Title: Shadowman (2018) #2
Publisher: Valiant
Words: Andy Diggle
Art: Stephen Segovia
Colors: Ulises Arreola
Letters: Simon Bowland
Publication Date: April 25 2018
Publisher’s Summary: “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… “FEAR OF THE DARK” stalks forward as superstar writer Andy Diggle (Green Arrow: Year One) and incendiary artist Stephen Segovia (NINJAK) bring a hard-hitting reckoning of magic and might to Valiant’s must-read new series launch of 2018!”
Review:
As Jack and Alyssa are released from the loa that try to control them, they begin to realize that there is more going on in New Orleans than they first thought. As they get closer to uncovering Baron Samedi’s conspiracy, the corruption is revealed to be more widespread, he is becoming more ambitious and things are quickly getting much worse. Meanwhile, another enemy is gaining power through the use of cruel machinery and absolute ruthlessness.
Andy Diggle brings a real sense of humanity and anguish to the characters of Jack and Alyssa. Despite his supernatural struggles, and her magic, they are simply a man and a woman trying to do the right thing for a defenseless community. Diggle can also release real horror in his portrayal of the hidden conspiracies and the surreptitious villains. The mood is dark, and just when there might be hope there is a sharp and potent reversal instead.
Stephen Segovia also never lets the audience forget that Shadowman is a story about people. In the faces of Jack and Alyssa we are shown tangible emotion. His manifestations of the undead are marvelously decomposed.
The Bottom Line:
Shadowman may be overmatched in his battle against evil spirits and their minions, at least for now. The story is just starting to warm up, and promises some chills and suspense.
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