This is one of those series that seems to be flying under the radar of most comics readers that I’ve been talking too, lately. Admittedly the first issue of the series was only worth picking up because it was a dollar; if it was a full priced comic then it would have been easy to pass on. But as the series has progressed, Cullen Bunn has settled into a rhythm writing the pulp vigilante, and the quality has steadily increased.

When I first started this review, I was thinking that this issue didn’t quite measure up to the previous one, but I couldn’t think why, so I read the comic again and promptly decided that my first conclusion about The Shadow Vol. 2 #4 wasn’t what I was thinking when I finished the comic the second time.

Especially when I took a look at the work of artist Giovanni Timpano who has some wonderful page construction here with the individual panels blending into the page’s artwork in some truly creative ways; and when you add Mario Lesko‘s colouring work into the mix to give some really solid art. I really enjoyed the way the sepia tones were used for the flashback sequences, which juxtaposed very well with the vibrant colours in the present day which, in the comic, is still at least 70 years ago so we get to see some primitive(ish) technology in action.

The story thus far has been focused on the Shadow attempting to preserve the dying secret of the legendary Harry Houdini. A secret that he has, apparently, passed on from beyond the grave. A secret that nobody except the Shadow knows. The past few issues have dealt with various factions of those hunting the secret, giving each issue a unique sense while still flowing very well into the over all story.

I’ve been a fan of many of the older pulp era heroes from the early 30’s for some time, and I’ve loved Dynamite‘s comics over the past few years featuring those characters, and The Shadow Vol. 2 has been a favourite of mine on the weeks it is released.  Yes, the series didn’t start out as strongly as I’d have liked, but a lot of that was down to issue #1 being the second issue in the series (issue #0 being released several months before), and needing to fill readers in on previous events. Since the initial stumble the series has gone from strength to strength, and if you’re not reading the series now, I’d keep an eye out for the trade.

Story: Cullen Bunn Art: Giovanni Timpano
Story: 8.5 Art: 9 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.

The Shadow is one of those characters that have been around a long time, longer than most other characters appearing in comics these days, although the character first appeared in the pulp magazines of the early 30’s even providing Bill Finger with a bit of inspiration when he wrote the first Batman story. Unlike Batman, however, The Shadow never returned to the same levels of popularity as he did during his early years.

But he’s just as compelling a character, and this series is a great place to find that out.

The prolific Cullen Bunn has delivered another blinder of an issue here, one that I really enjoyed. As you may or may not be aware I’m a little partial to the older pulp heroes, none more so than the Shadow (except maybe the Phantom), and luckily for me The Shadow Vol. 2 #3 lived up to my expectations.

With The Shadow Vol. 2, Cullen Bunn has been exploring the fascination with life after death, and the possibility of transferring knowledge from the afterlife. The story thus far has been focused on the Shadow tracking down a cabal of magicians desperate to find out what secret the legendary Harry Houdini passed on from beyond the grave. A secret that nobody except the Shadow knows.

Unlike the slower paced second issue, the third installment of the series opens with a bang. There is a stunningly rendered action sequence by series artist Giovanni Timpano that shows off the skills of our hero, both physical and mental, and the work of Mario Lesko really enlivens the scene. There’s a lot for me to love this issue, and the pacing of issue 3 juxtaposes wonderfully against the slower, more story focused second issue. It’s a nice balance that prevents the arc from dragging out. That’s not to say that there is nothing but action here, that’d be wrong, but the comic feels to move faster.

Dynamite‘s current series may not propel him back into the public eye (at least not over night), but it is a series that you should be reading if you’re at curious about the character. This series has been improving with each release, and although I’d suggest you start with the first issue, even picking up issue 2 would give you a fair idea of what’s happening here. The Shadow Vol. 2 just keep getting better and better.

Story: Cullen Bunn  Art: Giovanni Timpano
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!

The Shadow is a character with a long history that dates back to 1930 when he debuted as a radio program narrator, before finally appearing in print in 1931. Although he has appeared in several comic book series since then, this is the second volume published by Dynamite Entertainment, and contrary to what you may think by the issue numbering, it isn’t the first issue in the series; the story is a continuation of the one told in issue #0 released July 2014.

Obviously, being a first issue this continuation could have been a bit confusing, but Cullen Bunn weaves everything we need to know from issue #0 into a flashback sequence that reminds me of a movie villains confession when the hero is incapacitated. Along with the brief recap paragraph in the opening page, the flashback allows new readers and those who may not remember last years issue #0 to catch up.

The Shadow Vol 2 #1 follows a ruthless cabal of magicians that are searching for the secret to the Last Illusion, and they’ll stop at nothing to achieve their ultimate goal. But the person who knew the most about the mysterious rite is dead, and he shared his secret with one man. Now, the Shadow faces some of his strangest foes as he engages in a deadly game where he might be the hunter, or the hunted. If that synopsis, taken largely from Dynamite‘s website, does sound interesting to you then add this to your pull list. The Shadow Vol 2 #1  is a solid comic book, and although Cullen Bunn gives us a great opening chapter, Giovanni Timpano‘s art work is the real standout in this issue.

Despite the Shadow‘s reputation as a grim vigilante, there is a somewhat comedic action sequence when we first see the eponymous hero; more because of who the Shadow is facing, and the way in which Giovanni Timpano captures the sequence. The hook nosed vigilante is rendered wonderfully here, as well; the intensity of his gaze was almost unsettling to me, and so I found myself almost empathizing with some of the other characters in this issue.

More of a crime noir story that just happens to feature a masked vigilante than an outright superhero story, The Shadow Vol 2 #1 is a good comic book. It’s not quite a great one (although the potential for the story to cross that line is certainly here), but if you’re at all intrigued by the character then it is worth checking out. However, with this comic being priced at a dollar as an introductory offer, then the recommendation below bumps up from Read to Buy. For a dollar you really can’t go wrong with this comic book.

Story: Cullen Bunn Artist: Giovanni Timpano
Story: 7.25 Art 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.