innocent homeless teen in San Francisco falls victim to a stray arrow during the Darklighter's attack on a Whitelighter. The pregnant teen is dead, but Paige manages to save the girl's baby by orbing the child out of the body immediately. Neena finally reveals herself to the Charmed Ones while taking on an Elder directly on the streets of San Francisco. During the battle, Neena sends Piper into the void that she sent the Angel of Destiny in Issue 1. Phoebe and Paige want to stay to fight the stranger and rescue their sister, but Leo forces them to flee.
9	9	"All or Nothing"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	May 25, 2011
Leo must reveal an ancient secret to The Charmed Ones about the very source of their craft and the true origins of the magic they possess if they have any chance of defeating their latest threat.
10	10	"Three Little Wiccans"	Paul Ruditis	Reno Maniquis	June 8, 2011
With the Power of Three torn asunder, Phoebe and Paige work to bring their family back together. But a tragically ill-advised plan pulls The Charmed Ones further apart and could leave one of the sisters lost forever.
11	11	"Last Witch Effort"	Paul Ruditis	Tess Fowler	June 22, 2011
A decision is made that could affect The Power of Three and irrevocably change The Charmed Ones forever. Humanity hangs in the balance in the coming showdown between good and evil.
12	12	"The Charmed Offensive"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	July 27, 2011
The Charmed Ones and Leo face down impossible challenges in a battle to reclaim the Heavens, conquer the Underworld, and save the Earth. It's a fight that's been brewing since long before the prophecy of The Charmed Ones was foreseen and building since the first issue of the comic book.
Volume 3
13	13	"Piper's Place"	Paul Ruditis	Reno Maniquis	September 7, 2011
Owning a restaurant of her very own has been Piper's dream for years. Now it's finally real. Opening night is a huge success and she's the talk of the town, but the additional workload—along with the magical turmoil of late has taken a toll on her family life. A child's misguided spell has disastrous results as Piper learns whether or not she can truly have it all while she copes with a situation that would leave other moms quaking in their shoes.
14	14	"Cupids Harrow"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	September 28, 2011
Coop is on one of the toughest assignments a Cupid can accept and this time it comes with unexpected consequences. When Phoebe sees her husband plagued with questions about the family he never met, she tries to help by researching his past, unaware that a mysterious force works against her. As she tries to orchestrate a reunion centuries in the making, she could wind up tearing a family apart.
15	15	"Where There's Smoke There's a Firestarter"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	October 26, 2011
Trouble comes knocking on Paige's front door when a mysterious fire nearly burns down her house. The nature of the attack suggests a firestarter, but the real answer might not be that simple. Are The Charmed Ones about to face another threat from the past or is the culprit a more recent addition to their lives? A secret that Piper's been keeping might hold the answer to more than just Paige's question or it could lead to a whole new set of problems instead.
16	16	"The Heavens Can Wait"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	November 30, 2011
The Charmed Ones embark on a quest to help Leo find the answer to the question that has been plaguing him for months. They will need to call on all their powers and the bond they share to protect them from the dangers that await. Meanwhile, Cole takes an important step in his journey for a different kind of answer.
17	17	"Family Shatters"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	January 4, 2012
A seemingly innocent encounter will have disastrous effects on The Charmed Ones as the final piece of Rennek's plan falls into place. While Leo goes after his old arch nemesis, Piper, Phoebe, and Paige must deal with a visitor from the past that could destroy their future.
18	18	"Four's Company"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	January 25, 2012
Demons have the run of San Francisco, Magic School is in turmoil, and Leo is missing (again). When personal problems intertwine with magical ones, every member of the Halliwell family is in danger. The Charmed Ones must come together to bring the world back into order while their own magic works to tear it apart.
19	19	"Crossed, Triple Crossed"	Paul Ruditis	Tess Fowler	March 7, 2012
When a criminal threatens Paige's happy family, she looks to her past to deal with the mortal menace. Conjuring up a detective from one of her favorite noir novels, Paige creates a gumshoe to help set up a sting and take down the hood. But when the fictional private Dick decides he likes life outside the pages, the set up takes a dark and dangerous turn.
Volume 4
20	20	"The Old Witcheroo"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	March 28, 2012
Magical beings run amuck in the streets sending the powerless into hiding. Cut off from the Elders, the Angels of Destiny, and much of the magical community, there is no one to turn to for help. All hope seems lost in a world in which the Charmed Ones are no longer Charmed.
21	21	"Reversal of Misfortune"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz	May 2, 2012
With magic schools doors no longer open, Knox Academy is one of the few places on earth that can provide a safe haven in need. Piper, Phoebe, and Paige must team with the staff to protect themselves and their friends from the governments modern day witch hunt that has deemed anyone like them to be the enemy.
22	22	"Prue Ya Gonna Call?"	Paul Ruditis	Rubine	July 11, 2012
Magic gangs fight for control against government forces seriously out of their depth. Even with Piper, Phoebe, and Paige on the case, there is little they can do without their own magic. Overwhelmed and outnumbered, the side of good must hang all their hope on the single most powerful witch in the world.
23	23	"The Darklight Zone"	Paul Ruditis	Rubine	September 5, 2012
A voice from beyond the grave provides answers from the past as four sisters come together to solve a magical crisis that has affected the entire world. With an army of friends beside them, The Charmed Ones prepare for their biggest battle ever.
24	24	"The Power of 300"	Paul Ruditis	Rubine	October 3, 2012
Four sisters, bound by love and magic, have had their lives turned upside down many times in the years since they first inherited their powers. Now, they must put aside their differences and work together to take back their world. The Charmed Ones will need to unleash the full strength of the magic that has been growing through their family line for centuries in an epic battle that will bring season nine to its earth-shattering conclusion.

Collected issue

Season 9

Vol. in Series	Vol. in Season	Issues in Vol.	Written by	Penciled by	Original Release Date
1	1	"0-5"	Paul Ruditis & Raven Gregory	Dave Hoover, Marcio Abreu & Novo Malgapo	February 2, 2011
2	2	"6-12"	Paul Ruditis	Tess Fowler, Marcio Abreu & Carlos Granda	September 7, 2011
3	3	"13-19"	Paul Ruditis	Reno Maniquis, Dean Kotz & Tess Fowler	April 11, 2012
4	4	"20-24"	Paul Ruditis	Dean Kotz & Rubine	November 7, 2012

Reception

Critical reaction was initially mixed for the first issue, with many reviewers complaining about the lack of story. Reviews for Issue #2 in relation to the story have been much more positive with Fandomania awarding the issue 3/5.^[7] However some noted that the issue does a good job at exposing the series to newcomers.^[8] The artwork however has received the most criticism both for the characters likeness' ^[9] and the colouring,^[10] which is deemed distracting by a Newsarama reviewer. Christina Flores of ComicImpact.com goes on to say that the interior art is inconsistent with the character drawings not being as good as those of locations and backgrounds. However, she goes on to say that Ruditis and Gregory open with a strong story and says that Charmed fans will enjoy the issue.^[11] Fan response however has been promising with the first issue selling out of its initial 17,000 copies in the first three weeks, which prompted Zenescope to release a second printing in time for the release of Issue #2.^[12]

Cast reaction

• Alyssa Milano has touched upon the comic series in interviews, talking about how she gave Zenescope her permission to use her likeness for her character.^[13]
• Rose McGowan and Holly Marie Combs have discussed the comics on Twitter, most notably joking about the cover for Issue #2 which pictures the Charmed Ones naked covered only in leaves.^[14]

References

v t e Charmed Awards and nominations Series Episodes Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Comics Season 9 Characters Main Prue Halliwell Piper Halliwell Phoebe Halliwell Paige Matthews Supporting Andy Trudeau Darryl Morris Leo Wyatt Cole Turner Chris Halliwell Billie Jenkins Recurring Melinda Warren Penny Halliwell Patty Halliwell Coop Guests Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Major villains Rex Buckland Hannah Webster Barbas The Triad Belthazor Shax The Source The Seer Gideon The Avatars Zankou Christy Jenkins Magical beings Darklighters The Hollow Whitelighters Episodes "Something Wicca This Way Comes" "All Hell Breaks Loose" "Charmed and Dangerous" "Forever Charmed" Expanded universe Academia Board games Magazine Multimedia Novels Video game Music "How Soon Is Now?" The Soundtrack The Book of Shadows The Final Chapter Related articles Power of Three Book of Shadows Nexus Locations Aaron Spelling Constance M. Burge Brad Kern Spelling Television The WB Television Network Category:Charmed (TV series)