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)

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

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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1st Impression: SHADOWMAN # 10

SHADOWMAN # 10
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Diego Bernard, Andrea Cuneo, Mico Suayan, Lewis LaRosa, Carmen Nunez, Alejandro Sicat, Stefan Gaudiano, Brian Level, David Baron & Matt Milla.
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This issue actually takes place after the events of Shadowman # 0, getting into more about how Master Darque came to be but focuses on Sandria Darque and (SPOILERS) the origin of Shadowman.  We get some back ground on Sandria Darque and the beginning of the Shadowman line, going back to the Civil War.  

ART:

                Okay. There are a lot of people who took part in drawing this issue. And honestly, it WORKS EXTREMELY  WELL. The darker tones and the different art styles blend together to present a tragic, yet gripping love story in the heart of war. From the powerful pictures of Sandria, Marius and more in the snow, to Master Darque coming for his sister … each panel had a beautiful macabre look to them.  There is an excellent amount of detail, thanks to all our pencilers. And all our inkers do a great job giving the right shading, adds to the mood and background of the story. We get some really sharp panels that dive into the grime of war.
                 Overall, the dark look of the book works with the tone. The characters are proportioned and look historically accurate to the time it was set in.  Really good work.

WRITING:

                We get a solid story focusing on Sandria and the origin of the Shadowman line.  The focus on her was refreshing; as it is a character we didn’t see much of before. And we get a very loving yet twisted woman who does what she must to get away from her sadistic brother.  The tragedy of her love to Marius Boniface only adds a weight to the mythology. The backstory and the time period was used extremely well in this issue. The characterizations were definitely relatable for the time period. And the narrative by Sandria kept a nice, consistent flow to the issue.  Jordon gives a solid issue but I felt weird at the end. Not for what happened but just … the impact of it. It was felt but I felt it needed more time.  Otherwise, a damn good issue.

OVERALL:

                Shadowman # 10 picks up after Shadowman #0 extremely well as we get the focus on Sandria Darque after what happened. The art was excellent with some really good writing. The end wasn’t bad, just a bit fast. Yet, it was a strong showing.

RATING:

                A really good book that adds to the mythology of Shadowman with a VITAL chapter. I give Shadowman # 10 a 9 …. Out of 10. 

Preview: Shadowman # 10

Twin Evils, Twin Origins in SHADOWMAN #10

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #10 – continuing the uncanny origin tale that began in Shadowman's critically acclaimed zero issue! The arcane source of all Shadowmen, past and present, will stand revealed when Valiant opens the next chapter in the lives of Nicodemo and Sandria Darque!

Long ago, in the antebellum South, Master Darque’s evil spawned the one thing that could stop him: the Shadowman. Discover how the Darques’ depravity has intertwined with Shadowman for more than a century and the betrayal that forged them both in this special standalone bookend to Shadowman’s first year in the Valiant Universe. 

From the bloodied battlefields of Gettysburg to the darkest corners of the Deadside, Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode) and an all-star cast of comics talent expand the origin saga that Bloody Disgusting calls "simply flawless" on September 4th, only inShadowman #10!

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

SHADOWMAN #10

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by DIEGO BERNARD and ANDREA CUNEO with MICO SUAYAN, LEWIS LAROSA, and CARMEN NUNEZ

Cover by STEPHANE PERGER (JUL131314)

Variant Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (JUL131315)

Variant Cover by RILEY ROSSMO (JUL131316)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 9/4/13

1st Impression: SHADOWMAN # 8 Review

SHADOWMAN # 8
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Roberto Del La Torre, Neil Edwards, Lewis LaRosa, Matt Ryan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

 FLIPPING THROUGH:
                We open with souls in the Deadside being devoured by a soul being devoured by a group of Eaters while another soul, a little girl with a rabbit, hides from them thanks to Jaunty.  Master Darque ends up explaining  to a trapped Dox what he does with the souls … turning them to Eaters. 

                Back on Earth, Shadowman, Alyssa & Baron Samedi talk over whether or not to go to the Deadside to save Dox.  Baron Samedi says that going to the Deadside is NOT and option but after a quick flashback of Jack bonding with Dox; Jack decides that whether he likes it or not, Baron Samedi and him are going to the Deadside to save Dox and fight Master Darque.

                When they arrive, they figure out that Darque had created a pillar of souls for energy to cross over to the living world. Shadowman and Baron Samedi decide to fight Master Darque head on. Meanwhile, Darque gloats to Dox about his victory as Jack appears .. . only to fall to Darque’s trap.


ART:

                The art in this issue was pretty good. The art between De La Torre, Edwards & LaRosa are fairly similar enough that it does not distract from the flow of the story … unlike in previous issues. Their dark pencils work really well. Particularly, De La Torre’s pencils really have a nice grip on the darkness of the book. The horror aspects are well rendered with Reber’s wonderful darker tones and shadows with all the greys.

                The people looked distinct and the opening scenes with the girl and the rabbit were very well rendered and gripping. While some of the art on Earth was pretty good, a couple panels seemed a bit lighter than others. I am not sure if it was due to pencils, inks or colors. Still, the backgrounds in the issue were okay. The Deadside is dark but got a bit more expansive this issue.  Overall, this was fairly good art this issue.

WRITING:

                Jordon does a good job this issue in terms of pacing, dialogue and emotional moments.  While I really did like Jack saying he wants to save Dox cause he’s like family … I do wish we had seen more of it before this issue between Dox and Jack. We saw it between Alyssa and Jack before but not Dox and Jack. That definitely hurt the emotion of what Jordon was doing but still, it was pulled off well in execution.

                The way Darque plans to break though was actually very smartly written. And I really enjoyed the dialogue between Dox and Darque. There is almost some kind of respect between Darque and Dox.  Jack is continuing to really get a hang of his responsibilities as Shadowman and the power at his command. His approach to getting Baron Samedi’s help was definitely great development of his character.  Overall, there was some good emotional moments but some of the weight missing. Otherwise, Jordon does a good job.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                While there is a lack of precedence between Dox & Jack, the emotional power of Jack wanting to save him still shined through. The issue was paced well. The art was getting better. There is still room for improvement.  Yet, This book is doing better again.

RATING:

                I give Shadowman # 8 an  8 out of 10.

Preview: SHADOWMAN # 8

At Death's Door in SHADOWMAN #8

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #8 by Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (Green Lantern: New Guardians) and all-star artists Roberto De La Torre (Daredevil),Neil Edwards (Dark Avengers) and Lewis LaRosa (Punisher MAX)!

Jack Boniface’s life is about to become a living hell. Master Darque may be trapped in the forbidden realm known as the Deadside, but his disciples on Earth, the Brethren, continue to track Jack’s every move. When Shadowman takes the fight to their doorstep, the Brethren’s counterattack proves much more than Jack bargained for…and the people he cares about are going to pay the price…

The road to the final, fateful clash of Shadowman and Master Darque starts here on July 3rd when the Deadside's darkest strike close to home, only in Shadowman #8!

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

SHADOWMAN #8

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN 

Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, NEIL EDWARDS & LEWIS LAROSA

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131310)

Variant Cover by DAVID MACK (MAY131311)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/3/13

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

Shadowman # 0 Review

SHADOWMAN # 0
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Roberto De La Torre, Mico Suayan, Lewis La Rosa, Neil Edwards & Dave Baron
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We get the origin of Master Darque in this issue and dear god … it lives us to its name. We find that Master Darque and his twin sister, Sandria, were taught magic by their father since shortly after they were born. We find out how Darque grew in power. We find out about how and why he and his sister have the tattoos. And we even learn why  Master Darque looks like he does now.

            We get some pretty big revelations and some very, very creepy underlining issues between the 3 members of the Darque Family. It all added up to a gruesome and powerful ending.


ART:

            I admit. I was worried about this title after Patrick Zircher left. Hell, I didn’t give the last issue as large of a score cause I thought the book suffered with the multiple artists. Let me say now … that is NOT the case here. What we have from De La Torre, Suayan, La Rosa & Edwards is a visually stunning & haunting piece.

            The backgrounds were wonderfully detailed. The colors and dark shading of the entire issue fit the ominous events of this issue. The panel work was gripping and near cinematic at times. We have some really strong pencils from both De La Torre and Suayan only to have even stronger inks from La Rosa and Edwards. The whole issue was this dark journey as to how Nico Darque became the frightening.  From the Darque’s birth to Master Darque’s confrontation with his dad … we see chilling visuals that will burn their way in your brain.

            Kudos to the art team for conveying such emotion, wonder and horror all rolled up within the various panels in the issue. The use of blacks, greys and whites were really smart … particularly during the death of Sandria’s rabbit. Those panels are now burned in my brain for the rest of my life thanks to the art demonstrating them. The emotion was palable when you read it and this team did an incredible job in bringing out the best in this story.

 

WRITING:

            Jordon takes us full into the origin of Master Darque and his sister and it was both solemn and fantastic at the same time. The use of narration (Jordon having Sandria Darque narrate it) was a splendid idea. It really worked for the pacing of the issue as well as give us insights on Master Darque we probably couldn’t have been given from anyone else.

            We get an idea of how close Master Darque and his sister were and their background was interesting and relateable. Nothing seemed to last longer than it was supposed to and I love that we get shades of the man Darque becomes throughout the issue.

            The revelations and pay offs this issue made it more than worth the read. Great writing by Jordon.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            We got a look at the past of one of the greatest villains in comics and we know a bit as to why he is the way he is. Great art work with superb writing makes this issue a must have.


RATING:

            I am happy to give Shadowman # 0 a 9 out of 10 for such a great origin issue full of depth, story and emotion. Buy on May 1^st.

Preview: Get the Origins of Master Darque in Shadowman # 0

The Origin of MASTER DARQUE Haunts SHADOWMAN #0

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #0 from Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (The Legend of Luther Strode) and an all-star cast of visionary artists including Roberto De La Torre (Daredevil), Mico Suayan (Harbinger), Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four) and Lewis LaRosa (PunisherMAX)! For hundreds of years, the Shadowmen have guarded our world from the nightmare realm known as the Deadside and its sadistic necromancer, Master Darque. But who is Master Darque? And what is the root of his otherworldly evil?

 

Now, for the first time anywhere, the answer to these questions and more will finally be revealed. Journey back to the plantations of antebellum Louisiana to meet the man once called Nicodemo Darque and discover how a depraved life drenched in dust, blood, and bone transformed him into a menace that would one day threaten the whole of the Valiant Universe and all life as we know it.

 

Before the discovery of the Deadside, before Jack Boniface, before the rise of the Valiant Universe, go back to the beginning to witness the first coming of Master Darque on May 1st in Shadowman #0 - now featuring a wraparound standard cover by Eisner Award-winning artist Dave Johnson!

 

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

 

SHADOWMAN #0 

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, MICO SUAYAN, NEIL EDWARDS and LEWIS LAROSA

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (MAR131327)

Pullbox Exclusive Cover by KHARI EVANS (MAR131328)

Wraparound Gatefold Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (MAR131329)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 5/1/13