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)

1st Impression: SHADOWMAN: END TIMES # 1

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES # 1

Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Valentine De Landro, Livesay & David Baron
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                Jack dreams of his heroic dad.  Going by what was told to him, his father was one of the best Shadowmen … he controlled the Shadow Loa. And that brings us to the beginning of this very torrid story. Jack seemingly has gotten control of the Loa … only to find it slipping again.  Yet, Alyssa has not given up on him while we find out more about Josiah than we didn’t believe possible.

WRITING:
                Milligan writes a strong issue. We get plenty of development with Jack, the Loa, Alyssa and Punk Mambo (GOD I LOVE HER!)  Jack is fighting to keep his sense of self and not lose control to the Loa again and Milligan writes that struggle as the Loa reveals two things: 1 – its enjoyment of hunting down the other Loa; and 2 – its own feelings about its banishment.   Milligan writes a great sense of vunerabilty this issue that I have never seen before and it really works. The dialogue was very powerful and the narrative very gripping.

                The pacing of the whole issue was just great, allowing readers to really feel the emotions of Jack, Alyssa and even other characters. And the plot has strong supernatural and emotional ties. Kudos to Milligan for writing a solid first issue.

ART:

                De Landro goes for a different style here that works. De Landro was a bit more detailed during his time when he was an artist for X-Factor. But It works well. De Landro’s style change allows to give a darker mood for the book; which really helps set off the story. While the detail isn’t as much, De Landro gives just enough to show off some strong panel work and good action. Livesay really compliments De Landro’s work, making the panels appealing.  

                Baron tops it off, really giving some expressive tones of dark green, browns and darker shades of blue throughout the issue to immerse readers into the art and story. A solid job by this art team.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                The art was good. The story was excellent. This is the beginning of the end times. But who is the end for? And that question makes this title all the more intriguing.

RATING:

                I give Shadowman: End Times # 1 a 9 … out of 10. Pick it up Wednesday!!!

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.

Preview: SHADOWMAN # 16

SHADOWMAN #16
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art & Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (JAN141374)
Variant Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN (JAN141375)

A great and terrible loa of the Vodun pantheon is at large in the world of men…and its name is SHADOWMAN!

The only way to contain it: kill the man who houses the shadow, Jack Boniface — an innocent, cursed with possession and gifted with a tremendous power he doesn’t yet understand. But a force of nature known only as Tremble is spreading terror through the city of New Orleans. Turning Shadowman loose on his ancient rival, the god of fear, is either humanity’s best option…or impending disaster.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 3/19/14

Comics News: VALIANT Plans Star-Studded Anniversary Celebration for X-O MANOWAR #25 – with ROBERT VENDITTI, BRYAN HITCH, J.G. JONES, JUSTIN JORDAN, PETER MILLIGAN and More!

VALIANT Plans Star-Studded Anniversary Celebration for X-O MANOWAR #25 – with ROBERT VENDITTI, BRYAN HITCH, J.G. JONES, JUSTIN JORDAN, PETER MILLIGAN and More!


 

Valiant is proud to announce that it is pulling out all the stops for X-O Manowar #25 – the publisher's first 48-page anniversary spectacular from ongoing series creators Robert Venditti and Diego Bernard, and an all-star cast of special guests including Bryan Hitch, J.G. Jones, Justin Jordan,Peter Milligan, Rafer Roberts, and more!

Before X-O Manowar steps front and center for the Armor Hunters crossover event beginning in June, he'll be celebrating 25 chart-topping, critically acclaimed issues with a special oversized anniversary issue, bursting with all-new content from the top creators in comics today, including:

• ARMOR HUNTERS: PART ZERO by ROBERT VENDITTI (Green Lantern, The Flash) &DIEGO BERNARD (Eternal Warrior)
• THE ORIGIN OF X-O MANOWAR retold by ROBERT VENDITTI (Green Lantern, The Flash) & J.G. JONES (Before Watchmen: Comedian, Final Crisis)
• Plus: all-new tales of X-O Manowar by PETER MILLIGAN (X-Force), BRYAN HITCH (The Ultimates), JUSTIN JORDAN (Dead Body Road), RAFER ROBERTS (Carpool Buddies of Doom), and more special surprise guests!

Whether you've been reading X-O Manowar since issue #1 or you have yet to pick up your first issue, X-O Manowar #25 is a can't-miss comic book event celebrating the character's past and future with a spectacular array of brand new stories! Featuring stunning shelf covers by JELENA-KEVIC DJURDJEVIC (Thor) and BRYAN HITCH (Age of Ultron), X-O Manowar #25 will also feature an Armors Variant spotlighting the different incarnations of the X-O Manowar armor throughout the ages by artistARTURO LOZZI (Bloodshot); as well as Valiant's very first throwback cover by Valiant icon SEAN CHEN(Iron Man); and an iconic, fully painted variant cover by superstar artist TERRY DODSON (X-Men) – his first piece for Valiant!

"X-O Manowar #1 was the first issue of a monthly comic book series that I’d ever written, so I didn't know what to expect. I hoped I’d at least make it a year, and I really hoped I’d make it two.  So to be at #25 now, and to be planning far beyond, I feel very fortunate," said series writer Robert Venditti.

"When X-O Manowar #1 by Robert Venditti and Cary Nord hit shelves in 2012, it didn't just mark the return of one of the greatest characters in comics – it also marked the return of Valiant," said Valiant Executive Editor Warren Simons. "Now, with our biggest story yet – Armor Hunters – just over the horizon, X-O Manowar #25 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible work that Robert, Cary, Lee Garbett, Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Gaudiano, Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic and Diego Bernard have accomplished."

"We're overjoyed to be celebrating our first major anniversary with X-O Manowar #25, and we're packing this issue to capacity to make sure it's the must-read milestone that this series deserves. With the Armor Hunters crossover event about to come crashing down on Aric of Dacia's world, summer 2014 is going to be the summer of X-O Manowar – and issue #25 is the perfect place to jump on board," said Valiant CEO and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani.

Since debuting in the pages of X-O Manowar #1 in 1992, X-O Manowar has sold more than 8 million copies and featured work by a distinguished roster of comics luminaries including current Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, and comics legends Barry Windsor-Smith and Bob Layton.

Two decades later, as the first title of Valiant's 2012 relaunch, the all-new X-O Manowar #1 by Robert Venditti and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord became one of the year's highest selling debut issues, warranting four sold-out printings. In the two years since, the series has continued to accrue critical and commercial accolades, including "Best Revival of 2012" by The Onion/A.V. Club, "Best Ongoing Series" by Ain't It Cool News, and a 2012 Diamond Gem Award nomination for Best Comic Book of the Year.

This May, find out why Valiant's X-O Manowar is a legend in the making, only in X-O Manowar #25 – a milestone 48-page celebration from a colossal cast of all-star talents!
 

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

X-O MANOWAR #25 (OVERSIZED ANNIVERSARY ISSUE)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI with PETER MILLIGAN, JUSTIN JORDAN, and MORE!
Art by DIEGO BERNARD with J.G. JONES, BRYAN HITCH, RAFER ROBERTS and MORE!
Covers by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC and BRYAN HITCH
Armors Variant by ARTURO LOZZI
Throwback Variant by SEAN CHEN
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON
$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
COMING IN MAY!

ARMOR HUNTERS #1 (OF 4)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
COMING IN JUNE!

 

1st Impressions: SHADOWMAN # 15

SHADOWMAN # 15
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Roberto de la Torre, Al Barrionuevo, Brian Level, David Baron & John Rauch

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Jack faces a major mistake of his past in order to see if it will ease his mind and stop the blackouts.  Meanwhile, the Abettors make moves to make sure that Jack would be the LAST Shadowman.

ART:

                De la Torre, Barrionuevo and Level do an excellent job this issue with continue to setting up a great looking book. From the moody backgrounds that look haunting in sunlight, to Jack’s face dealing with the emotional pain of what he had done, our artists really pour a lot of great detail in the work this issue. De la Torre definite hits his stride well this issue with some stunning panel work while Barrionuevo and Level aren’t slouches with their panels conveying a lot of emotion as well.

                Baron and Rauch do a great job with colors. The shading and color are utilized extremely well.  The amount of color does really well setting mood for the panels and giving the book its more horror, thriller appeal. There is a certain level of ambiance too the book that just makes it interesting. A superb job by the art team this issue.

WRITING:

                After the first two issues of the new direction, I will firmly state that I am being won over. The characterizations this issue was really strong.  The plot bears some wonderful fruit this issue as the Abettors and  Jack come to head in a very neat and logical way.  Milligan continues to add personal elements and making sure the history that he added comes to bare as the conflict gets brutal at the end. The characterizations were equally amazing with Jack and Alyssa showing some real growth and development.   Milligan does a great job giving some powerful dialogue that work with the well done art. 
                The pacing was done perfectly and the overall issue was just exquisite. Solid writing by Milligan.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This is definitely a large step up from the last two issues. I feel after my initial dislike of the new direction, this one wins me over.  The art is great and the story is good.

RATING:

                A much better issue. Made me a believer in Milligan work in Shadowman. I give Shadowman # 15 a 9 … out of 10.

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 Impressions: SHADOWMAN # 14

SHADOWMAN # 14
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Roberto De La Torre & David Baron
Valiant Comics
FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We continue this road that Punk Mambo, the Abettors and Milligan has brought us down to. We get some more back story: some we know, some we didn’t. As Jack doubts himself while Alyssa believes in him.

                Jack ends up having an internal struggle with him, the Loa and … another guest. Alyssa holds fast that Jack can beat the influence of the Loa. But as the story goes on, it does not look like Jack is in control at all.

 ART:

                De La Torre and Baron illustrate a dark, macabre book that is full of horror, emotion and despair. The panel composition is solid. The art is solid and full of De La Torre’s sketchy, thick style. De La Torre gives us some frightening and powerful visuals, from Jack’s emotion from seeing his past to Alyssa trying to talk to Jack to the horror of more people seemingly beaten up and/or dead.

                The colors give a great feel and set mood from scene to scene set to Baron. Even the lighter scenes were impactful with its colors and good composition.  A good job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Milligan does a lot of construction on top of what was there this issue and most of it seems to fit. Building upon last issue, Milligan takes readers and Jack into a dark journey of self discovery that is frightening, suspenseful and eye opening. Milligan adds some new layers to Jack this issue and seem more natural this time than they did last issue. The mythology that this issue began to reveal is very interesting and more of Punk Mambo, who continues to be more and more interesting as the book goes.
                Milligan paces the issue extremely well. With the addition of the Abettors and more history on previous Shadowmen, there is a good foundation here. The dialogue seemed okay but I will admit … Alyssa seemed a bit odd. The one idea of what she wanted to do just felt a little out of character for her. I can understand the thought process behind it but just didn’t feel right. That and the surprise at the end of the issue just felt out there, to me. Still, well written by Milligan.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This issue was better than the last. The new direction is gaining steam and is overall interesting. Yet, there are a few things that just don’t fit with the way certain characters acted before. Yet, the story is building speed with a good amount of tension and emotion. I still am NOT cool with the ending but the art is solid.

RATING:

                I give Shadowman # 14 a 7.5 out of 10. There is still a ways to go but good. 

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.