1st Impression: Shadowman # 9 Review

SHADOWMAN # 9
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Neil Edwards, Roberto Del Torre, Lewis LaRosa, Rocco Martellacci, Diego Bernard, Alejandro Sicat, Andrea Cuneo & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                It’s the final show down between Jack and Darque during this issue as the two clash in the Deadside. Darque’s full plan is revealed as he is using the souls he corrupted to give him power and build a tower back to the land of the living. And it’s starting to work.

                Meanwhile, Baron Samedi does his best to rally the free spirits in the Deadside against Darque and his forces. As they join with Jack to face off against Darque … a sacrifice is made in order to stop the mad sorcerer.

ART:
                The art for the issue varied because it had a VERY LARGE, variety of artists (pencilers & inkers), that put their stamp this issue. And that lead to feeling a bit disjointed visually while reading the book.  There was some really spectacular art in there by Edwards, Del Torree  and another but there was some art that just was TOO simplistic, and clashed with the rest of the book. I am not saying that they are bad artists. I am just saying that it was NOT the right mix.

                Overall, most of the backgrounds were detailed. We saw multiple characters and a wide range of emotions. Reber does his best to keep the multiple artists construct that is Shadowman #9 together through his colors. With the exception of one or two … he succeeds.  Reber is really proving himself to be one of the best colorists in the business ….with the right colors and right tones for the right scene.

WRITING:
                This writing this issue was superb. It was a strong closing to the story that began about 6 months ago now in Shadowman # 5.  There were high stakes. Good amount of character development.  A right mix of action with emotion. Colorful characters and great pacing. This current storyline really continued to set up the status quo for Jack … which seems to be that NO ONE is safe.

                There is a great pace for the story as it reaches its climax and the payoffs are well worth it. My own disdain for the comic is the inclusion … or lack there of  Dr. Mirage.  She was introduced in the beginning of the arc then just dropped.  And she wasn’t in this issue and I can understand why but still feels like she was supposed to have a big part in the storyline.  Other than that, I really feel that Jordon establishes that NO ONE is safe around Jack and that their fight with Darque is very deep and personal one.

                 The issue was paced well.  The dialogue was interesting, concise and clear. Jordon also enriches the story by making sure that the stakes and the prices paid were personal to Jack and the others.  A great job overall by Justin Jordon.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Good book. Strong finish but the multiple artists worked against this issue and the lack of explanation for Dr. Mirage  hurt it, but not too much. Solid book to read.

RATING:

                I give Shadowman # 9 a 7.5 out of 10. It’s a good book. It could be better but still good conclusion that will grab you and don’t let go.

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

1st Impressions: SHADOWMAN # 7 Review

SHADOWMAN # 7
Written by Justin Jordon

Art by Neil Edwards, Matt Ryan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            After Samedi has both Alyssa and Shadowman in his clutches, Dox comes in trying to save them. Samedi, though, gives an offer to Jack. Dox tells him not to take it but Jack and Dox have an intense conversation which leads to an unlikely alliance .. .

            Meanwhile, Darque is doing crazy stuff to get out of the Deadside while the Brethen are trying to get Darque to Earth. Yet, Shadowman jumps into action against the Brethen and their leader, Devereaux, as Dox takes a different approach …

ART:

            Neil Edwards definitely showed his skills this issue.  It has improved this issue as we get some pretty gory stuff as Samedi makes his presence felt big time. The action looks good. The gore looks horrifying. There is some pictures where the faces just looked a little weird cause of distance but over all, Edwards and Ryan bring out some great art. Smooth lines and descriptive faces and backgrounds. Darque, though, does not look that menacing this issue … till the final page.

            Reber does a great job with colors, keeping the book dark and moody, as it should be. It also makes the gore that much more horrific. Reber really does a good job bringing out the best of Edwards and Ryan pencils and inks. Pretty good work from the art team.


WRITING:

            Jordon weaves a good, solid issue. Jack continues to show that just because he accepted the responsibility of Shadowman, all things attached to it are not to his liking at all. Jack’s conversation with Dox was very gripping and resonated with me about young men arguing with their fathers about what they are going through to achieve this “destiny” set upon them.

            We got more of Devereaux this issue which really made him seem more charming. Yet, it gave us a view of The Brethren and their role serving Master Darque. Darque had the single most chilling final page this year (thus far) as he took the soul of *******.

            The pacing was great. The characterizations really gripped me but I was slightly annoyed by 2 things: 1 – No Dr. Mirage … even though she’s on the cover. I still don’t understand what happened to her after what happened last issue.  And 2 – Alyssa, if you were gonna be like “We should be protecting Shadowman” … then why the hell you didn’t tell Dox that in the first place or go with Jack when he left?

            Those were the two things that had me scratch my head but still, Jordon delivers a good issue with this.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Shadowman continues to mix horror with drama and action in a great unique blend. Besides the 2 follies, this was a good issue. It set up the climax, gave a really great exchange between Dox and Jack, show us how powerful both Samedi and Darque are and advances the characters of Jack & Dox. The art is good. The pacing great. Overall, a good issue but there could be some improvement.


RATING:

            I give Shadowman # 7 a 7 out of 10. Buy it. Although it's got a couple of holes, it's a good issue.

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 

SHADOWMAN # 6 Review

SHADOWMAN # 6

Written by Justin Jordon & Patrick Zircher
Art by Patrick Zircher, Lee Garbett, Neil Edwards, Brian Reber & Guy Major
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            This issue opens with Baron Samedi chatting away with Darque who gives the god an interesting offer. We go back to Samedi’s faithful follower who then  … HOLY SHIT!  Um … excuse me. Was NOT expecting that.

            Um … moving on. Jack and Alyssa shake down some drug dealers dealing with a drug that forces nightmares on people while giving pleasure. Yes, readers. The twisted continues. The new Dr. Mirage pays Dox a visit as he does not welcome her with open arms but  she tells him that there are an infestation of spirits cause Baron Samedi is on Earth.

            Alyssa, in the meantime, brings Jack to the graveyard where his waitress, who we met back in issue #1 is buried to give him closure. After he talks to her gravestone, Baron Samedi shows up … and raise the dead … including the waitress. Yep. Zombies. Shadowman and Alyssa try to fight them and Baron Samedi but it is seemingly futile as we are left with another twist at the end of this issue.


ART:

            Okay. I didn’t think I would have to say this about this title. At least not yet. But … the art was good, not great. Zircher definitely delivers explosive, gripping panels. He continues giving the best work of his career here. Garbett style is very different yet still very good and fighting for a bigger portion of the issue. Meanwhile, Neil Edwards art is also different and okay with the thinner lines. But that is my issue with the art. Last issue, it worked well for the title. This issue, it gives it too much of a shellshock. Edwards style is somewhat similar to Garbett but there seems to be an energy missing. It could be from the distinct differences in style. It could be cause of the issue colored with some darker tones in some place … which works from both Reber and Major. Yet, this issue, artistically feels off.

            And while this is the last issue from Zircher, who leaves us with a breath taking panel work … I wish we got more energy from Garbett and Edwards. Garbett the energy is getting there while Edwards was interesting but … the art felt too different that it threw the issue off.

WRITING:

            Okay. I will make this short and sweet. The writing for this was SUPERB. A lot happened in this issue but Jordon and Zircher make it fit so well. Great characterizations were given as we see that Dox is not always happy with Allies, we still have an air of mystery to Dr. Mirage, Jack and Alyssa continue to be the heart of the book. And this book gave me several HOLY SHIT moments. A job well done by the writers.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Honestly, this is a great issue but the multiple artists actually work against it rather than for it like it did last issue. Garbett is starting to show his potential but the energy didn’t seem to be there as much as it was last issue. Edwards was okay but ultimately, Zircher’s strong pencils and different art styles bogged down the issue. Otherwise, no real other issue.


RATING:

            While the multiple art styles bring this issue down, the writing really brings the issue up. This originally was gonna get a 7 but the writing and coloring  really shot this issue up. I give Shadowman # 6 an 8 out of 10. Definitely get it but be prepared for some shell shock. Still, read it now!