Advance Review: Shadowman #1

Valiant have seemingly joined the Dynamite Entertainment model as next month the restart, renew or refresh of, depending on your point of view, their supernatural hero of sorts Shadowman. Now, I am that long in the tooth that I remember the very first Shadowman series and I am pleased that the power that be have decided to roll the dice, and pull the pins from out of this voodoo doll of a book.

Jack Boniface is a musician who houses a powerful voodoo spirit, Shadowman, which has been passed down through his family. The Shadow Loa has granted Jack with great power with which to protect the world from the demons of the Deadside. But in the chaotic times of the human world, who is to say that evil only lives on the Deadside?

Cullen Bunn is a writer who has had extensive comic book experience having spent time in all worlds from superheroes, the supernatural and the theological. It is therefore no surprise to see him take on this voodoo powered kind of hero. Bunn’s writing here could be seen as functionary in places, in. part because whilst this is the first issue of a new run, there is clearly ongoing elements in play from the previous run. Additionally, Bunn. has to also drive forward the story; this is a line that Bunn walks well. The dialogue between Jack and Baron Samedi has twinge of Batman; Arkham Knights core Batman and Joker relationship. Still once Shadowman crosses a threshold, things take a darker turn with further ramifications hinted at down the line, which offers intrigue and will help keep readers interested.

Jon Davis-Hunt provides the art in a kind of svelte manner at times, which surprised me. When it comes to a horror themed book, I would expect the grandiose and the grotesque. Whilst Davis-Hunt certainly brings the grotesque, especially in the third act, the trim figures do offer an interesting alternative to my expectations. This book is set in New Orleans; do not expect the Mardi Gras style colors. Instead Jordie Bellaire colors a darker path, that still conveys the threat of the monsters that hide in the dark. Having Clayton Cowles on letters does give the book a lettering flourish, using techniques that include inverting the colrs of the font and word boxes helps give the book a spooky feeling. With this being a first issue, not that you need a reason in today’s market, there are a raft of variant covers to choose from. It is fielder choice for sure.

An interesting first issue that successfully re-introduces a character that may not have been given his full due previously. With Bunn, Davis-Hunt and crew on board, it will be interesting to see the magic that they will weave.

Writing – 4 Stars

Art – 4 Stars

Colors – 5 Stars

Overall -4.5 Stars

Written by; Cullen Bunn
Art by; Jon Davis-Hunt
Colors by; Jordie Bellaire
Letters by; Clayton Cowles
Published by; Valiant Entertainment LLC

Shadowman #1 is due out in comic shops on 28th April.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network