Writer: Cullen Bunn
Art: Jon Davis-Hunt
Publisher: Valiant Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 26, 2021
Reviewed by: Glimmer
STORY
Shadowman #2 written by Cullen Bunn with art by Jon Davis-Hunt is the second installment in the new Valiant Entertainment Shadowman series. The issue begins with Baron Samedi breaking the fourth wall and giving the readers a quick synopsis of the first issue. We then get a short introduction storyline that goes in a direction I wasn’t expecting! Samedi & Shadowman are the focus of the rest of the issue, as they are seen roaming through Enoch, Arizona discussing “blights” (tears in the fabric of time and space) that are appearing all over the world. These “blights” allow the “Deadside” spirits to enter the “mortal” world. Of course, Jack Boniface (Shadowman) soon finds himself battling some of these Deadside spirits.
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OVERALL THOUGHTS
I’m loving this book. I know it’s only been two issues, but Shadowman #2 has the series running on all cylinders. Cullen Bunn is delivering a horror/hero comic that is top-notch in this reviewer’s opinion. I’ve read many comics written by Bunn over the years and this is one of his best! The opening page synopsis which was given by Baron Samedi was clever, horrific, and fun all at the same time. The issue’s opening storyline surprised me. I thought I knew what was going to happen and I was wrong. If a writer can get me to guess wrong – I’m impressed.
ART
The art by Jon Davis-Hunt is another strength of this issue. It’s a perfect complement to the hero/horror feel of the storyline. I was especially impressed with the artwork which portrayed the “spirits” from the Deadside. The faded look of the characters with the green coloring was outstanding. My compliments to the colorist – Jordie Bellaire. The covers are also very well done, but I must give a shout-out to Francesco Francavilla for his “horror” variant cover -it’s fantastic!
FINAL THOUGHTS
In my opinion, Shadowman is thus far the best series Valiant has published in a long time. Shadowman #2 is a great follow-up issue to a successful first issue. If you haven’t been reading Shadowman but are thinking about trying it out, I would highly recommend you do! Even if you can’t get your hands on issue #1, Shadowman #2 gives new readers plenty of backstory to jump aboard. It’s well worth the price of admission.