“Baron Samedi calls!

Jack Boniface has only just returned home to New Orleans…but the Deadside won’t let him stay gone! From across the veil of life and death, the malignant presence of Baron Samedi – a ravenous voodoo deity bent on consolidating power at all costs – now seeks to infiltrate the mortal plane and claim the legacy of Shadowman for himself! But even as Jack and Alyssa marshal a defense to Samedi’s inhuman agenda, a monstrous new force – driven by killer instinct and a rabid hatred of the Shadowman – is about to turn the Big Easy’s back alleys into a hunting ground…”

Of all the Valiant characters I’ve read about over the last three years I’ve been obsessed with a fan of the publisher, Shadowman is one of the ones with which I am not as familiar with. That hasn’t been a concern with this series, however, as despite the storied history of the character, Andy Diggle crafts a tale that can be read by newcomer and long time fan alike.

As a newly returned Jack Boniface struggles to adjust to life in the living world after spending months, if not years, in the Deadside, the responsibilities of the Shadowman continue to pull. Shadowman #2 opens the conflict between Shadowman and the antagonist in an organic way that doesn’t feel forced or contrived. In doing this, Diggle gives Stephen Segovia the ability to sink his teeth into some brilliant action scenes whilst also crafting an incredible visual journey with each page.

At the end of the day, Shadowman #2 is a really solid comic, but unfortunately I really don’t have much to say about it other than you should read it if you’ve even half an interest in the character or publisher. You don’t need to know everything about Shadowman to enjoy this comic, though I’m sure it helps, because Diggle, Segovia and colourist Ulises Arreola have delivered a comic that is a wonderful addition to any pull list.

You can’t go wrong reading Shadowman.

Story: Andy Diggle Artist: Stephen Segovia Colourist: Ulises Arreola
Story: 8.4 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review