Is This Gratuitous? Battlestar Galactica #10 Raynor Cover

Battlestar Galactica #10 Raynor Cover
Originally uploaded by Heidi Meeley

My first reaction to a brief glance at this cover was that it must be Witchblade. Then I looked agan.

Wow. It's not Sara Pezzini or the new bearer Dani, so it must be a different book, right? Yep.

It is Battlestar Galactica #10 with cover art by Nigel Raynor. It sure fooled me! What was confusing was that I first mistook her hair past her shoulders for the Witchblade outfit. Then I noticed all the wires coming out of her and knew something was different. Now I realize that she is naked other then the hair and shadows.

I must confess up front that I haven't watched the new Battlestar Galactica. The hubby prefers the classic Battlestar, and since he lets me watch a lot of reality television, something has to give. That being said, I have no idea who this person is on the cover or what the circumstances are, so it is hard for me to truly judge how gratuitous the cover is in relation to the story and in general.

Here is the solicitation for issue #10:

"Each and every month, DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT is your only source for the all-new adventures of the crew of the Battlestar Galactica! Read the stories that compliment the Peabody Award Winning TV Show! Have you come onboard yet?

As our first "season" of New Battlestar Galactica comics races towards its conclusion, Sharon delves deep into her human memories while back aboard the Galactica, the dedicated leader of the subversives is revealed to be not quite as he appears...

Featuring covers from Nigel Raynor, Joe Prado, Stephen Segovia and a New Battlestar Photo Cover!"

Here I sit, not sure what direction to go on this. Please help me with your comments! Tell me what I am seeing and if it is relevant to the back story or just plain eye candy.

Question of the day: Is this gratuitous?