First Look: THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 – Coming in September from VALIANT FIRST!

First Look: THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 – Coming in September from VALIANT FIRST!

 

Hot off the sold-out success of RAI #1 and ARMOR HUNTERS #1, Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 (of 5) – the next must-read series fromVALIANT FIRST by Eisner Award-nominated writer Jen Van Meter (Hopeless Savages, Captain Marvel) and acclaimed artist Roberto de la Torre (Shadowman, Daredevil)! On September 3rd, death will be just the beginning when Valiant's spirited occult adventurer goes beyond and back for a breathtaking, heartbreaking journey into realms of the unknown!

Doctor Mirage talks to the dead…but the only spirit Shan Fong can’t find is that of her late husband, Hwen. Instead, America’s favorite semi-retired paranormal investigator is haunted and raw, using her gift to solve homicides and bring peace to the recently bereaved. But when a big-time occultist with a classified military past hires her for a special job, Shan discovers a lead that might close the greatest mystery she’s ever tackled – how to get Hwen back. Now, Doctor Mirage must enter the undiscovered country and cross all the realms of the underworld, if she has any hope of rescuing the man she loves…or be forever lost beyond the earthly plane.

"We started [by] talking about the afterlife and where the spirits go and the structure of the world outside this world for the Valiant Universe… There's tons of possibilities. What we are looking to do is send [Shan] on this grand quest that also loops back into building on what this relationship was in her past with her dead husband and what it would mean to try and get him back," writer Jen Van Meter told Comic Book Resources.

The year's most astonishing adventure begins on September 3rd in THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 (of 5) – featuring a cover by visionary artist Travel Foreman (Animal Man)!

Plus: for Valiant's dedicated pullbox subscription customers, delve deep into the dark world of Dr. Mirage with the special expanded THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 PLUS EDITION – available only in comic shops and featuring more than 15 extra pages of all-new stories and artwork that won't be collected for the trade! Discover what awaits in the realms of Deadside and beyond with Jen Van Meter’s guide to the worlds beyond our reality; an all-new comic story starring a World War II-era occult secret agent at the heart of Mirage's quest; a handbook-style guide to the shadowy citizens, soul-eating beasts, and malevolent demons of the netherworld; and much more, only in THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 PLUS EDITION!

And keep up with the rest of the VALIANT FIRST initiative’s brand new wave of #1 releases to discover a new entry point into Valiant’s award-winning publishing line each and every month! RAI #1 in May.ARMOR HUNTERS #1 (of 4) in June. ARMOR HUNTERS: BLOODSHOT #1 (of 3) and ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER #1 (of 3) in July. THE DELINQUENTS #1 (of 4) in August. THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 (of 5) in September. With major, new #1 releases hitting stores all summer long, these are the titles that will have you reading Valiant FIRST when you head to the comic shop!
 

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 (of 5) (VALIANT FIRST)
Written by JEN VAN METER
Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
Cover by TRAVEL FOREMAN (JUL141476)
Blank Cover Variant also available (JUL141477)
$3.99 | T+ | 32 pgs. | ON SALE 9/3/14 (FOC –8/11/14)

THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1 PLUS EDITION
$4.99 | T+ | 48 pgs. | ON SALE 9/3/14 (FOC –8/11/14)
 

Preview: Shadowman # 7

A Dark Light Dawns on SHADOWMAN #7

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #7 by Harvey Award-nominated  Jordan (The Legend of Luther Strode) and fan favorite artist Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four, Dark Avengers)! There’s a dark light dawning over New Orleans…but what evil is it bringing over the horizon?

 

Doctor Mirage talks to the dead and, right now, they're all saying the same thing – get out while you still can. As Master Darque readies to invade Shadowman's city with a necromantic army powered by suffering itself, Jack is about to find himself with an unlikely supporter in the coming war against the Deadside – Baron Samedi, the undead vodoun deity that's promised to secretly betray Darque's cause. But can heroes and demons ever truly find common ground? And could a double-cross by either side doom New Orleans to the dead?

 

Find out when Shadowman walks where angels fear to tread on June 5th in Shadowman #7! And look for the limited Shadowman #7 8-Bit Variant by artist Matthew Waite, in stores the same day!

 

For more information on Shadowman and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, onTwitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

SHADOWMAN #7

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by NEIL EDWARDS

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (APR131285)

8-Bit Variant by MATTHEW WAITE (APR131286)

Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (APR131287)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 6/5/13

PREVIEW: Darque Reckoning Continues in SHADOWMAN # 6

SHADOWMAN #6 Unleashes a Darque Reckoning!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #6 from acclaimed writerJustin Jordan and all-star artists Patrick Zircher, Lee Garbett and Neil Edwards! Shadowman's brand new story arc, "Darque Reckoning," is on the rise for the Valiant Universe! When the undead begin to attack throughout New Orleans, can the combined forces of Shadowman and Dr. Mirage repel an army that can't be killed?

 

As Master Darque devises his escape from the Deadside, his earthly minions in the Brethren crime syndicate are shoring up their ranks and preparing the city for the second coming of their dark sovereign. Their operations, however, have drawn the attention of a mysterious, pistol-wielding assassin, who has been retaliating against the Brethren on behalf of a long-forgotten New Orleans deity named Baron Samedi, lord of the dead — a deity that Master Darque has just paid a visit in the Deadside… 

 

As the dead rise and unholy alliances are forged, Jack Boniface is about to find out that the true cost of becoming the Shadowman is always paid in blood — and that Master Darque intends to collect — in Shadowman #6, the second chapter of "Darque Reckoning," on sale April 3rd!

For more on Shadowman and the rest of the Valiant Universe,  visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

Darque Reckoning - Part 1:

SHADOWMAN #5

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, LEE GARBETT, & ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131302)

“Blackout” Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131303)

Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (JAN131304)

Linewide Variant by RAFAEL GRAMPA (JAN131305)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE NOW!

 

Darque Reckoning - Part 2: 

SHADOWMAN #6

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, LEE GARBETT and NEIL EDWARDS

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (FEB131166)

Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (FEB131167)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE APRIL 3rd!

 

Darque Reckoning - Interlude:

SHADOWMAN #0

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE & MICO SUAYAN

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (MAR131327)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by KHARI EVANS (MAR131328)

Wraparound Gatefold Variant by LEWIS LAROSA (MAR131329)

ON SALE MAY 1st! (FOC - 4/12/13)

Shadowman # 5 REVIEW

SHADOWMAN # 5
Written by Justin Jordon & Patrick Zircher
Art by Patrick Zircher, Lee Garbett, Roberto Delatorre & Stefano Gaudiano
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We open with one of the Brethen falling to a man who worships the Voodoo God known as the Baron .. . violently. Cut to Jack at the Diner where he was in the first issue, trying to have some normal after all the insanity. Only to bring insanity to him after a very angry Alyssa. Jack learns first hand that his old life is over for good in a violent way.

            Meanwhile, in a police station, a criminal is being interrogated by … OMG ….Shan Fong … She’s … the new DR MIRAGE!!! Yes. Yes! YES!!!! . . .. Um … yeah. After we see the new  Dr. Mirage in actions with a ghost … that scene leads us to the …

            Deadside where Darque is traveling alongside our monkey friend from last issue, Jaunty. Jaunty brings Darque to a large manor in the Deadside where he meets with a somewhat surprising figure inside.


ART:

            You know? There are multiple artists this issue. Different styles. And while the styles are different, it did not really interrupt the flow of the story. There are darker inks used this issue but still lead to some stunning work from Zircher, Garbett, Delatorre & Gaudiano. The darker inks this issue actually helped make Zircher & Garbett’s work stand out more. It also blended with the tone of the story, Making it more and more interesting.

            There are some magnificent pieces of panel work done by Zircher early on. And Garbett’s pages were really strong here as well. And while the different art styles in the same issue are breaks up the flow of some comics, the art team masterfully uses it here. The most the art work felt a little off was transitioning from Dr. Mirage (Y AY!) to Darque but  that is pretty much the equivalent to a car over a small pot hole.


WRITING:

            Justin Jordon and Patrick Zircher deliver a strong, well paced opening to their second arc. We get mysteries as two new characters, the Baron worshipper and the new Dr. Mirage, quickly get woven into the tapestry of Jack Boniface’s conflict without meeting him.
 

            The violent opening really help super charged the book as it slowed down just enough to keep a great pace.  We get some good character development for Jack, Dox, Darque and the new characters while the issue ends up being a lot of set up. Yet, it is great set up as we get to see Jack learning to live with his decision and to the legacy he carries.  

            The new Dr. Mirage is already very interesting.  I like the fact that she’s a woman and a paranormal investigator that used to be on tv. A very interesting difference from her predecessor. The Brethen are proving more and more interesting as time flies. And we got a very satisfying ending with  Darque meeting a … oh no. I’m not telling. 

            Good pacing. Great Character development and a wonderful job introducing two new players in this conflict while advancing the main character and one of his supporting characters as well. Great job Jordon and Zircher.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            This book really never disappoints me. Sure, the art is a bit different this issue but definitely works in the confines of the story. The art was solid. The characters were very entertaining, compelling. The plotlines were all interesting and interconnecting. And we get a look to the past while heading towards the future.

            Besides the minor hiccup, Shadowman continues to be one of the strongest comics out there. Well written, great characters, interesting plots and gripping story make Shadowman a triumph for any and all readers.


RATING:

   I give Shadowman # 5 a 9 out of 10. Sure. Not perfect but still damn good and you should own it now!!!!

Shadowman # 5 Preview

DR. MIRAGE Lives Again in SHADOWMAN #5

 

The Associated Press today announced that Dr. Mirage, Valiant's preeminent psychic investigator and supernatural hero, will debut this Wednesday in Shadowman #5 in a new incarnation created by writer Justin Jordan and co-writer/artist Patrick Zircher. 

 

In this new iteration, Dr. Mirage is the stage name of Shan Fong, a one-time television investigator of paranormal phenomena whose unique abilities make her an invaluable asset to police departments around the world. During the upcoming "Darque Reckoning" storyline – beginning on March 6th in Shadowman #5 – Fong steps into the world of Jack Boniface and the Shadowman after discovering that no matter where she goes, the dead only have one thing to say: "Master Darque is coming."

 

"Since the Summer of Valiant, we've been slowly building towards several key events. You can see the first of these events this April in Harbinger Wars, where Bloodshot and Harbinger collide," Valiant CEO and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani told the AP. "The return of Dr. Mirage is part of that plan — part of setting the stage. Dr. Mirage is a key piece in the future of the Valiant Universe and the timing of the return, as well as the manner, is no accident."

 

Read the Associated Press' complete coverage here.

 

For more information on Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

SHADOWMAN #5 - ON SALE MARCH 6th!

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, LEE GARBETT, & ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131302)

"Blackout" Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131303)

Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (JAN131304)

Linewide Variant by RAFAEL GRAMPA (JAN131305)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.