Shadowman: End Times #1
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Valentine De Landro
Letters by Dave Lanphear
Covers by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jeff Dekal, David Mack
Valiant Entertainment
Release Date: April 30, 2014
Cover Price: $3.99
It’s time to shake things up a bit in the dark and scary world of Shadowman. Not just another story arc, Shadowman: End Times #1 is the first in a three-part mini-series that is bringing some big changes for Jack Boniface. And as to whether or not he survives this, only time will tell.
This issue opens with our hero, Jack, wrestling with his own personal demons. We’ve heard that expression many times before, right? Well, in Jack’s case it’s literally accurate. You see, he’s the host for a semi-demonic spirit called a loa. This entity grants him great powers, but at the same time exacts a horrible price, tainting his soul and trying to overpower his psyche. And since this is a hereditary power, he’s all too aware of how the end usually comes.
This issue is more introspective than adventurous, as we get a lot of history about both Jack, the current Shadowman, and his father Josiah, who was known to have complete control over the loa and used it to do his bidding. As Jack fights for control, his girlfriend (and witch) Alyssa seeks help from others nearby. But the turning point is after they meet back up, because the information Jack gleans from a spell is far more dangerous than anything he has dealt with before.
If you haven’t read this horror/superhero comic book, then you do yourself a true disservice. The ever-awesome Peter Milligan has some plans for our boy Jack and I don’t believe it will end happily ever after, judging from this first issue. The suspense that Milligan brings to the series is almost tangible. You can almost feel the same emotions, the fear, the anxiety. They are as much a part of this series as the words and artwork on the pages. I think we are in for a real treat with this apocalyptic arc.
With all the pieces quickly falling into place, this will be one hell of a ride. I have enjoyed the series since the beginning, but even more so since it was rebooted in 2012. And I especially like the fact that this is a perfect jumping-on spot for new readers, since sometimes picking up a new series can be daunting. Pivotal points like this one make it far less so. Pick this book up, you won’t regret it. And, if possible, grab the last series (I think there are sixteen issues), they are also great reading!
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