Shadoweyes Vol. 1

by Sophie Campbell

Moody, frail teenager Scout Montana is an aspiring vigilante, but her first unsteady attempts at distributing street justice ends with a brick to the forehead and an embarassing spell of unconsciousness. But when she awakens, Scout discovers that she's inexplicably able to transform into a strange, alien creature. She quickly becomes the mysterious superhero Shadoweyes, relishing her newfound power to do good. However, Scout begins to lose control of her new ability... and soon finds she's unable to return to her human form.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, LGBT, Superheroes, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2016

About the author

One of the most exciting and talented creators working in comics today, Sophie Campbell has made her mark on IDW books such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Jem and the Holograms.

A graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, Campbell began her career writing and drawing independent comics primarily focused on the lives of young women from all walks of life, including Wet Moon, Shadoweyes, and the Abandoned. She further proved her versatility as an artist when she began drawing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for IDW, where her kinetic action sequences and distinctive character art were a hit with fans and critics alike.

Campbell was brought on as the first artist on the IDW continuing series Jem and the Holograms, where she was responsible for the modern redesign of the characters and establishing the unique look of the comic. Her work on Jem with writer Kelly Thompson was so well received that the two were profiled by the New Yorker in 2015.

Campbell continues to work on several projects for IDW, as well as her own creator-owned independent comics.

Reviews

[Kathryn Kania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this online but there is more to the story than has been published online which I was a bit thrilled to see but then immediately disappointed because WHAT NO TELL ME WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!! I really, really appreciate how well rounded these characters are. I had actually forgotten how cute Scout was before she turned. Very realistic teenagers too. Second volume pleeeeease

[Jack Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gem hunting in comixology submit and very glad I came across this. It’s a fun, original take on the superhero story, but manages to sensitively deal with some heavy subjects. Set in a dystopian future of low income, low resources, and high crime. (They have dial-up internet! THE HORROR!) Unfortunately, it’s not perfect. The worldbuilding is lacking, and the plot needs some work to make it structured and to flow better. The characters are fantastic, I bloody loved them all, especially Sparkle! And as icing on the cake, there is a wide range of fantastic diversity rep. Spot the white cis male - you can’t!

Recommended for those looking for a different kind of superhero story with characters that they can get invested in and enjoy spending time with.

Anyway, I'm off to cut belly holes in my shirts. Until next time, Peace and Love!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHH THAT TO BE CONTINUED

I am loving this story and the cast of characters, plus the art is awesome! I definitely recommend this one.

[Astoria (Jax)]

I'm choosing to not rate this book because I'm so conflicted.

There were so many things shoved into this storyline - things that had they been focused on properly would have been really important things to read about. But the way they were introduced was just forced and quickly through in sometimes as though it was just another box to tick. There's a part of me that wishes it were actually own voices because then I'd feel more comfortable giving it a rating. The transitions weren't clear between different days and I just found myself getting lost when I really wanted to enjoy the entire omnibus.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this and there was a lot in there that I could like, but the start was just SO confusing and unclear. If you can muddle through the first 50 pages it starts to become something like a good story, but with the unexplained world, confusing characters, and complete lack of context it really is a struggle.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It takes a while to get going, but once everything clicks it turns into a very unique, entertaining and oddly relatable pastiche of a superhero story. You THINK the story is going one way, but then it zig-zags and goes off into an entirely different direction. Don't let the cherubesque artstyle fool you, this is a very well written take on an all-too-common genre that *almost* becomes something of a subversive meta-commentary on the niche. How this hasn't become a CGI animated movie by now is simply beyond me, folks.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is incredible, really. A sci-fi superhero story that's also (or mainly?) about friendships and relationships and communication and identity--with excellent art, rich colors, and bold inks. Lots of representation: people of color (they're the main characters) and across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. So, so good. I can't wait to read the next installment, but it looks like it might not be coming out until next year! :(

[Kris Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scout just wants to stop the bad people. The problem is that she doesn't seem to draw a line between beating up good/bad people. For example: She stops a robber and then beats up the policeman who was trying to arrest the guy.
A great read that's different from your other origin stories.
The artwork's beautiful.
The characters are beautifully real.
This is LGBTQ friendly.

[nukes · Rating 2 out of 5]

love the art in this but i actually can’t stand anyone in this aside from kyisha. if this was about just kyisha then i would care but it’s not so i don’t gaf 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️ really weak storytelling, very disjointed and nonsensical… and the dialogue is so bizarre and unrealistic to me. but then again kyisha is great so… you win some and you lose some lol

[Rachel Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The moody, dark illustrations were impeccable and compelling, but the extensive, visually similar cast of characters and apocalyptic setting left me confused and vaguely depressed. Recommended to fans of dark, brooding fantasy/sci-fi.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art in this is beautiful - especially the characters. The story was just a little underwhelming and I didn’t find the main character very likable. I found myself wishing the story was just about Kyisha.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so completely I wish I could give it 6 stars. It is completely perfect. Gorgeous art, wonderful flawed characters, moral grey areas and mysterious origins.

[Eitan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories tone is a little weird to me and the art doesn’t do a good job of portraying the characters ages and I’m still not sure how their world works