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Shadowman (2018) #1
Shadowman, Vol. 1: Fear of the Dark
DON’T FEAR YOUR DEMONS… FIGHT THEM!
Orphaned as a child and raised on the margins of society, Jack Boniface never knew his place in the world. Until he discovered it waiting for him… in a darkness far older than the reign of men…
Unbeknownst to him, Jack was fated to become the next in a long lineage of Shadowmen – mortals bound to violent voodoo spirits of immense power – that could safeguard our world against incursions from realms beyond.
For years, he struggled to control the loa’s murderous urges – a battle he eventually lost.
But now, after years of self-imposed exile, the man once known as Shadowman is returning home to sharpen the weapon within…and unleash a reckoning on the evils of our world that will soon send shockwaves through heaven and hell alike…
Shadowman storms to the forefront of the Valiant Universe – more powerful, more terrifying, and more relentless than ever before – in an adrenaline-fueled ongoing series from superstar writer Andy Diggle (Green Arrow: Year One, The Losers) and high-octane artist Stephen Segovia (Action Comics)!
Collecting SHADOWMAN (2018) #1–3.
Orphaned as a child and raised on the margins of society, Jack Boniface never knew his place in the world. Until he discovered it waiting for him… in a darkness far older than the reign of men…
Unbeknownst to him, Jack was fated to become the next in a long lineage of Shadowmen – mortals bound to violent voodoo spirits of immense power – that could safeguard our world against incursions from realms beyond.
For years, he struggled to control the loa’s murderous urges – a battle he eventually lost.
But now, after years of self-imposed exile, the man once known as Shadowman is returning home to sharpen the weapon within…and unleash a reckoning on the evils of our world that will soon send shockwaves through heaven and hell alike…
Shadowman storms to the forefront of the Valiant Universe – more powerful, more terrifying, and more relentless than ever before – in an adrenaline-fueled ongoing series from superstar writer Andy Diggle (Green Arrow: Year One, The Losers) and high-octane artist Stephen Segovia (Action Comics)!
Collecting SHADOWMAN (2018) #1–3.
120 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2018
About the author
Andy Diggle
547 books176 followersAndy Diggle is a British comic book writer and former editor of 2000 AD. He is best known for his work on The Losers,Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Adam Strange and Silent Dragon at DC Comics and for his run on Thunderbolts and Daredevil after his move to Marvel.
In 2013 Diggle left writing DC's Action Comics and began working with Dynamite Entertainment, writing a paranormal crime series Uncanny. He is also working on another crime series with his wife titled Control that is set to begin publishing in 2014.
In 2013 Diggle left writing DC's Action Comics and began working with Dynamite Entertainment, writing a paranormal crime series Uncanny. He is also working on another crime series with his wife titled Control that is set to begin publishing in 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 16, 2021
I'm not sure if this was poorly done, or if I'm just missing too much information.
The gist is that Jack's old lover, Alyssa, accidentally pulls him out of the Deadside while performing a ritual to help the people in her community. They reunite (ish) and team up to fight Baron Samedi, who has some nefarious plans in place.
The plot doesn't make a lot of sense and the characters are all over the place.
I never finished out Justin Jordan's run that started with Shadowman, Volume 1: Birth Rites, and I'm guessing that's where this story is picking up from. However, even if I should have read that first, Diggle simply didn't do a good job setting this up for a newbie to this character to be able to understand.
I really like the Valiant universe and I especially like the Deadside, but I'm not sure that I want to keep reading this one.
It feels a bit soulless. <--couldn't help myself.
The art is nice though.
The gist is that Jack's old lover, Alyssa, accidentally pulls him out of the Deadside while performing a ritual to help the people in her community. They reunite (ish) and team up to fight Baron Samedi, who has some nefarious plans in place.
The plot doesn't make a lot of sense and the characters are all over the place.
I never finished out Justin Jordan's run that started with Shadowman, Volume 1: Birth Rites, and I'm guessing that's where this story is picking up from. However, even if I should have read that first, Diggle simply didn't do a good job setting this up for a newbie to this character to be able to understand.
I really like the Valiant universe and I especially like the Deadside, but I'm not sure that I want to keep reading this one.
It feels a bit soulless. <--couldn't help myself.
The art is nice though.
February 27, 2021
Typically, I shout Valiant's praises to anyone who'll listen but I didn't find this very interesting. The 90's Shadowman series was one of my favorite Valiant books. Nothing much seems to happen here. Jack Boniface's character is paper thin. He has no direction or drive. He just goes around punching stuff. There doesn't seem to be much of a larger story either. Baron Samedi has potential if he's more developed and was visually the coolest looking character. There was some inconsistencies in the writing too. Early on, they find out that someone is altering the water to brainwash people, but then it's stated that Baron Samedi's power is based on worship. If his power is based on worship, could he really gain power from these people who have no free will?
Received a review copy from Valiant and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Valiant and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
May 20, 2018
As a fan of supernatural horror and voodoo mythos, I was glad to see this title on NetGalley. Some of you probably remember Jack Boniface - Shadowman. He's been on hiatus since 2014 and now he returns to the front lines of the Valiant Universe to protect the world of the living from the supernatural forces that seek to do it harm.
The writing team is superb - Andy Diggle is an excellent writer who worked with franchises like James Bond or Daredevil in the past. I had high hopes for the renewal of the series. I'm happy to say that newest incarnation of the Shadowman is excellent.
Jack used to be an ordinary guy who found himself bound to a powerful voodoo entity. He was dragged into a world of unimaginable weirdness and finished as an automaton serving the needs of a malevolent force. In the new arc of the story, he's brought back to the land of living by Alyssa. During Jack's absence, New Orleans became strongly influenced by the voodoo deity Baron Samedi. Baron Samedi is portrayed as a mercurial trickster, and it suits him well. It makes him terrifying. Stakes are raised high and the storyline is brilliant and strong. jack and Alyssa make one hell of a team - his super abilities and her magic compliment each other. Together, they're able to stand up to supernatural beings. There's a scene where they devastate a horde of zombies - it's almost cinematic.
A big part of the book’s appeal for me is the world of voodoo, It seems Diggle wants to dig into this misrepresented religion in a way that hasn’t been explored in the previous Shadowman books. Voodoo is transactional, give and take, born of necessity from people who were enslaved, oppressed, and forbidden to worship their own gods. Upon reading the book I feel that Diggle's done all the research needed and steers away from Hollywood / mainstream misrepresentation of this colorful and dark tradition.
The art is simply stunning - sharp lines and vibrant colors do the trick. Once you know the story by heart, you can still admire the panels. Yes, this book is a thing of dark beauty. Stephen Segovia and Ulises Arreloa are a dream team.
Shadowman vol. 1 roused my appetite for more supernatural drama. It's well written, exciting, and action-packed book with a mix of magic and horror. A must-read for fans of voodoo and graphic novels.
I can't wait to see where the stories go from, shocking ending of this volume.
I received the book from NetGalley
The writing team is superb - Andy Diggle is an excellent writer who worked with franchises like James Bond or Daredevil in the past. I had high hopes for the renewal of the series. I'm happy to say that newest incarnation of the Shadowman is excellent.
Jack used to be an ordinary guy who found himself bound to a powerful voodoo entity. He was dragged into a world of unimaginable weirdness and finished as an automaton serving the needs of a malevolent force. In the new arc of the story, he's brought back to the land of living by Alyssa. During Jack's absence, New Orleans became strongly influenced by the voodoo deity Baron Samedi. Baron Samedi is portrayed as a mercurial trickster, and it suits him well. It makes him terrifying. Stakes are raised high and the storyline is brilliant and strong. jack and Alyssa make one hell of a team - his super abilities and her magic compliment each other. Together, they're able to stand up to supernatural beings. There's a scene where they devastate a horde of zombies - it's almost cinematic.
A big part of the book’s appeal for me is the world of voodoo, It seems Diggle wants to dig into this misrepresented religion in a way that hasn’t been explored in the previous Shadowman books. Voodoo is transactional, give and take, born of necessity from people who were enslaved, oppressed, and forbidden to worship their own gods. Upon reading the book I feel that Diggle's done all the research needed and steers away from Hollywood / mainstream misrepresentation of this colorful and dark tradition.
The art is simply stunning - sharp lines and vibrant colors do the trick. Once you know the story by heart, you can still admire the panels. Yes, this book is a thing of dark beauty. Stephen Segovia and Ulises Arreloa are a dream team.
Shadowman vol. 1 roused my appetite for more supernatural drama. It's well written, exciting, and action-packed book with a mix of magic and horror. A must-read for fans of voodoo and graphic novels.
I can't wait to see where the stories go from, shocking ending of this volume.
I received the book from NetGalley
August 11, 2026
I liked most of this volume and think the story's good, is different than the usual. I really liked the art--again, it's different than the usual.
The story centers around two people who, for different reasons, feel ambivalent about acting on the problems at hand. At times, this story gets too violent for my tastes, but most of it isn't that bad.
Unfortunately, I looked at the next volume in this "series," and I don't like the way it looks; it starts off with a totally different art style--and it doesn't even pick up right after this one left off with a cliffhanger! It seems to be back in the past. As I've said here many times, I can't stand that kind of lacking-in-continuity stuff in a read, including in a comics read, maybe especially in a comics read. Also, I skimmed a good deal of that volume, and there's content with animals--no thanks.
I've downloaded another unrelated volume about Shadowman, which is supposed to be more of an origin story for him.
From this comic:
“You people can go through the door or the wall. Your choice.”
--Shadowman, a.k.a. Harry Callahan lolll
--
Initial review:
The first story in the free comic that I read and reviewed here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... is inside this longer Fear Of The Dark comic, which I just borrowed from comixology.
The story centers around two people who, for different reasons, feel ambivalent about acting on the problems at hand. At times, this story gets too violent for my tastes, but most of it isn't that bad.
Unfortunately, I looked at the next volume in this "series," and I don't like the way it looks; it starts off with a totally different art style--and it doesn't even pick up right after this one left off with a cliffhanger! It seems to be back in the past. As I've said here many times, I can't stand that kind of lacking-in-continuity stuff in a read, including in a comics read, maybe especially in a comics read. Also, I skimmed a good deal of that volume, and there's content with animals--no thanks.
I've downloaded another unrelated volume about Shadowman, which is supposed to be more of an origin story for him.
From this comic:
“You people can go through the door or the wall. Your choice.”
--Shadowman, a.k.a. Harry Callahan lolll
--
Initial review:
The first story in the free comic that I read and reviewed here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... is inside this longer Fear Of The Dark comic, which I just borrowed from comixology.
March 5, 2022
Who is the Shadowman? What does he do? After reading this I can honestly tell you that I still have no idea who he is. And as far as I could see, all he really did was think with his fists and throw a tantrum when he couldn’t have a fight. His one personality trait was anger and there was no other dimension to him (which was ironic given that he hopped dimensions more times than an Underground commuter hops tube lines). Alyssa would’ve made a better Shadowman—she certainly had the tenacity and the drive for it.
The problem with this comic was that it wasn’t friendly for new readers. This absolutely couldn’t be recommended as a jumping-on point because it spent the entirety of the vol referencing things that had previously happened and characters who had previously been shown without fully explaining any of it. So, for someone like me who has never read a Shadowman comic before, reading this wouldn’t be confusing—it was still understandable to a certain extent—you would just be hard pressed to find the relevance of it all.
The antagonist was a pantomime villain whose name was regurgitated about a hundred times over every page before he made his melodramatic debut a few pages from the end. His motivations where never explained and it made him seem like a cliché bad guy who was bad simply for bad’s sake. Whilst he did have a little spontaneity at the end it came across as too little, too late.
Still, there was no denying that the art was absolutely beautiful. The colouring was amazing and it almost had no place in such a subpar volume, but I wouldn’t be one to complain about good art when I see it!
The problem with this comic was that it wasn’t friendly for new readers. This absolutely couldn’t be recommended as a jumping-on point because it spent the entirety of the vol referencing things that had previously happened and characters who had previously been shown without fully explaining any of it. So, for someone like me who has never read a Shadowman comic before, reading this wouldn’t be confusing—it was still understandable to a certain extent—you would just be hard pressed to find the relevance of it all.
The antagonist was a pantomime villain whose name was regurgitated about a hundred times over every page before he made his melodramatic debut a few pages from the end. His motivations where never explained and it made him seem like a cliché bad guy who was bad simply for bad’s sake. Whilst he did have a little spontaneity at the end it came across as too little, too late.
Still, there was no denying that the art was absolutely beautiful. The colouring was amazing and it almost had no place in such a subpar volume, but I wouldn’t be one to complain about good art when I see it!
May 5, 2018
This was really good! I loved the originality of it, the voodoo culture in it and the action was great! Only disapointment, I got it on Netgalley as a review advance copy, and it look unfinish! Unfinish?!? Really, I know it's advance review but still, it supposed to be done. The issue 1 and 2 were alright but the third one had no color, no text and seem to lack a couple of pages, so I'm pretty sure it wasn't the real finish style the author and publisher wanted. If not, when the truly finished copy will be out, this is a very good new series that I would enjoy to follow.
January 12, 2019
3.5 stars
Definitely something I can get into. I need more.
Definitely something I can get into. I need more.
August 24, 2018
Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shadowman is back! It's been a long time since Shadowman had a solo series with Valiant. So I think I had some high expectations for this book because I've really enjoyed the character in the past. This was a chance to bring him back to the fore and have a little more magic in the Valiant universe. As much as I wanted to like this book, Diggle's writing didn't really work for me. I want to say it is a combination of the dialogue and the story itself that left me feeling a little blah on this volume.
Among the things I enjoyed are Stephen Segovia's art, the use of the Abettors, and at least one bad guy from Jack's past. Segovia's art is wonderful. It's different from some of the previous incarnations of Jack, but I felt like it added to his personality. The demons and such that he encounters are awful and terrific at the same time. The Abettors, for those that don't know, are a group connected with Shadowman and tried to help Jack as he emerged into his new role. Their appearance here feels like it adds more to the previous series by filling in some history and such. Baron Samedi is great. He works well as a tempter and, given the background of the character, he is a perfect villain.
While this isn't my favorite Shadowman book to date, I am excited to get more stories featuring the character and would definitely pick up the next volume.
Shadowman is back! It's been a long time since Shadowman had a solo series with Valiant. So I think I had some high expectations for this book because I've really enjoyed the character in the past. This was a chance to bring him back to the fore and have a little more magic in the Valiant universe. As much as I wanted to like this book, Diggle's writing didn't really work for me. I want to say it is a combination of the dialogue and the story itself that left me feeling a little blah on this volume.
Among the things I enjoyed are Stephen Segovia's art, the use of the Abettors, and at least one bad guy from Jack's past. Segovia's art is wonderful. It's different from some of the previous incarnations of Jack, but I felt like it added to his personality. The demons and such that he encounters are awful and terrific at the same time. The Abettors, for those that don't know, are a group connected with Shadowman and tried to help Jack as he emerged into his new role. Their appearance here feels like it adds more to the previous series by filling in some history and such. Baron Samedi is great. He works well as a tempter and, given the background of the character, he is a perfect villain.
While this isn't my favorite Shadowman book to date, I am excited to get more stories featuring the character and would definitely pick up the next volume.
December 17, 2018
Shadowman's had a lot of ups and downs since the Valiant relaunch, and is probably the most mishandled character on their stable. Now though, after some character rectification over in Rapture and Ninjak's solo series, Jack Boniface is back to kick some ass and take some names.
What I love, love, love about Valiant is that they don't do retcons - they don't forget about their continuity, even when it's possibly not the best foundation to build a story on. Here though, they shed the excess weight from the previous Shadowman volume and keep the good stuff, like Alyssa, while pushing the story forward. Jack's a bit of a vehicle for everything at the moment, kind of caught off-guard and not really able to get a foothold in his life, but that adds to the sense of urgency here, as well as connecting the reader to his plight - he can't stop and think, and neither can we, especially when that killer ending hits.
Stephen Segovia opens this volume of Shadowman, and he's an artist who has flourished at Valiant, becoming one of their top talents easily. His Shadowman looks perfect, and he doesn't shy away from the insanity of the Deadside either.
Shadowman's got a way to go to be back on top, but this is a damn good start.
What I love, love, love about Valiant is that they don't do retcons - they don't forget about their continuity, even when it's possibly not the best foundation to build a story on. Here though, they shed the excess weight from the previous Shadowman volume and keep the good stuff, like Alyssa, while pushing the story forward. Jack's a bit of a vehicle for everything at the moment, kind of caught off-guard and not really able to get a foothold in his life, but that adds to the sense of urgency here, as well as connecting the reader to his plight - he can't stop and think, and neither can we, especially when that killer ending hits.
Stephen Segovia opens this volume of Shadowman, and he's an artist who has flourished at Valiant, becoming one of their top talents easily. His Shadowman looks perfect, and he doesn't shy away from the insanity of the Deadside either.
Shadowman's got a way to go to be back on top, but this is a damn good start.
November 21, 2018
Set in New Orleans, we follow Alyssa and Jack as they essentially try to save NO from a darkness that has fallen over it. Alyssa is a mambo, a high voodoo priestess, and trained to help the Shadowman, a Loa (voodoo spirit) who is currently bound to Jack. They both are trying to keep Jack on this side of the realm, figure out how to control the Shadowman and understand the mysteries that surround the spirit, and try to keep other spirits from corrupting the people of NO.
The artwork is beautiful and has a dark, muted color tone that shows the darkness that has fallen on New Orleans. Some bright coloring is used during fight scenes or when interacting with other spirits.
The plot over is very interesting, but I had zero idea what was going on. This seems to be a reboot of a character, so with zero prior knowledge of characters/world and no knowledge of the voodoo practice, I was lost. I had to look up things to make more sense of words used, which helped.
Overall, decent comic if the subject interests you. Not happy that this volume only collects 3 issues.
The artwork is beautiful and has a dark, muted color tone that shows the darkness that has fallen on New Orleans. Some bright coloring is used during fight scenes or when interacting with other spirits.
The plot over is very interesting, but I had zero idea what was going on. This seems to be a reboot of a character, so with zero prior knowledge of characters/world and no knowledge of the voodoo practice, I was lost. I had to look up things to make more sense of words used, which helped.
Overall, decent comic if the subject interests you. Not happy that this volume only collects 3 issues.
May 29, 2021
I've always been a big fan Shadowman, and so far this series is good. This collection is only 3 issues so it feels like more of a set up rather than a main story. Shadowman has been trapped in Deadside for five years, and finally makes it back to the world of the living. But Baron Samedi is having none of that, and snatches Shadowman into Deadside again. Then he sends him back, but...and I'll stop there to avoid spoilers.
The art fits the story well and the story moves right along, there just needs to be more of it. Which we'll get in the next volume!
The art fits the story well and the story moves right along, there just needs to be more of it. Which we'll get in the next volume!
October 1, 2021
I swear, I haven’t read a mediocre Valiant book in what seems like ages! Every title is a banger, and Andy Diggle’s Shadowman is no exception.
Jack Boniface has resides in the deadside for 5 years. Now he’s back… but not for long. Chaos ensues, and Baron Samedi is an awesome and highly entertaining villain. This one gets extremely dark at one point, and I dig it. The run pulls no punches and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Also, Stephen Segovia’s art sings.
Jack Boniface has resides in the deadside for 5 years. Now he’s back… but not for long. Chaos ensues, and Baron Samedi is an awesome and highly entertaining villain. This one gets extremely dark at one point, and I dig it. The run pulls no punches and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Also, Stephen Segovia’s art sings.
August 16, 2019
For a little while I was hooked on all things Valiant. At the time of their rebirth, everything was fresh and exciting. Unfortunately, since then, their books have failed to capture my imagination like they did for that first years or so of publication.
Shadowman is a very cool character, and a unique superhero with roots in Voodoo. I enjoyed Justin Jordan's run with the character even though it was one of the weaker Valiant titles. In this reboot, Andy Diggle writes something totally fun, and competent. Just, at this point, competent isn't enough.
It's solid superhero comics, but without the clout of a Marvel or DC property. I'm not concerned with keeping up with the universe anymore, and solid superhero books are a dime a dozen. I wish Valiant went a different direction, focusing on teams and titles with higher artistic merit than trying to create a new brand to compete with the big two.
I really liked the art and felt like the dialogue was solid. Didn't really get a good feeling for either lead, although Jack is certainly different than he was in Diggle's run. I wish they explained what happened with Darque, The Magpie, etc. It's $10, so easy to recommend if you want something off the beaten path, but for my time and money, I think I'm waiting for Valiant to produce something more interesting.
Shadowman is a very cool character, and a unique superhero with roots in Voodoo. I enjoyed Justin Jordan's run with the character even though it was one of the weaker Valiant titles. In this reboot, Andy Diggle writes something totally fun, and competent. Just, at this point, competent isn't enough.
It's solid superhero comics, but without the clout of a Marvel or DC property. I'm not concerned with keeping up with the universe anymore, and solid superhero books are a dime a dozen. I wish Valiant went a different direction, focusing on teams and titles with higher artistic merit than trying to create a new brand to compete with the big two.
I really liked the art and felt like the dialogue was solid. Didn't really get a good feeling for either lead, although Jack is certainly different than he was in Diggle's run. I wish they explained what happened with Darque, The Magpie, etc. It's $10, so easy to recommend if you want something off the beaten path, but for my time and money, I think I'm waiting for Valiant to produce something more interesting.
February 27, 2021
*Thank you to Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for allowing me to have an ARC of the Deluxe Edition of the first 11 volumes!*
As someone who is originally from Louisiana, I appreciated the setting taking place in New Orleans. I wasn’t quite sure where the story was going at first but I read this so quick once I got the plot. I love the art style of the illustrations and can’t wait to read the next volume! Thanks again to the publishers for this ARC!
As someone who is originally from Louisiana, I appreciated the setting taking place in New Orleans. I wasn’t quite sure where the story was going at first but I read this so quick once I got the plot. I love the art style of the illustrations and can’t wait to read the next volume! Thanks again to the publishers for this ARC!
December 14, 2023
Gorgeous artwork. I could learn to love these characters if the story ever gave them five seconds to show some personality beyond being hard-headed and hurting. Jack gets barely any time to strut his stuff and Alyssa is far less likable than in the Darque Reckoning volume. My first Shadowman book was volume 2 of another run, so it made sense that I had to run to keep up. But if this is the start of a series, Diggle really blows at setting the scene for the audience.
February 26, 2021
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for supplying me this for an honest review!
Unfortunately I felt this graphic novel was rather rushed and the art wasn’t all appealing for a superhero series...
Unfortunately I felt this graphic novel was rather rushed and the art wasn’t all appealing for a superhero series...
March 16, 2023
Best.superhero.ever!
August 31, 2018
I've seen so many good graphic novels get put on Netgalley, but I hardly ever request them. The first ones I ever requested were The Damned Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 by Cullen Bunn. It was a weird experience, having to squint to read the text, and having to zoom in on the images so you could look at the illustrations in all of their glorious detail, but it was still enjoyable. So now, whenever I see a graphic novel that looks interesting, I request it.
Orphaned as a child and raised on the margins of society, Jack Boniface never knew his place in the world. Until he discovered it waiting for him… in a darkness far older than the reign of men…
Unbeknownst to him, Jack was fated to become the next in a long lineage of Shadowmen – mortals bound to violent voodoo spirits of immense power – that could safeguard our world against incursions from realms beyond. For years, he struggled to control the loa’s murderous urges – a battle he eventually lost. But now, after years of self-imposed exile, the man once known as Shadowman is returning home to sharpen the weapon within…and unleash a reckoning on the evils of our world that will soon send shockwaves through heaven and hell alike…
Collecting SHADOWMAN (2018) #1–3
I didn't know this before I requested Shadowman, but it was a 'thing' before? Like... it's already a story, it's already been a graphic novel/comic book series, and when I found this out, THIS particular graphic novel made a little bit more sense. I got the feeling - when reading it - that I was missing something. And now that I know that it's a storyline that has been done before, I got the feeling that I should have read a bit of background on Shadowman before starting this graphic novel.
The beginning of this graphic novel jumps straight into the action of there being other dimensions and there was very little backstory - hence my thoughts on how the reader should maybe be familiar with the story of Shadowman prior to reading this?
A big part of the graphic novel's appeal to me was the concept of the world of voodoo magic. I don't think that I have read a novel/graphic novel that deals with this type of magic, so it was interesting to explore this as a reader, and learn a little about voodoo. I googled the term 'voodoo magic' to see what came up, and I learnt that voodoo is a transactional type of magic. It's a give AND take kind that was born of necessity from people who were enslaved, oppressed and forbidden to worship their own gods. I googled this AFTER reading Shadowman, but it was clear to me that Diggle had obviously done his homework on the magic and tried to steer the whole concept of the graphic novel away from mainstream ideas of voodoo.
When looking at the illustrations, it is AMAZING! There are so many vibrant colours that grasp you and pull you into the world. Even though it was on my phone, I spent a good few minutes looking at each panel to take in all of the detail that we were being shown. So props to Stephen Segovia and Ulises Arreola for creating magnificent pieces of work.
However, the one downside to this graphic novel was that it looked unfinished. Now, I know that this is the publishers fault and not Diggles or the illustrators. Or it might have even been a problem with Netgalley's formatting team. But I looked on Goodreads to see if anyone else had had this problem, and it turned out that everyone who had downloaded it from Netgalley, had the same problem I did. When I say unfinished, I mean that the third issue of the graphic novel had no colour, no text and seemed to lack the last few pages. Issue one and issue two were perfect. Everything was intact. But issue three was just... nothing... Just blank panels.
Shadowman Vol. 1 definitely encouraged me to read more supernatural graphic novels and to branch out. It's well-written, and exciting, with a mix of magic and horror. However, the thing that let this graphic novel down (not including it being unfinished) was the fact that I needed more backstory. I know that Shadowman has been done before, but you you still have to cater for new audiences (like me), and how are these new audiences supposed to enjoy the story if they don't understand what's going on?
So in the next volume, I do hope that a bit more backstory is added for new audiences' benefit, and if I see this volume in Waterstones at any point, I'm going to have to read the last issue so that I can find out what happened at the end!
Disclaimer: this was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Orphaned as a child and raised on the margins of society, Jack Boniface never knew his place in the world. Until he discovered it waiting for him… in a darkness far older than the reign of men…
Unbeknownst to him, Jack was fated to become the next in a long lineage of Shadowmen – mortals bound to violent voodoo spirits of immense power – that could safeguard our world against incursions from realms beyond. For years, he struggled to control the loa’s murderous urges – a battle he eventually lost. But now, after years of self-imposed exile, the man once known as Shadowman is returning home to sharpen the weapon within…and unleash a reckoning on the evils of our world that will soon send shockwaves through heaven and hell alike…
Collecting SHADOWMAN (2018) #1–3
I didn't know this before I requested Shadowman, but it was a 'thing' before? Like... it's already a story, it's already been a graphic novel/comic book series, and when I found this out, THIS particular graphic novel made a little bit more sense. I got the feeling - when reading it - that I was missing something. And now that I know that it's a storyline that has been done before, I got the feeling that I should have read a bit of background on Shadowman before starting this graphic novel.
The beginning of this graphic novel jumps straight into the action of there being other dimensions and there was very little backstory - hence my thoughts on how the reader should maybe be familiar with the story of Shadowman prior to reading this?
A big part of the graphic novel's appeal to me was the concept of the world of voodoo magic. I don't think that I have read a novel/graphic novel that deals with this type of magic, so it was interesting to explore this as a reader, and learn a little about voodoo. I googled the term 'voodoo magic' to see what came up, and I learnt that voodoo is a transactional type of magic. It's a give AND take kind that was born of necessity from people who were enslaved, oppressed and forbidden to worship their own gods. I googled this AFTER reading Shadowman, but it was clear to me that Diggle had obviously done his homework on the magic and tried to steer the whole concept of the graphic novel away from mainstream ideas of voodoo.
When looking at the illustrations, it is AMAZING! There are so many vibrant colours that grasp you and pull you into the world. Even though it was on my phone, I spent a good few minutes looking at each panel to take in all of the detail that we were being shown. So props to Stephen Segovia and Ulises Arreola for creating magnificent pieces of work.
However, the one downside to this graphic novel was that it looked unfinished. Now, I know that this is the publishers fault and not Diggles or the illustrators. Or it might have even been a problem with Netgalley's formatting team. But I looked on Goodreads to see if anyone else had had this problem, and it turned out that everyone who had downloaded it from Netgalley, had the same problem I did. When I say unfinished, I mean that the third issue of the graphic novel had no colour, no text and seemed to lack the last few pages. Issue one and issue two were perfect. Everything was intact. But issue three was just... nothing... Just blank panels.
Shadowman Vol. 1 definitely encouraged me to read more supernatural graphic novels and to branch out. It's well-written, and exciting, with a mix of magic and horror. However, the thing that let this graphic novel down (not including it being unfinished) was the fact that I needed more backstory. I know that Shadowman has been done before, but you you still have to cater for new audiences (like me), and how are these new audiences supposed to enjoy the story if they don't understand what's going on?
So in the next volume, I do hope that a bit more backstory is added for new audiences' benefit, and if I see this volume in Waterstones at any point, I'm going to have to read the last issue so that I can find out what happened at the end!
Disclaimer: this was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 30, 2018
I've never known such a title existed until I got a recommendation from Netgally to read Shadowman Vol 2.
I started reading this Graphic Novel without what I'm getting into. I'm not sure if I could tell I enjoyed or not but I'm very much confused. I don't know where this will lead as a Story.
One thing I'm very sure about is the story is making a good pace so far. One of the major problems I faced reading this Comic is that I'm unable to connect the ends here. No detailed backstory but a series of monologues from the lead Jack. Maybe I will get that in the Vol.2? Not sure.
I'm very excited to read Vol 2 and looking to uncover more about Jack and this Universe.
I know I sound vague in this review but that's how I feel. If you know What Voodoo Mythos and stuff you would definitely enjoy. If not do read a little bit about them before heading to this Comic.
I started reading this Graphic Novel without what I'm getting into. I'm not sure if I could tell I enjoyed or not but I'm very much confused. I don't know where this will lead as a Story.
One thing I'm very sure about is the story is making a good pace so far. One of the major problems I faced reading this Comic is that I'm unable to connect the ends here. No detailed backstory but a series of monologues from the lead Jack. Maybe I will get that in the Vol.2? Not sure.
I'm very excited to read Vol 2 and looking to uncover more about Jack and this Universe.
I know I sound vague in this review but that's how I feel. If you know What Voodoo Mythos and stuff you would definitely enjoy. If not do read a little bit about them before heading to this Comic.
December 26, 2018
While I've been enjoying the Shadowman reboot, the number of issues and the overall pacing of the series has been getting to me. Only 3-4 issues per trade paperback leaves me feeling short-changed, and only so much can happen in each collection, which slows down whatever the impending conflagration/face-off/show-down is. (e-galley from NetGalley)
April 14, 2019
I received a free electronic ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have had mixed feelings about Shadowman in the past. The series started off strong, and then took a turn into a less enjoyable stretch. This reemergence of Shadowman left me with positive feelings. The struggle between the human and inhuman sides of the character came off as more real this time. The relationships between the characters was well done. The supernatural elements added up for me. Overall I am looking forward to reading the next volume in this series.
I have had mixed feelings about Shadowman in the past. The series started off strong, and then took a turn into a less enjoyable stretch. This reemergence of Shadowman left me with positive feelings. The struggle between the human and inhuman sides of the character came off as more real this time. The relationships between the characters was well done. The supernatural elements added up for me. Overall I am looking forward to reading the next volume in this series.
June 3, 2018
I have not read a lot from Valiant and never this character, but I've enjoyed Diggle's writing before and thought I'd give it a try. Diggle and Segovia have crafted a fast-moving, action driven superhero story with a magic backdrop. There's some definite backstory here, but I didn't have any trouble catching up. The main character, Shadowman, spent the last five years trapped in a Voodoo version of the underworld. When this collection opens, he just manages to break free, although not at full power. He finds his former girlfriend has taken up the job of protecting the world from Demons and spends much of the rest of the volume playing catch-up and trying to reclaim his full power.
It's a fun read and while I wouldn't necessarily suggest it to readers of titles with stronger supernatural flavors (Hellboy, etc.) I do think fans of the recent Doctor Strange titles from Marvel would enjoy this. Good stuff.
It's a fun read and while I wouldn't necessarily suggest it to readers of titles with stronger supernatural flavors (Hellboy, etc.) I do think fans of the recent Doctor Strange titles from Marvel would enjoy this. Good stuff.
June 14, 2018
I really like the Shadowman character; a hereditary curse that causes your son(?) to be possessed by an unknown loa? It's very similar to Venom and Carnage from the Spider-Man universe. Jack/Shadowman also had similar elements of Thor from the Marvel film universe because of his absence from the human world that added a slim layer of comedy. Unfortunately, I didn't like Alyssa as much. She acted too much within the 'angry black woman' stereotype and I feel like they could've done something different with the character.
Vodun and Haitian mythology are extremely rich concepts and I find them extremely interesting, so having a hero based within them is high on my wishlist. I love that we got to see some of the major loa like Papa Legba, Baron Samedi, and Damballah in this first volume and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
This review was based on an early copy provided by Edelweiss.
Vodun and Haitian mythology are extremely rich concepts and I find them extremely interesting, so having a hero based within them is high on my wishlist. I love that we got to see some of the major loa like Papa Legba, Baron Samedi, and Damballah in this first volume and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
This review was based on an early copy provided by Edelweiss.
September 20, 2018
'Shadowman Vol. 1: Fear the Dark' written by Andy Diggle with art by Stephen Segovia brings the return of a strange hero, but this time with a new person wearing the mantle.
The story starts with Alyssa Myles looking for a guide in to swamp country. Her cartomancy leads her to a huge monster, but also to a man lost and buried out there. He is Jack Boniface and he has been missing and struggling in another world. He is back now and with Alyssa by his side, he will face the dangers of our world and beyond.
I was vaguely familiar with this character. I really enjoyed this story. The art was also quite good. My review copy had a rough version of issue #3, but I was able to follow along, and I enjoyed the ride.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Valiant Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The story starts with Alyssa Myles looking for a guide in to swamp country. Her cartomancy leads her to a huge monster, but also to a man lost and buried out there. He is Jack Boniface and he has been missing and struggling in another world. He is back now and with Alyssa by his side, he will face the dangers of our world and beyond.
I was vaguely familiar with this character. I really enjoyed this story. The art was also quite good. My review copy had a rough version of issue #3, but I was able to follow along, and I enjoyed the ride.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Valiant Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
May 10, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for providing this copy of Shadowman Volume 1!
I loved this graphic novel and flew right through it until I got to the final page which, of course, is a major cliffhanger. The New Orleans setting mixed with some old juju myths was a really cool take on this fantasy drama. It contained magic, fighting, monsters and the land of the dead all portrayed through beautiful artwork with atmospheric drawing and colors. My only negative point is the many names and elements that aren't really introduced/explained so if you're not already into juju and voodoo, you might get confused: Alyssa (MC) is a mambo and former abettor, jack (MC) is Shadowman, there's Baron Samedi, Papa Legba, the Pantheon, the Ziwanda and so on.. my advice is to make little notes on the side while reading and then just enjoy the adventure.
I loved this graphic novel and flew right through it until I got to the final page which, of course, is a major cliffhanger. The New Orleans setting mixed with some old juju myths was a really cool take on this fantasy drama. It contained magic, fighting, monsters and the land of the dead all portrayed through beautiful artwork with atmospheric drawing and colors. My only negative point is the many names and elements that aren't really introduced/explained so if you're not already into juju and voodoo, you might get confused: Alyssa (MC) is a mambo and former abettor, jack (MC) is Shadowman, there's Baron Samedi, Papa Legba, the Pantheon, the Ziwanda and so on.. my advice is to make little notes on the side while reading and then just enjoy the adventure.
July 9, 2018
Three stars is definitely my max here. For one, it took two reads of this to actually get the full three-parter from the publishers, as what they put on netgalley (thinking us muppets) was just two thirds. For another, too much mythos and back story that's needed for this volume isn't even here - you need prior knowledge. For a third, the big bad proves how idiotic the hero and heroine of this New Orleans horror fantasy hokum are, too often for my liking - it's one thing to have a good baddy, but try and make the heroes at least slightly intelligent! There's a derivative feel here, too, but it's not too bad - now I've actually seen this full book. It's still not anything like a full story, though.
May 24, 2018
I picked this up without being familiar at all with Shadowman or his comics universe, and with that considered I enjoyed this a great deal and felt like it did a great job of being a first volume of a new run while also continuing to build on what apparently came before. I didn't feel lost, and it kept me informed without having to give me maid and butler dialogue, either. The art is really solid and enjoyable. The story and feel of the book is very Hellblazer-esque in a very good way. I really want to continue following this story and also to go back and pick up the previous runs of the comics as well because I suspect I've been missing out.
July 28, 2025
Magic rarely attracts me. It's too chaotic and unnatural, even if rules are set in place. I don't care enough for these characters to read on.
Alyssa Myles has freed Jack Boniface, the Shadowman, from the Deadside where he was imprisoned. He needs to learn more about the loa that possesses him with Alyssa's help. Before they can do much, Baron Samedi steps in to possess Alyssa and teach Jack another lesson.
Alyssa Myles has freed Jack Boniface, the Shadowman, from the Deadside where he was imprisoned. He needs to learn more about the loa that possesses him with Alyssa's help. Before they can do much, Baron Samedi steps in to possess Alyssa and teach Jack another lesson.
March 20, 2019
This book was a pretty good start to the continuing chronicles of Shadowman. I will say that it gets off the ground really quickly, which is nice. There is some exposition about where the characters have been and what they’ve been up to, however, Shadowman’s backstory is done in a way that encourages the reader to seek out the previous arc and read it in order to get a fuller picture about Shadowman’s adventures on the “Deadside”. Overall, I liked reading this first volume, and I’m eager to continue reading this series.
November 7, 2021
Fear of the Dark (#1-3). Shadowman returns authored by Andy Diggle, who's usually been a pretty good writer, so hopes were high ... but this arc doesn't live up. It's mostly a cat-and-mouse game between Jack and Baron Samedi. The voodoo feel of the comic is strong, and the third issue, set in Deadside, makes that setting come alive. But otherwise, this feels like the plot pushing the character around, not vice-versa, so it's not that intriguing [3+/5].
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