It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d you all get? What’d you all enjoy? What’d you dislike? Sound off in the comments below!
Around the Tubes
Newsarama – Netflix’s The Punisher Pulled From NYCC Following Las Vegas Tragedy – Got to give them credit for this.
Around the Tubes Reviews
The Capeless Crusader – Batman: White Knight #1
Herts Advertiser – Deadpool Vs The Punisher
Herts Advertiser – Guardians of the Galaxy: Mother Entropy
Comic Attack – Shadowman/Rae Sremmurd #1
The comics crossover event of 2017! Valiant’s superhero icon meets Rae Sremmurd, the multiplatinum hip-hop superstars behind the #1 hit “Black Beatles,” for an unforgettable showdown at the crossroads of life and death!
Before they were dominating the music charts and selling out stages worldwide, Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee were just a pair of talented, but otherwise ordinary, brothers…until a twist of fate delivered them fame and wealth beyond their wildest imagination. Now, years later as hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, the brothers are bound for New Orleans…and an otherworldly encounter with the supernatural guardian called Shadowman, the lone line of the defense between our world and the Deadside that lies beyond…
In the interest of fairness, I wanted to let you know that I’m not a hip hop fan. In fact hip hop is one of the last genres of music I would ever willingly listen to, coming out ahead of dance music (and all its incessant variations). No, give me a metal band any day of the week (or a Disney soundtrack – don’t judge me). I tell you this so you’ll understand that when I opened this comic I did so without any frame of reference for who Rae Sremmurd actually are – indeed, up until I read the above preview text above I had no idea this was a crossover, I had assumed that Rae Sremmurd were Valiant characters, and this was just a one shot story.
Anyway.
The comic, written by Eliot Rahal with some wonderfully painted artwork courtesy of Renato Guedes, is more than enjoyable if you, like me, are utterly oblivious to who Rae Sremmurd are. I’d imagine that it’d be more so if you’re a fan of both Valiant and the hip hop duo.
The basis for the story is an age-old music story fable, and is set out within the first few pages; that of selling your soul for rock ‘n’ roll (or musical greatness, but rock ‘n’ roll sounds better). Although you can probably tell where the story heads with this being a Shadowman comic, the visual journey is utterly fantastic to witness – the double page spread above is one of the many great looking pieces of art that make up this otherwise predictable comic.
Unfortunately, as great as the artwork is in this comic, the story doesn’t quite measure up to the visuals. However I think that’s more of a result of the constraints of the nature of a oneshot crossover story than any shortcomings on Rahal’s behalf as he gives each character a distinct voice within the comic – including the surprising and unexpected guest star that will leave non Valiant fans befuddled. For all that, the comic is still very enjoyable; although I assume fans of Rae Sremmurd will enjoy the issue, those who follow both the musical duo and Valiant – specifically Shadowman – will get the most from this issue.
Although Shadowman Rae Sremmurd #1 is a fun diversion it doesn’t add a whole lot to Shadowman’s story post Rapture, so whether this is a must buy is up to you – but the art more than justifies you reading this book.
Story: Eliot Rahal Art: Renato Guedes
Story: 7.0 Art: 10 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read
Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Batman: White Knight # 1 (DC Comics) – I have been beyond excited for this book for quite a while now. While it must be hard to break new ground for characters that have been around for 75 + years, I have faith that Sean Gordon Murphy is going to do it. Having been able to have a chat with the man himself this past summer I got a good sense of what he wants to do with his Batman and Gotham. I must say it is an intriguing premise one that plays off of the concept of redemption and accountability. Plus returning Joker to his Jack Napier alter ego is something I have wanted to see for a long time. This should rock in so many ways!
Batman: The Dawnbreaker # 1 (DC Comics) – The one shots for this Metal crossover have all rocked so far, and I have no reason to believe that this one won’t live up to the example set thus far. The thought of putting the most powerful weapon in the universe on the finger of a very young and angry Bruce Wayne has me on the the edge of the multiverse on the possibilities. Will there be a chance for brighter days or will it indeed be Batman’s darkest night?
Joe
Top Pick: Batman: White Knight #1 (DC Comics) – I am excited for this book, and not just because I am a sucker for Batman, but also to see the entire story flipped on its head. It doesn’t hurt that Sean Murphy is drawing and writing this.
Old Man Logan #29 (Marvel) – I have been completely shocked by how good this book has stayed since Lemire ended it perfectly. It is a blast. He’s fighting an army of hulks. I mean, that’s both ridiculous and amazing.
Iron Fist #73 (Marvel) – Sabretooth comes home as this book comes under the new legacy numbering. I am excited to see if Brisson can keep the action going, and keep delivering me a fun Danny Rand, since Netflix hasn’t.
Paper Girls #16 (Image) – Saga isn’t the only incredible story Vaughn delivers from Image. Paper Girls is such a fun and wacky ride that is full of the 80s, sci-fi, and friendship. Oh and it also features badass girls who (used to) deliver papers.
Outcast Vol. 5 TP (Image) – One of Robert Kirkman’s other projects, that also has its own show. It’s about demons, exorcisms, and small town America. It’s crazy, and creepy, and I have enjoyed every bit of it so far.
Alex
Top Pick: Batman: White Knight #1 (DC Comics) – Imagine if the Joker used his brilliance to fight for Gotham rather than against it? I really can’t express just how cool of an idea this is (and the comic itself is also very good), and getting to see the Joker use his mind to come at Batman in a new way is utterly fascinating.
Shadowman/Rae Sremmurd #1 (Valiant) – Shadowman is a Valiant character that I don’t know enough about (shocking, right?) so any chance I can get to read about him I’ll take. Plus the art is awesome!
Brett
Top Pick: Motor Girl #9 (Abstract Studios) – This series will always be my pick of the week. Cute, touching, funny, entertaining, it’s the complete package when it comes to comics and the one comic I look forward to every single month.
Catalyst Prime: Astonisher #1 (Lion Forge Comics) – The latest series to debut as part of the Catalyst Prime is focused on a rich tech white dude with psionic-ish powers. An interesting first issue that’s another solid addition to this line of comics.
Eugenic #1 (BOOM! Studios) – This one should get people talking.
Spirits of Vengeance #1 (Marvel) – Marvel’s Legacy initiative is really kicking off this week and this series bringing together some of Marvel’s more horror elements should be an interesting one. Characters that have a mixed history of their own solo series are together for this new team book.
Slots #1 (Image Comics) – This series is one that was on my radar just due to the fact it’s a new one from Image Comics. After this week’s tragedy in Las Vegas, I’m reading it with a different perspective and it’ll be interesting to see how it resonates now.
SHADOWMAN/RAE SREMMURD #1
Written by ELIOT RAHAL
Art by RENATO GUEDES
Cover A by RENATO GUEDES (AUG172115)
Cover B (Interlocking) by LEIF JONES (AUG172116)
Cover C (Interlocking) by LEIF JONES (AUG172117)
Variant Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP (AUG172118)
Variant Cover by MICO SUAYAN (AUG172119)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale OCTOBER 4th (FOC – 9/11/2017)
The comics crossover event of 2017! Valiant’s superhero icon meets Rae Sremmurd, the multiplatinum hip-hop superstars behind the #1 hit “Black Beatles,” for an unforgettable showdown at the crossroads of life and death!
Before they were dominating the music charts and selling out stages worldwide, Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee were just a pair of talented, but otherwise ordinary, brothers…until a twist of fate delivered them fame and wealth beyond their wildest imagination. Now, years later as hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, the brothers are bound for New Orleans…and an otherworldly encounter with the supernatural guardian called Shadowman, the lone line of the defense between our world and the Deadside that lies beyond…
The Valiant Universe collides with two of the most influential artists in hip-hop today as Shadowman and Rae Sremmurd come face to face to forge a new legend of fame, fortune, and magic – as told by rising star Eliot Rahal (BLOODSHOT’S DAY OFF) and renowned artist Renato Guedes (Wolverine)!
Valiant has released a first look at the dazzling, fully painted artwork for Shadowman/Rae Sremmurd #1 – the MUST-READ comics crossover Of 2017, colliding the multi-platinum hip-hop superstars behind the worldwide hit “Black Beatles” with New Orleans’ mysterious voodoo-powered guardian, Shadowman!
In comic shops everywhere on October 4th – just in time for Halloween – join rising star Eliot Rahal and sensational artist Renato Guedes as they chart Rae Sremmurd’s path from obscurity in Tupelo, Mississippi towards fame and fortune in the Big Easy…and through an inescapable confrontation at the crossroads of life and death alongside one of Valiant’s most indelible superhero icons!
Before they were dominating the music charts and selling out stages worldwide, Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee were just a pair of talented, but otherwise ordinary, brothers…until a twist of fate delivered them fame and wealth beyond their wildest imagination. Now, years later as hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, the brothers are bound for New Orleans…and an otherworldly encounter with the supernatural guardian called Shadowman, the lone line of the defense between our world and the Deadside that lies beyond…
Valiant has announced Shadowman/Rae Sremmurd #1 – a standalone comics crossover event bringing the multi-platinum hip-hop superstars behind the #1 hit “Black Beatles” into the Valiant Universe for an unforgettable showdown at the crossroads of life and death!
Written by rising star Eliot Rahal with fully painted artwork by renowned artist Renato Guedes, Valiant’s supernatural superhero icon collides with two of the most influential artists in hip-hop today as Shadowman and Rae Sremmurd come face-to-face to forge a new legend of fame, fortune, and magic…
Before they were dominating the music charts and selling out stages worldwide, Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee were just a pair of talented, but otherwise ordinary, brothers…until a twist of fate delivered them fame and wealth beyond their wildest imaginations. Now, years later as hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, the brothers are bound for New Orleans…and an otherworldly encounter with the supernatural guardian called Shadowman, the lone line of defense between our world and the Deadside that lies beyond…
In the wake of his appearance in Shadowman/Rae Sremmurd #1, Shadowman will return to the Valiant Universe on an ongoing basis with a new monthly series that is set to debut on March 28th, 2018.
