Shadowman: End Times # 3 Review

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES # 3
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Valentine De Landro, Livesay, David Baron & Allen Passalaque

Lettering by Dave Lanphear

This will be a spoiler free review.

                It is the final confrontation between father and son … and both seem crazed.  See how far Jack goes in this incarnation of Shadowman.

ART:

                De Landro does a good job here. Good atmosphere with his art. There is some nice detail but it is still very simple. Livesay’s inks help bring life to De Landro while Baron and Passalaque’s colors really give it texture and feel to the story. And while the battles are good in this, the emotion on panel was very striking. The last few pages were especially striking as we had the showdown between father and son.

                De Landro and crew give us some solid work. Yet, backgrounds were definitely lacking this issue, which kind of took away from the landscape of the Deadside and some of the story in general.   Still, it was a good effort by this team.

WRITING:

                The writing is very up and down this issue. There are some great things that Milligan accomplishes in this issue. The paranoia from Jack felt almost palpable. Milligan really does a great job of building up Jack and Josiah in their final confrontation. And while we have some Alyssa and Punk Mambo, Milligan never lets the focus stray from Jack and Josiah too long. The dialogue was very good and emotional and fit the story.

                Yet … the ending is by far one of the most frustrating I have read in some time. And while yes, I do see the story points that got Jack to the point he is at the end of the issue, I am not particular happy by it and the set up for him to cross this line just seems too … contrived. I am not saying that Milligan did not build it up with his arc in the ongoing and in these earlier issues .. but man … that still feel like quite a turn there.  Does the ending make sense in terms of the story Milligan is telling? Yes. Does it feel like Milligan took some interesting liberties with Jack to get there? YES. 

                Going back to what was done before and compared to what is done now … I freely admit that Shadowman had drastically changed. And while I have welcomed Milligan after his first arc, the end of this arc has made me want to bang my head against the wall. In all the time that Jack Boniface was Shadowman before this … THIS ENDING JUST FEELS WRONG. Again … it makes sense with what Milligan is doing with the over all persona of Jack since the story began. Hell … it kind of spits in the face of what Milligan himself did in his first arc.

                And while I can conceive how he got there, the events of the ending are just insane.  The Jack that started the series sure as hell wasn’t here at the end of it. And it just makes me said.

FINAL VERDICT:
                The story is decent. The art is good. But both can definitely have room for improvement. And while I applaud the overall emotion and tension of the issue, the ending just makes my blood boil.  Can I say this is a good book? Yes. Do I like the ending of it? NO! Am I glad there are still dangling plots to pick up? YES! Did this issue make me feel sorry for Jack? It did at first … then the ending took it away.  It ends the story but still leaves you with a HUGE cliffhanger.  Yet, while I am interesting in the dangling plots, my faith in Shadowman has plummeted.
                I give Shadowman: End Times # 3 a 3 out of 5.  Good story. Good art. Great Emotion. A WTF Ending. 

Preview: Shadowman: End Times # 3 (Finale)

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #3 (of 3)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by VALENTINE DE LANDRO
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA
Variant Cover by RUSSEL DAUTERMAN

The curse of the shadow loa is a terrible cross to bear…and Jack Boniface is about to be crushed by it.

As an army of voodoo invisibles makes war on Shadowman, the tortured spirit inside Jack will begin to consume his soul – and force a final confrontation with his greatest enemy, Master Darque…once and for all.

$3.99 | T+ | 32 pgs.
ON SALE 6/25/14 (FOC – 6/2/14)

Shadowman: End Times # 2 Advanced Review

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES # 2
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Valentine De Landro, Livesay & David Baron
Lettering by Dav Lanphear
Valiant Comics

This will be a Spoiler Free review.

                Josiah has returned but has decided to hide in a place call the Voodou Lands. Meanwhile, Jack is in a quest to find him. Punk Mambo gives him hints but it will take a BIG sacrifice for him to go where his father is. And while the Shadow Loa is still edging on Jack, his quest to find Josiah might cost him more than he ever realized.

THE GOOD:

                Milligan writes a great issue, full of tension, emotion and personal conflict. This is a personal conflict that is enhanced by magic, making it have higher states. Yet, Milligan always makes sure it is grounded by the emotional. And boy, we get some BIG developments for Jack this issue. Much of the status quo is dismantled with this issue and it just grips at readers hearts. Milligan continues to add to the mythology of Shadowman while developing the characters within. Josiah had some major development in this issue that gives readers a whole new impression of the previous Shadowman.  And with great pacing and dialogue, Milligan hits a home run.

                De Landro, Livesay and Baron continue to dazzle with some great art. The darker, less detailed art really helps create mood and adds to the tension; allowing readers to immerse themselves. De Landro and Livesay do an outstanding job bringing out a deep, creepy atmosphere and making our hero look as conflicted as he truly.  With some dramatic background and Baron’s dark colors, this issue really help bring out the tension and dark atmosphere of the book.  Really great job.


THE BAD:

                Without spoilers, Jack gives up something … that was very quickly put together in the first place. Otherwise, great issue.

 THE VERDICT:

                Story was great with the one weird hiccup. The art was definitely stellar. A good book, all in all.  I give Shadowman: End Times # 2 a 4.5 … out of 5. 

Preview: Shadowman: End Times # 2

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #2 (of 3)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by VALENTINE DE LANDRO
Cover by JEFF DEKAL
Variant Cover by TREVOR McCARTHY

The return of Master Darque!

Only one man can help Shadowman now…his worst enemy! Forced to confront the greatest shock of his lifetime, Jack Boniface speeds down a self-destructive spiral he may never recover from. Exterminating the wild and evil loa spirits that haunt New Orleans at any cost, Jack has left himself with nothing to lose…in this world. By crossing the veil into the dark world beyond – the Deadside – will Jack save his own soul…or destroy himself?

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 5/28/14 (FOC – 5/5/14)

First Look: SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #1

First Look: Judgement Awaits in SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #1 – A Merciless New Mini-Series from PETER MILLIGAN and VALENTINE DE LANDRO!

Valiant is proud to present your first look inside SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #1 (of 3) – the oversized, 40-page FIRST ISSUE of an all-new, standalone adventure that will push New Orleans' nocturnal guardian to a perilous new tipping point! From master storyteller Peter Milligan (Hellblazer, Red Lanterns) and acclaimed artist Valentine De Landro (X-Factor), start reading here on April 30th with a brand new introduction to the series that Bloody Disgusting calls "infectious" as the newly anointed Shadowman, Jack Boniface, meets his End Times head on!

Jack Boniface thinks that he’s finally fixed his life – and the source of the dark power inside him. But when a figure from the past emerges to reveal the troubling truth about his destiny, the latest Shadowman will be forced to run a gauntlet of his darkest fears realized: the rise of a wild new pantheon of Voodoo loas… the return of his father, Josiah…and the earthly restoration of his oldest and deadliest enemy, Master Darque!

Shadowman is about to get pushed to the edge…but can Jack Boniface survive the plunge? Find out onApril 30th when SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #1 (of 3) awakes – in comic shops everywhere the same day as RAI #1!

 

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #1 (of 3)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by VALENTINE DE LANDRO
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI (FEB141460)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by JEFF DEKAL (FEB141461)
Variant Cover by DAVID MACK (FEB141462)
$3.99/T+/40 pgs.
ON SALE  4/30/14

1st Impressions: SHADOWMAN # 16

SHADOWMAN # 16

Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Roberto de la Torre & David Baron
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                The Abettor decide that want to take out Jack with the Screaming Whip, a mystical whip that was used on slaves and mystical beings. Yet, Alyssa realizes that she’s been played and helps Jack make some tough choices. Jack finds that he must confront demons head on in order to regain control of the Loa.

ART:

                De la Torre does a spectacular job this issue with his art. A great amount of detail alsongside some very moodly looking backgrounds. De la Torre presents a very gritty look at Shadowman and his battle yet can also produce some powerful, emotional panel work.  De la Torre does a good job with creating angles in panels that make things visually appealing and not typical.
                The grittiness is balanced out with Baron’s colors as he knows what scenes to keep dark and dreary while other scenes are a little brighter. Baron does a fantastic job of coloring the right tones to match the mood of the scene while also creating something very appealing with De la Torre’s art. A really fantastic job from this creative team.

WRITING:

                Milligan wins me over with this final chapter of his first storyline. Jack and Alyssa get some very strong development while also tying up all the loose ends of the storyline. Jack, especially, seems to have growing a lot in the course of the story as he faces his demons, personal and real, head on. Milligan captures the right amount of emotion for the book  he redefines Jack and Alyssa during this last chapter.

                The pacing was great as we got a very packed issue but it didn’t feel too heavy. There seemed to be just enough between action and drama to really make the book stand out. The dialogue definitely felt real and Milligan adds more and more to the Shadowman mythos.  An outstanding finish by Milligan.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                At the beginning of the storyline, I was not too keen on this new direction. Now, I am very much on board. This issue tied up everything well with great art and some powerful moments. The cliffhanger ending will make you want more. That said, this was definitely a great issue.

RATING:

                I give Shadowman # 16 a 10 …. Out of 10. This issue was perfect. Pick it up.

First Look: A Look to the Future in Milligan's SHADOWMAN: END TIMES

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #1 – Coming in April from PETER MILLIGAN and VALENTINE DE LANDRO!

Valiant is proud to announce Shadowman: End Times #1 (of 3) – an oversized, prestige three-issue mini-series from master storyteller Peter Milligan (Hellblazer) and acclaimed artist Valentine De Landro (Bitch Planet)! The end times begin this April when Valiant unleashes an all-new starting point for New Orleans' nocturnal guardian and a perfect introduction to Peter Milligan's sinister new direction for Shadowman!

Jack Boniface thinks that he's finally fixed his life — and the source of the dark power inside him. But when a figure from the past emerges to reveal the troubling truth about his destiny, the latest Shadowman will be forced to run a gauntlet of his darkest fears realized: the rise of a wild new pantheon of Voodoo loas… the return of his father, Josiah…and the earthly restoration of his oldest and deadliest enemy, Master Darque. Make no mistake — doom is coming for Shadowman…and the devastating consequences are about to lead Jack Boniface to a perilous new turning point!

"I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that it's unlikely if Shadowman could ever be the same again after this mini-series. As to what hope fans might have of Jack and Shadowman making it out of this adventure, I'll quote Shelley: 'Hope may vanish, but can die not," Milligan told Newsarama. 

"Shadowman: End Times is where we absolutely blow it up," added editor Alejandro Arbona. "Peter has masterminded a long-term plan for Shadowman, and End Times is its beating heart and guts. Frankly, it's like nothing I've ever read in superhero comics. Don't think of it as an ending…it's the beginning of a Shadowman we've never seen before."

This April, Shadowman gets pushed to the edge…but can Jack Boniface survive the plunge? The answers await in Shadowman: End Times #1 (of 3) – featuring covers by red-hot talents Giueseppe Camuncoli (Superior Spider-Man), Jeff Dekal (Journey into Mystery) and David Mack (Daredevil,Kabuki)! Start reading here this April with an all-new entry point into the savage depths of Peter Milliagn's Shadowman saga!

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #1 (of 3)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by VALENTINE DE LANDRO
Cover by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by JEFF DEKAL
Variant Cover by DAVID MACK
$3.99/T+/40 pgs.
COMING IN APRIL!

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Preview: SHADOWMAN # 14

"Fear, Blood, and Shadows" Grip SHADOWMAN #14!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #14! Peter Milligan and Roberto de la Torre's savage exploration of the Shadowman mythos continues here on January 8th in the next chapter of the brand new story arc, "Fear, Blood, and Shadows"!

As the Shadowman loa begins to exert its influence in even more unexpected ways, Jack Boniface is quickly coming to terms with the darkness inside him and finding out firsthand just how brutal unchecked power can be. With word of Shadowman’s increased unpredictability spreading across New Orleans, Jack's former allies in the Abettors grow even more suspicious of their latest trainee…and begin to consider drastic measures…

On January 8th, pick up Shadowman #14 to find out why fans and critics agree – master storytellersPeter Milligan and Roberto de la Torre have unleashed a devastating new vision of New Orleans' nocturnal guardian:

"Sick, twisted and absolutely engaging… Time to turn back to the darkside, people." - IGN
"4.5 stars… We got ourselves a damn fine comic."– Comics Bulletin
"I can't wait to see how this arc goes forward… Must Read" - The Weekly Crisis
"Milligan and Roberto de la Torre have brewed up the perfect cauldron…" – Bloody Disgusting

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.

SHADOWMAN #14 ("FEAR, BLOOD, AND SHADOWS" – PART 2)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art & Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (NOV131280)
Valiant Signature Series Variant by BOB HALL (NOV131281)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 1/8/14

1st Impression: SHADOWMAN # 13

SHADOWMAN # 13

Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Roberto De LaTorre & David Baron
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                So … yeah. Jack ends up blacking out and awaking as Shadowman in an alley … full of dead bodies. Meanwhile, Alyssa is joined by senior Abettors who pretty much tell her (and readers) that Jack has “anger issues.” This prompts Jack to meet with a punk girl named Mambo. Mambo ends up trying to “help” Jack, only to find that Shadowman is something else quite different from what we know now.

ART:

                De LaTorre is a master of the dark, gritty pencils and inks. The panels give off plenty of grim detail, which fits the new direction and atmosphere for the book. There is enough detail to tell people apart from one another and the moody art really helps project this darker, more horrific direction. Baron comes in with darker colors and makes some smart artistic choices in coloring; only adding to the texture and mood of the panel. A solid first outing for this new art team.

WRITING:

                I enjoy Peter Milligan. I do. This issue was good. It had tension. It definitely gave us mystery. I LOVE Mambo already. I really want more of her in the future cause Punk Mambo is awesome. The pacing of the story was good. And we got some characterizations that were definitely handled well. The dialogue was smart and the narrative was haunting. It did bring you in.
                That being said … I have to admit … this new direction felt TOO DRASTIC of a change. I have followed this title since the first issue. This issue is definitely a jump on point. But compared to what I have seen before hand, this issue is really very different from the Shadowman we have seen before. Jack’s “anger issues” are plausible enough but the way they are amplified here just make it a bit too out of character for me.  Jack being angry about what had happened in his life, I could understand. But there was already strides to curb that anger. This issue pretty much ignores that and doesn’t ignore it at the same time. The fact that the Shadowman and Jack are being two distinct different beings is also a VERY interesting change. And considering how much the Abettors have actually relied on Shadowman, now wanting to kill him was different feeling very out of place.

                Milligan is doing the best with what he can do now.
               

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Honestly, I believe that is what I am angry about the most. The previous continuity of this character kind of being ignored in some cases and kept in other cases. Yet, I honestly believe that Valiant is doing what they can to save this book; hence the dramatic change. The art was good. The writing was good. If you had not read a single issue of this series and this is your first issue, this will work out great for you. Otherwise, it is gonna feel like a slap to the face. I don’t blame Milligan at all. Out of all the Valiant Books, this book has gotten the least amount of acclaim or reaction.  Yet, the ignoring of certain events in continuity and some of the changes to long time readers are going to feel very out of place. Otherwise, it is a strong jump on point for the book.

RATING:

                This is one of the most difficult reviews I ever had to give. While there is still more to come from Milligan, this was a good first issue. Yet the changes in Jack felt a bit too drastic. As a jump on point, it’s solid though with mystery and suspense. So, I give Shadowman # 11 a 7 … out of 10. It was good but could be better. We’ll just have to wait and see. 

Preview: SHADOWMAN # 12

Extra-Spooky Valiant Preview: KOT, CAFU, SEBELA and More Haunt SHADOWMAN #12

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #12 – featuring three complete tales of New Orleans' nocturnal guardian by some of the brightest talents in comics today!

 

Follow Ales Kot (Zero, Secret Avengers) & CAFU (Action Comics) into the realm of arcane horrors for "Deadside Blues"; Christopher Sebela (Fantastic Four, Captain Marvel) & Matthew Southworth (Stumptown) present the "Lucky Charm" of the Big Easy's underworld; and Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) & Diego Bernard (Eternal Warrior) go "Blackout" for an uneasy day-in-the-life of Jack Boniface, the mysterious Shadowman! Plus – a special short story starring Jaunty the Deadside monkey by acclaimed webcomic creator Neil Dvorak (Easy Pieces)!

 

Be here on November 6th as a who's who of rising stars come together to push the outer bounds of Shadowman's world ever further, right here in Shadowman #12!

 

And be back in 30 for Shadowman #13 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc and all-new vision from the new ongoing creative team of comics icon Peter Milligan and fan favorite artist Roberto De La Torre!

 

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

 

SHADOWMAN #12

Written by ALES KOT, CHRISTOPHER SEBELA, DUFFY BOUDREAU, and NEIL DVORAK

Art by CAFU, MATTHEW SOUTHWORTH, DIEGO BERNARD, and NEIL DVORAK

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (SEP131369)

Variant Cover by KEKAI KOTAKI (SEP131370)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs. 

ON SALE 11/6/13
 

SHADOWMAN #13 (NEW ARC - "FEAR, BLOOD, AND SHADOWS")

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art & Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (OCT131338)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA (OCT131339)

Variant Cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH (OCT131340)

Variant Cover by SHANE DAVIS (OCT131341)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 12/4/13 (FOC – 11/11/13)

Preview: SHADOWMAN # 2

Shadowman says F*#k the Police ... Cause they're Demons

SHADOWMAN #2 Hits the Big Easy Hard

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #2 by rising star Justin Jordan (The Legend of Luther Strode) and comics superstar Patrick Zircher (Hulk, Captain America)! The return of Shadowman to the Valiant Universe continues on December 5th in the staggering second chapter of the new series that Fangoria calls "an eerie, demonic, face-smashing good time!"

 

Jack Boniface's first night on the job may just be his last. As Shadowman, he has just inherited an untold amount of power – which would be great if he had any idea what he was doing. But he doesn't and he's out of time. Master Darque has dispatched the terrifying Mr. Twist to destroy Jack and the demonic creature is tearing through New Orleans in search of his prey. But if the Abettors – the mysterious organization that's spent hundreds of years protecting the city – can reach Jack first, he just might have an outside shot at making it through the night. 

 

Find out if the Valiant Universe's newest midnight marauder will live to see tomorrow on December 5th, only in Shadowman #2!

 

SHADOWMAN #2 - ON SALE DECEMBER 5th!

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art & Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (OCT121233)

Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (OCT121234)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.