SHADOWMAN #1 (Valiant Entertainment, March 28 release date) Writer: Andy Diggle. Artist: Stephen Segoiva. Colors: Ullise Arreloa. Letterer: Simon Bowland.
After a short-lived introductory series written by Justin Jordan, the SHADOWMAN title was canceled but not the use of the character. Shadowman popped up in several other Valiant books and limited series, and now he receives another shot at holding down his own monthly book.
That doesn’t mean that the character has been re-booted. Valiant doesn’t keep returning the same characters in different versions the same way other publishers seem to start up again with a new #1 every two or less years. They simply wrap up the current volume when a storyline ends, and give it a rest before bringing it back. So, while the creative team has changed the character remains the same with only minimal changes.
Several things remain constant in the new SHADOWMAN title: 1) The action takes place in New Orleans and features the voodoo and culture of that area; 2) Jack Boniface is the Shadowman and undergoes a transformation into a being who can pass between civilization and a limbo realm; 3) the Shadowman ability is tied to the bloodline and passed down from generation to generation; and 4) Shadowman is one part of a bigger organization to protect Earth from otherworldly threats, and he has associates to assist him.
I haven’t been following the different volumes of SHADOWMAN since the second coming of Valiant this decade. I’ve dipped my toe in the water and sampled some issues here and there, but it just didn’t connect with me in the way that so many other Valiant books have. I was a big fan of the original 1992 Shadowman series, which was a huge best-selling book that competed with Marvel and DC for record single-issue sales numbers. Somehow, the fever left me and never returned. I couldn’t even get worked up over the Garth Ennis version when Acclaim took over the books for a short-lived run before Acclaim’s bankruptcy closed the door on these characters for a time.
So far, writer Andy Diggle doesn’t appear to be changing too much and that’s a good thing. He does a commendable job in Issue #1 of re-introducing the characters, developing the conflict, and filling in the background for new readers and updating the regulars. It will be interesting to see what he does when he can stretch out more in succeeding issues. I’m in for the first story arc for sure.
The art throughout is visually stimulating, and the choice of Arreloa on colors is a great compliment to Segovia’s style. Fight scenes are fluid and jump across the panels.
I especially like the way the creative team begins the book, by creating an expectation and then surprising me. In the opening pages, a figure (with back to the viewer) gears up for battle: gris-gris (talisman of protection) worn like a tight necklace, gun loaded with special bullets, hoodie with mystical symbols - - all leading the reader to believe this is Jack Boniface/Shadowman in preparation.
Mambo priestess Alyssa Myles is concerned about cursed water in the bayou and hires a guide to take her to the swampy source. When she encounters a monstrous threat, she tries to summon a guide from the “cross roads” to show her the way out. This ends up pulling Jack Boniface through that realm into hers, and Shadowman re-emerges.
Turns out they have an association, and perhaps a former affair. Husband and wife? I’m not sure because I’m not up to date on the characters. Jack’s been gone five years while necromancer Darque has manipulated Shadowman for his own purposes, entrapping him in the Deadside for all that time. Now that Jack is back, he’s not sure he can control the Shadowman power. What he is more sure about is a desire to not have children, thereby ending the Shadowman lineage.
Alyssa, who’s been trained to assist and has “veve” abilities (acts like a beacon for Loa) seeks to summon the Loa (spirit that mediates between humans and the higher power, a mini-god of sorts). Turns out Jack is no longer popular, mayhem ensues, and the worst side of Jack/Shadowman is brought to the surface as the issue ends.
RATING SYSTEM
STORY: A lot of ground to cover, but it does get done. Looking foward to future issues where Diggle can concentrate on the main story. 2 POINTS.
ART: The anatomy of the human body is not exxagerated, and I appreciate that. 2.25 POINTS.
COVER: The single image of the mask doesn’t create enough curiosity for my money. I didn’t even feature those covers in this review. 1 POINT.
READ AGAIN? You will need to observe the background info in order to appreciate what comes next. 1 POINT.
RECOMMEND? I like it so far, but not sure I’ve seen anything to bring me back for more . . . yet. Willing to give it time. One-Half POINT.
TOTAL RATING: 6.75 POINTS. Trending towards above average, not there yet.
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