Welcome back to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH Podcast. WOW! How great has this book been? If you’re not reading Shadowman By Cullen Bunn & Jon Davis-Hunt, you don’t know what you’re missing! Valiant Comics has a monster hit on their hands with this book. The return of Jack Boniface has been solid for the first 3 issues. Issue #4 drops July 28th.
Let’s see how the latest (& last one till January) fairs, shall we?
SHADOWMAN #4
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art by JON DAVIS-HUNT
Colors by JORDIE BELLAIRE
Letters by CLAYTON COWLES
Cover A by JON DAVIS-HUNT
Cover B by MICHAEL WALSH
Cover C (Horror Movie Homage) by JUAN GIMENEZ
Pre-order Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
On sale JULY 28th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment
***POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING***
After opening with the best recap page in comics (Seriously, Baron Samedi welcoming the readers back is always a treat), we catch up with Jack Boniface aka Shadowman on the streets of London. He’s on the search for a Blight, a portal allowing creatures from the Deadside into our world. This issue has one of those creatures who made a frightening introduction a few pages prior: A monster that causes drug-enduced overdoses whomever it is around (even without direct contact). It’s one of the more creepier debuts you’ll read & fully sets the tone for this issue.
How does Jack survive this? You’ll have to read & see for yourself. Readers will also get a big answer to who is a mysterious figure who’s been lurking around our hero. It’s a big moment that gives Jack an idea about what to do next. It’s a solid cliffhanger to close out the first arc.
Credit: JON DAVIS-HUNT & JORDIE BELLAIRE (Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment)
Bunn continues to balance the line between superheroes & supernatural with flawless ease. From the horrific introduction of this issue’s creature to showing our hero’s fight to stop it, this issue really takes readers on a journey. The big reveal will hit strong for readers & Bunn sets it up perfectly. It’s gonna be a long wait till January to see where Bunn takes Jack on his adventures from here.
I can’t say enough good things about the art in this book. Davis-Hunt really brought it for the closing issue. Look no further than the pages when Shadowman is absorbing the creatures first attack when you pick up the book! Davis-Hunt does a great job in crafting a horrific antagonist & capturing its’ powers. It stands out from the opening intro. Great action sequences balance out the dark world created here. It’s always a perfect compliment to the writing on the book.
Credit: JON DAVIS-HUNT & JORDIE BELLAIRE (Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment)
Overall, the first arc of Shadowman has been a win from the opening page. It’s a fresh take on the supernatural hero longtime Valiant readers have known. It’s also a great book for readers that want something different at the LCS than your typical superhero saga. Cullen Bunn has created this dark, horrific corner of the Valiant Universe that hooks you from the start. Jon Davis-Hunt & Jordan Bellaire bring this world to life with a unique vibe all it’s own. Issue 4 puts an exclamation point on this arc without question.
If you’re jumping in late, head to the LCS now & catch up on Shadowman before #5 drops in January.
Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you think of Shadowman #4. Till next time, Thanks for reading