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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

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

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

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

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.

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. 

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

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 # 5 REVIEW

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


FLIPPING THROUGH:

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

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

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


ART:

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

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


WRITING:

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

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

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

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


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

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

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


RATING:

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

Previews: The Dawn of Master Darque

Valiant Preview: MASTER DARQUE Dawns on SHADOWMAN #5

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #5 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc by acclaimed creators Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher with Lee Garbett (X-O Manowar) and Roberto De La Torre (Age of Apocalypse)! Start reading here as the new Shadowman dives headlong into the dark side of the Valiant Universe – only to find himself caught in the crossfire of a demonic turf war engineered by the unspeakable evil of Master Darque!

 

Jack Boniface has just been to Hell and back. After surviving the horrors of the Deadside, Jack is taking his new abilities to the limit and discovering more about the legacy of the Shadowman with each passing night. But what if he wasn’t the only thing that managed to escape back to Earth? Something dark has arrived in New Orleans, leaving death and madness in its black wake. What’s more, the city’s deadliest cartel assassin is after Jack, and he refuses to die – literally!

 

Be here on March 6th as Valiant's best-selling hero begins a brand new chapter inShadowman #5 – the perfect entry point into the series that Comic Vine says "delivers on every level."

 

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

 

SHADOWMAN #5 - ON SALE MARCH 6th!

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

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

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131302)

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

Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (JAN131304)

Linewide Variant by RAFAEL GRAMPA (JAN131305)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.