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Shadecraft #1-5
Shadecraft, Vol. 1
Zadie Lu is afraid of her own shadow. She’s a teenager, so she REALLY should have grown out of that by now, right? But something weird is happening in her small town. Zadie could swear the shadows are coming to life. Watching her. Trying to KILL her. But how do you fight something you can’t even touch? And how does all of this tie in with her FAMILY, of all things?
Writer JOE HENDERSON (showrunner of Netflix’s Lucifer) and artist LEE GARBETT (Captain Marvel), the Eisner-nominated creative team that brought you SKYWARD, invite you to join Zadie Lu as she ventures into the shadows to face her fears, and discovers a legacy she never knew she had.
Writer JOE HENDERSON (showrunner of Netflix’s Lucifer) and artist LEE GARBETT (Captain Marvel), the Eisner-nominated creative team that brought you SKYWARD, invite you to join Zadie Lu as she ventures into the shadows to face her fears, and discovers a legacy she never knew she had.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2021
6 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 16, 2022
This was terrific. Zadie is struggling to survive high school when she begins to suspect shadows are following her. We find out her brother was in a car wreck a year ago and is now in a coma. Soon after her shadow begins talking to her...
The story moves at a brisk pace with lots of revelations. The dialogue is snappy. Lee Garbett provides some of the best art of his career. The book looks fantastic. Can't wait for more!
The story moves at a brisk pace with lots of revelations. The dialogue is snappy. Lee Garbett provides some of the best art of his career. The book looks fantastic. Can't wait for more!
October 16, 2021
This book is the antithesis to wheelspinning, it feels like material for several arcs violently squashed into one book. Characters accept revelations and weird things instantly ("You're from a secret government department? Yup, okay!"). To call the plot "rushed" is to undersell it.
And still that plot is built up out of clichés - slip story trope A into story trope B. Subtext has no place in this story - nothing remains unsaid, every emotion anyone is having is instantly and openly discussed, revelations are loudly inferred while on a secret mission. To call the dialogue "soaplike" is to undersell it.
Slow it down a lot, let the story breathe a bit, and you could have something. Currently, you don't.
(Picked up an ARC through Edelweiss)
And still that plot is built up out of clichés - slip story trope A into story trope B. Subtext has no place in this story - nothing remains unsaid, every emotion anyone is having is instantly and openly discussed, revelations are loudly inferred while on a secret mission. To call the dialogue "soaplike" is to undersell it.
Slow it down a lot, let the story breathe a bit, and you could have something. Currently, you don't.
(Picked up an ARC through Edelweiss)
January 14, 2022
This ended up being pretty good. So our main character, Zadie, realizes the shadows are moving and trying to attack her. Crazy. But then you see that it’s actually not the shadows working on their own but being controlled. Finding out by who was a real eye opener as I didn’t see that coming. But it gets deeper as you discover it’s not just Zadie but this has happened to others. Didn’t see that coming either. The more you read, the more you get sucked in and the twists and turns keep you guessing. A cool plot idea that the writer takes to new levels and gets real creative with it. Plus the art was great throughout the book. Definitely will be checking out the next volume.
December 8, 2021
This was a really nice surprise.
Very much in the quick and quirky feel of Buffy, we have our main character Zadie who is just trying to survive high school. Soon into the story we find out her brother is in a coma and she's just trying to deal with her life and family. Soon she begins to see shadows who try to hunt and get her, but her brother, who is now a shadow comes to her aid. She then has to figure out what to do next.
This feels like a TV show in the best possible way. Quick and fun dialogue, lots of cool moments with the shadows, art really solid. Nothing is really amazing or mindblowing. No heavy twist that change the narrative. But some cool moments at the end and one that got me excited for more, I'd for sure recommend Shadecraft as a comic to check out this year.
A 4 out of 5.
Very much in the quick and quirky feel of Buffy, we have our main character Zadie who is just trying to survive high school. Soon into the story we find out her brother is in a coma and she's just trying to deal with her life and family. Soon she begins to see shadows who try to hunt and get her, but her brother, who is now a shadow comes to her aid. She then has to figure out what to do next.
This feels like a TV show in the best possible way. Quick and fun dialogue, lots of cool moments with the shadows, art really solid. Nothing is really amazing or mindblowing. No heavy twist that change the narrative. But some cool moments at the end and one that got me excited for more, I'd for sure recommend Shadecraft as a comic to check out this year.
A 4 out of 5.
December 2, 2021
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Fun, heartfelt, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions, this was every bit as fantastic as I was hoping it would be.
Once again Joe Henderson and Lee Garbett have teamed up for a comic series featuring a totally cool, butt-kicking heroine and it landed so much better than Skyward, Vol. 1: My Low-G Life! Zadie was quippy, sometimes insecure, a complete mess, and a convincingly written teenager. She had a great dynamic with every character she interacted with and I loved how effortlessly diverse she was. The representation in this comic was great; ever-present but never in your face.
The concept itself was amazing and exciting, and on top of that the execution was brilliant. The plot was very well-paced which is always hard to do with just 5 issues and a whole load of character building and exposition to weave in. Even the ending wrapped everything up nicely, but left just enough of a loose thread for me to pull at and want more.
There's really not much else to say except that the art was so beautiful. I loved every second of this comic and I'd say it was definitely one of my favourite reads of the year!
Fun, heartfelt, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions, this was every bit as fantastic as I was hoping it would be.
Once again Joe Henderson and Lee Garbett have teamed up for a comic series featuring a totally cool, butt-kicking heroine and it landed so much better than Skyward, Vol. 1: My Low-G Life! Zadie was quippy, sometimes insecure, a complete mess, and a convincingly written teenager. She had a great dynamic with every character she interacted with and I loved how effortlessly diverse she was. The representation in this comic was great; ever-present but never in your face.
The concept itself was amazing and exciting, and on top of that the execution was brilliant. The plot was very well-paced which is always hard to do with just 5 issues and a whole load of character building and exposition to weave in. Even the ending wrapped everything up nicely, but left just enough of a loose thread for me to pull at and want more.
There's really not much else to say except that the art was so beautiful. I loved every second of this comic and I'd say it was definitely one of my favourite reads of the year!
November 13, 2021
Shadow magic is probably one step below death magic on my list of Magics I Like, so Shadecraft was always going to push the right buttons for me.
The plot moves at a breakneck pace, while keeping the focus squarely on our protagonist Zadie (perhaps to the detriment of the others, like her mum who could have done with some more time spent). To say that each issue changes the game would be an understatement, and I'm sad that we're not getting more till at least next year.
Lee Garbett's artwork fits nicely, it's a lot darker than usual (to be expected given the subject matter), but it's dynamic and expressive as always. I believe Garbett and writer Joe Henderson have worked together before, so it's no surprise that they gel well.
Another neat little book from Image, well worth a look.
The plot moves at a breakneck pace, while keeping the focus squarely on our protagonist Zadie (perhaps to the detriment of the others, like her mum who could have done with some more time spent). To say that each issue changes the game would be an understatement, and I'm sad that we're not getting more till at least next year.
Lee Garbett's artwork fits nicely, it's a lot darker than usual (to be expected given the subject matter), but it's dynamic and expressive as always. I believe Garbett and writer Joe Henderson have worked together before, so it's no surprise that they gel well.
Another neat little book from Image, well worth a look.
October 26, 2021
Zadie Lu is a teen. In the last year, she has been through a lot. Her brother is in a coma after a tragic accident. One night when she was returning home, she could swear something was wrong with the shadows.
The story included some (possibly annoying) cliches. Despite that, I enjoyed this quick and entertaining read. The graphic is great, and I liked it a lot. Overall, a fun read, and I think YA readers that like dark fantasy will enjoy this.
3.5 rounded to 4. Thanks to the Image Comics for the ARC and the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.
The story included some (possibly annoying) cliches. Despite that, I enjoyed this quick and entertaining read. The graphic is great, and I liked it a lot. Overall, a fun read, and I think YA readers that like dark fantasy will enjoy this.
3.5 rounded to 4. Thanks to the Image Comics for the ARC and the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2021
This ended up being a very pleasant surprise. I thought this was going to be a typical angsty teen gets powers, faces evil etc. story. Add to that being misunderstood by her parents.
Instead, well that you for the nice swerve that I didn't see coming (even if maybe I should have). Looking forward to volume two. Yes, this is a brief review, because I'm stuck trying to figure out how to avoid spoilers about what I really liked about this.
disclaimer: read as digital floppies.
Instead, well that you for the nice swerve that I didn't see coming (even if maybe I should have). Looking forward to volume two. Yes, this is a brief review, because I'm stuck trying to figure out how to avoid spoilers about what I really liked about this.
disclaimer: read as digital floppies.
December 31, 2021
*4.25
This really pleasantly surprised me.
I came in not expecting too much from this book - I tend to just pick up graphic novels that look interesting because I like cool art and they're quicker to read than full books. But this was full of a lot of heart and touching family moments - I loved that and that line near the ending almost brought me to tears.
The artwork was also great, which was a huge plus. I'm really excited to pick up the sequel, because this book charmed me. 4.25/5 stars.
This really pleasantly surprised me.
I came in not expecting too much from this book - I tend to just pick up graphic novels that look interesting because I like cool art and they're quicker to read than full books. But this was full of a lot of heart and touching family moments - I loved that and that line near the ending almost brought me to tears.
The artwork was also great, which was a huge plus. I'm really excited to pick up the sequel, because this book charmed me. 4.25/5 stars.
April 8, 2022
Too many lame jokes whilst running from big scary shadow-things, and too much of a predictable story. It is basically very much like a superhero comic.
February 26, 2022
3.5⭐️
Read
October 24, 2021"What? Kate, you don't think I made up a crazy story about killer shadows to avoid dealing with the fact that I kissed Josh and he didn't kiss me back, do you?"
"When you put it like that... Now I definitely do."
The team behind Skyward are back with another story of a young woman narrating a strangely altered world, though this time the change is more spooky and personal, less science fictional and worldwide. Which is for the best, because the problem with Skyward's big idea – gravity stops working! – was that it begged too many questions – so why is there still an atmosphere? – which, as much as I like giant dragonflies, made the reading experience cognitively itchy. Whereas shadows coming to dangerous life in one small town? That's about as likely, but because it's presented as a weird new intrusion, not a supposedly believable and established world, doesn't require nearly as much of a mental effort to accept. Zadie, who even before the weird shit kicks in was struggling with the transition from sister of the most popular boy in school to sister of 'coma kid', is an instantly engaging lead, and Garbett and Fabela's art catches the human, high school stuff just as well as the creepy and/or comical shadow effects. It was never going to be my favourite comic about someone with shadow powers, but only because I really, really love the Shade; it is nevertheless a lot of fun. At least for the first three issues, after which it does slightly wobble into thriller cliché.
(Edelweiss ARC)
"When you put it like that... Now I definitely do."
The team behind Skyward are back with another story of a young woman narrating a strangely altered world, though this time the change is more spooky and personal, less science fictional and worldwide. Which is for the best, because the problem with Skyward's big idea – gravity stops working! – was that it begged too many questions – so why is there still an atmosphere? – which, as much as I like giant dragonflies, made the reading experience cognitively itchy. Whereas shadows coming to dangerous life in one small town? That's about as likely, but because it's presented as a weird new intrusion, not a supposedly believable and established world, doesn't require nearly as much of a mental effort to accept. Zadie, who even before the weird shit kicks in was struggling with the transition from sister of the most popular boy in school to sister of 'coma kid', is an instantly engaging lead, and Garbett and Fabela's art catches the human, high school stuff just as well as the creepy and/or comical shadow effects. It was never going to be my favourite comic about someone with shadow powers, but only because I really, really love the Shade; it is nevertheless a lot of fun. At least for the first three issues, after which it does slightly wobble into thriller cliché.
(Edelweiss ARC)
October 3, 2021
Really quite compellingly, this book combines the heartfelt drama side with something much more super-powered. Zadie is getting ostracised at school, ever since her older brother had a car crash and fell into a year-long coma, a coma that has diverted all their mother's emotional energy into caring for him. She also thinks she's going mad, for the shadows in the dark seem to want to come after her. But when she seems to find a personality that isn't hers in her own shadow, and when she seems to have some ability to control the darkness, why – what else is possible in this world?
You can see it as bright as day, that a book would easily cover the darkness of the family tragedy by manifesting it as shadows with agency. You can also easily see how a superpower might be the control of shadows as a great way to scare people and commit subterfuge. But combining both those books? Ramping the scale of both aspects of the story up in nice ways to high levels, even in what is just Book One? Still giving surprises along the way as well?
No, there's a lot unpredictably good here, and I really enjoyed myself. Strong female characters (well, the blokes generally are a bit lame, so someone had to be), decent artwork, and a wool-free, pared-back action sensibility make this well worth a look. These shadows shine – almost to four and a half stars' luminosity.
You can see it as bright as day, that a book would easily cover the darkness of the family tragedy by manifesting it as shadows with agency. You can also easily see how a superpower might be the control of shadows as a great way to scare people and commit subterfuge. But combining both those books? Ramping the scale of both aspects of the story up in nice ways to high levels, even in what is just Book One? Still giving surprises along the way as well?
No, there's a lot unpredictably good here, and I really enjoyed myself. Strong female characters (well, the blokes generally are a bit lame, so someone had to be), decent artwork, and a wool-free, pared-back action sensibility make this well worth a look. These shadows shine – almost to four and a half stars' luminosity.
October 22, 2021
This was a pretty basic story, but it's one I can emotionally invest in. I must be very one with my inner child.
I always liked the concept of shadows in a magic system. Of course the emotions is pretty basic; but who doesn't remember a shadow getting more intense with the atmosphere? It perfectly captures a teenager's feelings as they get older and as people process grief. Then there's how families get so confrontational with each other, part of the time is because of how hard it can be to communicate.
Again another cliche is having unique people recruited as government assassins. I'm just glad that it focuses on the director of these people and the emotional investment she put into it. It's what makes her frustrations more believable.
Best of all it feels like this is just the beginning.
I always liked the concept of shadows in a magic system. Of course the emotions is pretty basic; but who doesn't remember a shadow getting more intense with the atmosphere? It perfectly captures a teenager's feelings as they get older and as people process grief. Then there's how families get so confrontational with each other, part of the time is because of how hard it can be to communicate.
Again another cliche is having unique people recruited as government assassins. I'm just glad that it focuses on the director of these people and the emotional investment she put into it. It's what makes her frustrations more believable.
Best of all it feels like this is just the beginning.
October 18, 2021
Not great. It's like a superhero comic but only one power exists. Full of cliches and predictable plot lines. I like the art but only with the non-human characters. A little underwhelming.
October 16, 2021
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me to review this book early. Rating and review are my own.
Shadecraft was a fun first volume about a young girl who who is going through a tough time in her life and discovers she has power over shadows. I liked how this story centered around Zadie learning to control her powers and her relationship with her family. It was fun and wholesome and the art was nicely done. My only complaint is the pacing seemed off, everything happened quickly and often too conveniently but I think for a younger audience that should work fine. Overall it was a fun read.
Shadecraft was a fun first volume about a young girl who who is going through a tough time in her life and discovers she has power over shadows. I liked how this story centered around Zadie learning to control her powers and her relationship with her family. It was fun and wholesome and the art was nicely done. My only complaint is the pacing seemed off, everything happened quickly and often too conveniently but I think for a younger audience that should work fine. Overall it was a fun read.
October 25, 2021
for a, seemingly, complicated fantasy graphic novel, the no dialogue style really didn’t work. it was confusing and vague. the art style was fantastic but i could barely follow the story or world-building, let alone get invested in the characters.
February 11, 2023
Really enjoyed this. Good character development and a few things I didn’t see coming. Nice.
December 14, 2021
Zadie Lu seems like your typical teenager. She goes to school. She has a small group of close friends. She has issues with her parents. Oh, but her brother was in an accident that has left him comatose and no one knows if he will ever get better.
One day, Zadie, who is pretty easily startled, particularly by shadows, discovers that shadows are starting to follow her. What is their purpose and why her??
Joe Henderson creates very interesting and unique characters in the books I've read by him so far and Lee Garbett's art always captures that vision perfectly. I really enjoyed reading about Zadie and the new weirdness that has manifested itself in her life. I can't wait for the next volume. Whenever it happens.
One day, Zadie, who is pretty easily startled, particularly by shadows, discovers that shadows are starting to follow her. What is their purpose and why her??
Joe Henderson creates very interesting and unique characters in the books I've read by him so far and Lee Garbett's art always captures that vision perfectly. I really enjoyed reading about Zadie and the new weirdness that has manifested itself in her life. I can't wait for the next volume. Whenever it happens.
September 22, 2023
How I wish this story could continue.
Definitely hoping for more of Shadecraft.
For reviews and more, check out the blog , It’s All Anthony .
Definitely hoping for more of Shadecraft.
For reviews and more, check out the blog , It’s All Anthony .
January 20, 2022
This review originally published in Looking FOr a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
We all have something we're afraid of. Spider, snakes, even public speaking are common phobias, but for high school student Zadie Lu ... she's afraid of her own shadow.
Zadie sees shadows in a very different way than most people. She sees shadows around her small town that move in ways shadows should not move, and she gets the sense that the shadows are watching her. Possibly even trying to kill her. But shadows don't act on their own ... do they?
It's tough enough being a teenager in school, but when shadows make you jumpy you become easy prey for other school kids. It doesn't help that Zadie's already an oddity because her brother died recently and she's also trying to deal with grief. And just what are her parents doing to help? Nothing, it seems like, except living in denial.
When the shadows start talking to her, and claiming something very disturbing, Zadie needs to talk it out with someone and goes to the school counselor. Except the school has just gotten a new counselor and she seems to have an unusually high interest in Zadie and she isn't surprised by Zadie's talk of the shadows. And when she mentions knowing Zadie's mother had similar experiences, life in the Lu household will never be the same.
I really got into this story - author Joe Henderson does a wonderful job capturing the life of a teenage student, and building a story. I was definitely caught up in wanting to know what was coming next and looking for explanations to things that were happening around Zadie. Artist Lee Garbett's work fits really well with the story and the likely target audience (teens).
One issue I had with the writing was the very episodic nature of the story. I recognize this was written first for comics and then bundled into a graphic novel and I definitely expect some degree of serialized writing given the circumstances, but this book took it to an extreme. Each chapter (or single comic book issue) built up the story so that it would end on a story-changing event. Every action becomes heightened drama the closer we get to the end of a chapter, a realization is made or discovery uncovered, with just enough left unsaid so that the reader is drawn back to the next chapter (next issue).
It actually gets a bit tiring, this kind of constant action building. I've noticed some cable television series' have been doing this as well (and I don't care for it on television either). It moves the story along almost too quickly, not giving the reader a chance to really savor any moments or get to know any of the supporting cast of characters. I could have used one more chapter two thirds of the way through to slow the action down just a bit so that we didn't have to jump from one "What?" moment to the next "No way!" bit without some more explanation.
Still, this was an exciting thrill ride and I think the targeted YA readership, along with the regular graphic novel fans, will really like this book.
Looking for a good book? Shadecraft, Volume 1 is a graphic novel by Joe Henderson and Lee Garbett that offers a fast-paced story with a great deal of intrigue that is sure to keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens next. Student graphic novel readers are especially likely to appreciate this.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
We all have something we're afraid of. Spider, snakes, even public speaking are common phobias, but for high school student Zadie Lu ... she's afraid of her own shadow.
Zadie sees shadows in a very different way than most people. She sees shadows around her small town that move in ways shadows should not move, and she gets the sense that the shadows are watching her. Possibly even trying to kill her. But shadows don't act on their own ... do they?
It's tough enough being a teenager in school, but when shadows make you jumpy you become easy prey for other school kids. It doesn't help that Zadie's already an oddity because her brother died recently and she's also trying to deal with grief. And just what are her parents doing to help? Nothing, it seems like, except living in denial.
When the shadows start talking to her, and claiming something very disturbing, Zadie needs to talk it out with someone and goes to the school counselor. Except the school has just gotten a new counselor and she seems to have an unusually high interest in Zadie and she isn't surprised by Zadie's talk of the shadows. And when she mentions knowing Zadie's mother had similar experiences, life in the Lu household will never be the same.
I really got into this story - author Joe Henderson does a wonderful job capturing the life of a teenage student, and building a story. I was definitely caught up in wanting to know what was coming next and looking for explanations to things that were happening around Zadie. Artist Lee Garbett's work fits really well with the story and the likely target audience (teens).
One issue I had with the writing was the very episodic nature of the story. I recognize this was written first for comics and then bundled into a graphic novel and I definitely expect some degree of serialized writing given the circumstances, but this book took it to an extreme. Each chapter (or single comic book issue) built up the story so that it would end on a story-changing event. Every action becomes heightened drama the closer we get to the end of a chapter, a realization is made or discovery uncovered, with just enough left unsaid so that the reader is drawn back to the next chapter (next issue).
It actually gets a bit tiring, this kind of constant action building. I've noticed some cable television series' have been doing this as well (and I don't care for it on television either). It moves the story along almost too quickly, not giving the reader a chance to really savor any moments or get to know any of the supporting cast of characters. I could have used one more chapter two thirds of the way through to slow the action down just a bit so that we didn't have to jump from one "What?" moment to the next "No way!" bit without some more explanation.
Still, this was an exciting thrill ride and I think the targeted YA readership, along with the regular graphic novel fans, will really like this book.
Looking for a good book? Shadecraft, Volume 1 is a graphic novel by Joe Henderson and Lee Garbett that offers a fast-paced story with a great deal of intrigue that is sure to keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens next. Student graphic novel readers are especially likely to appreciate this.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2022
Menschen, die sich vor ihrem Schatten fürchten und glauben, dass er ihnen schaden könnte, leiden unter einer Phobie, die auf Englisch sciophobia genannt wird.
Als eine Teenagerin aus einer Kleinstadt Angst davor hat, dass ihre Schatten zum Leben erwachen, glaubt sie, dass sie an genau dieser Phobie leidet. Was sie jedoch nicht weiß, ist, dass sie die Macht besitzt, Schatten zu beeinflussen, und wenn diese auf ihre negativen Gedanken reagieren, erschaffen sie schreckliche Monster. Diese rohe Macht kann verheerende Folgen haben, und in den falschen Händen kann sie die Welt zerstören.
In Shadecraft nehmen Autor Joe Henderson und Zeichner Lee Garbett Zadie und ihre Familie mit auf eine Reise, die ihren familiären Zusammenhalt stärkt, während sie sich von zwielichtigen Regierungsagenten fernhalten müssen.
Zadie schlägt sich als Teenager durchs Leben, in dem scheinbar nichts richtig läuft. Seit ihr Bruder ins Koma gefallen ist, ist Zadies Leben an der High School unerträglich geworden. Was die Sache noch schlimmer macht, ist, dass ihr Schatten die Form eines Monsters annimmt und sie angreift. Zum Glück rettet der Schatten ihres Bruders sie, der von seiner Gabe noch nichts weiß. Entschlossen, ihre Kräfte zu verstehen und überaus verwirrt, ob der Schatten ihres Bruders ein Hirngespinst ist oder nicht, beginnt Zadie mit ihren eigenen Nachforschungen.
Shadecraft ist eine gut durchdachte Geschichte, die übernatürlichen Horror mit Teenager-Drama zu einer genreübergreifenden Erzählung mit romantischen Emotionen verbindet. Die Notlage einer scheinbar gewöhnlichen Highschool-Schülerin wird gut dargestellt und sie wird am Ende des Buches passenderweise zur Heldin ihrer eigenen Geschichte. Da der Fokus ausschließlich auf Zadie liegt, fällt es leicht, in die Welt von Shadecraft einzutauchen.
Die Zeichnungen schaffen detaillierte Hintergründe mit ausdrucksstarken Gesichtern, die die Ereignisse gut zur Geltung bringen. Die monströsen Schatten, die die Protagonistin umgeben, verbreiten eine klaustrophobische Stimmung, die Zadies missliche Lage und ihre neu entdeckten Kräfte prägnant darstellt. Der Einsatz von weichen und harten Schatten - mit einem Hauch von Blau - schafft Tiefe, die den zentralen Konflikt der Geschichte vertieft.
Klug geschrieben und großartig gezeichnet, ist Shadecraft Band 1 von Anfang bis Ende eine großartige Lektüre.
Als eine Teenagerin aus einer Kleinstadt Angst davor hat, dass ihre Schatten zum Leben erwachen, glaubt sie, dass sie an genau dieser Phobie leidet. Was sie jedoch nicht weiß, ist, dass sie die Macht besitzt, Schatten zu beeinflussen, und wenn diese auf ihre negativen Gedanken reagieren, erschaffen sie schreckliche Monster. Diese rohe Macht kann verheerende Folgen haben, und in den falschen Händen kann sie die Welt zerstören.
In Shadecraft nehmen Autor Joe Henderson und Zeichner Lee Garbett Zadie und ihre Familie mit auf eine Reise, die ihren familiären Zusammenhalt stärkt, während sie sich von zwielichtigen Regierungsagenten fernhalten müssen.
Zadie schlägt sich als Teenager durchs Leben, in dem scheinbar nichts richtig läuft. Seit ihr Bruder ins Koma gefallen ist, ist Zadies Leben an der High School unerträglich geworden. Was die Sache noch schlimmer macht, ist, dass ihr Schatten die Form eines Monsters annimmt und sie angreift. Zum Glück rettet der Schatten ihres Bruders sie, der von seiner Gabe noch nichts weiß. Entschlossen, ihre Kräfte zu verstehen und überaus verwirrt, ob der Schatten ihres Bruders ein Hirngespinst ist oder nicht, beginnt Zadie mit ihren eigenen Nachforschungen.
Shadecraft ist eine gut durchdachte Geschichte, die übernatürlichen Horror mit Teenager-Drama zu einer genreübergreifenden Erzählung mit romantischen Emotionen verbindet. Die Notlage einer scheinbar gewöhnlichen Highschool-Schülerin wird gut dargestellt und sie wird am Ende des Buches passenderweise zur Heldin ihrer eigenen Geschichte. Da der Fokus ausschließlich auf Zadie liegt, fällt es leicht, in die Welt von Shadecraft einzutauchen.
Die Zeichnungen schaffen detaillierte Hintergründe mit ausdrucksstarken Gesichtern, die die Ereignisse gut zur Geltung bringen. Die monströsen Schatten, die die Protagonistin umgeben, verbreiten eine klaustrophobische Stimmung, die Zadies missliche Lage und ihre neu entdeckten Kräfte prägnant darstellt. Der Einsatz von weichen und harten Schatten - mit einem Hauch von Blau - schafft Tiefe, die den zentralen Konflikt der Geschichte vertieft.
Klug geschrieben und großartig gezeichnet, ist Shadecraft Band 1 von Anfang bis Ende eine großartige Lektüre.
February 27, 2023
Auch wenn Schatten hin und wieder groteske Formen annehmen können, sind sie für uns vor allem eines, vollkommen harmlos. Doch bei Zadie ist dies leider etwas anders, denn plötzlich greifen sie nicht nur Schatten an, sie wollen sie auch umbringen. Spätestens danach tun sich für den Teenager immer mehr Mysterien auf, die vorallem mit ihrer Familie zusammen hängen.
Der Start in den Band erfolgte recht rasant, denn neben dem Kennenlernen von Zadie, kam es bereits auf der 4.Seite zu ihrem ersten Schattenangriff. Und obwohl ich zu diesem Zeitpunkt noch nicht soviel über Zadie wusste, war sie mir bereits sympathisch. Dies änderte sich auch im weiteren Verlauf nicht, denn Zadie blieb eine Sympathieträgerin, mit der man mitfühlte. Und das durfte man oft, denn es gab nicht nur Schatten zu bekämpfen, sondern auch reichlich Einblicke in ihr Leben. Im Mittelpunkt stand hier auf jeden Fall Zadies Bruder, welcher seit einem Unfall im Koma lag.
Ich fand es unglaublich spannend, wie man diesen doch sehr emotionalen Strang mit den mysteriösen Schatten verband, zumal zwischendurch auch noch etliche Geheimnisse ans Tageslicht gebracht wurden. Man schaffte es hier tatsächlich Story und Zeichenstil perfekt miteinander zu verbinden, denn egal, ob bei der Darstellung der Schatten, der Charaktere oder der Welt, man gab sich enorm viel Mühe, alles ins richtige Licht zu rücken.
Ich hoffe auf jeden Fall sehr auf einen zweiten Band, denn neben einem offenen Ende, gab es noch reichlich Fragen, die unbeantwortet blieben.
Fazit:
Der erste Band von „Shadecraft“ konnte mich ab der ersten Seite mit seiner spannenden, aber auch mysteriösen und emotionalen Story begeistern, die dazu auch noch optisch beeindrucken konnte.
Der Start in den Band erfolgte recht rasant, denn neben dem Kennenlernen von Zadie, kam es bereits auf der 4.Seite zu ihrem ersten Schattenangriff. Und obwohl ich zu diesem Zeitpunkt noch nicht soviel über Zadie wusste, war sie mir bereits sympathisch. Dies änderte sich auch im weiteren Verlauf nicht, denn Zadie blieb eine Sympathieträgerin, mit der man mitfühlte. Und das durfte man oft, denn es gab nicht nur Schatten zu bekämpfen, sondern auch reichlich Einblicke in ihr Leben. Im Mittelpunkt stand hier auf jeden Fall Zadies Bruder, welcher seit einem Unfall im Koma lag.
Ich fand es unglaublich spannend, wie man diesen doch sehr emotionalen Strang mit den mysteriösen Schatten verband, zumal zwischendurch auch noch etliche Geheimnisse ans Tageslicht gebracht wurden. Man schaffte es hier tatsächlich Story und Zeichenstil perfekt miteinander zu verbinden, denn egal, ob bei der Darstellung der Schatten, der Charaktere oder der Welt, man gab sich enorm viel Mühe, alles ins richtige Licht zu rücken.
Ich hoffe auf jeden Fall sehr auf einen zweiten Band, denn neben einem offenen Ende, gab es noch reichlich Fragen, die unbeantwortet blieben.
Fazit:
Der erste Band von „Shadecraft“ konnte mich ab der ersten Seite mit seiner spannenden, aber auch mysteriösen und emotionalen Story begeistern, die dazu auch noch optisch beeindrucken konnte.
May 3, 2024
I was skeptical at first because of the somewhat clunky opening, but it soon settles down into a terrific fantasy story that expands its scope immensely each chapter.
I got this just because it sounded interesting — teenager Zadie Lu is afraid of her own shadow, but that’s reasonable because her shadow is trying to kill her! Now THAT is an elevator pitch. I didn’t even realize it was written by the same guy who wrote the excellent Skyward, Vol. 1: My Low-G Life, which is about a teenage girl who survives the Earth’s gravity becoming just a fraction of what it was. A ludicrous premise but dang if he didn’t sell it, plus make it super interesting by examining all the permutations and consequences of that premise. Henderson does the same here with Shadecraft.
The story flows deftly from the mystery of what��s happening to figuring things out to the government getting involved to the many secrets of family and friends coming to light. (No pun intended.) It’s also frequently funny. I’m going to put this pic behind the spoiler tag because it’s a mild spoiler, but it made me laugh:
Anyway, highly recommend this. Also read Skyward.
I got this just because it sounded interesting — teenager Zadie Lu is afraid of her own shadow, but that’s reasonable because her shadow is trying to kill her! Now THAT is an elevator pitch. I didn’t even realize it was written by the same guy who wrote the excellent Skyward, Vol. 1: My Low-G Life, which is about a teenage girl who survives the Earth’s gravity becoming just a fraction of what it was. A ludicrous premise but dang if he didn’t sell it, plus make it super interesting by examining all the permutations and consequences of that premise. Henderson does the same here with Shadecraft.
The story flows deftly from the mystery of what��s happening to figuring things out to the government getting involved to the many secrets of family and friends coming to light. (No pun intended.) It’s also frequently funny. I’m going to put this pic behind the spoiler tag because it’s a mild spoiler, but it made me laugh:
Anyway, highly recommend this. Also read Skyward.
October 22, 2021
Zadie je studentka kterou poslední dobou pronásledují stíny až v jednu chvíli jí napadnou. Zmatená a bez svého bratra který leží v kómatu už delší dobu, zjistí že dokáže se stíny manipulovat a používat je i pro svou ochranu. No a aby toho nebylo málo tak zjistí že její brácha se vrátil do světa živých, ale bohužel jen jako stín a prakticky i jako její sidekick. Spolu se pak snaží zjistit co jsou zlé stíny zač a proč se je snaží zabít.
Henderson tu skvěle kombinuje jak rodinné drama o vypořádání se s ztrátou člena rodiny, ale i o zvládání života ve škole a to celé v mysteriózním a místy i vtipném příběhu, který se nebojí do mixu vtáhnout ani tajné organizace.
Je to fakt docela takový lehký miš-maš, který se v mythosu stínů a organizací bohužel nevrtá příliš do hloubky, ale za to se tu snaží dát lehce větší důraz na osobní i rodinné drama, což není na škodu. Spolu s příběhem co baví jde ruku v ruce i kresba která je hravá a když chce tak i značně atmosferická a to i díky parádnímu coloringu.
Jo bylo to hodně fajn, jen je škoda že Henderson se nechal slyšet na konci posledního sešitu, že i když chce pokračovat a má už návrhy na další storyliny, tak se pokračování až tak rychle nedočkáme, ale tak aspoň že jednou to přijde :D
Henderson tu skvěle kombinuje jak rodinné drama o vypořádání se s ztrátou člena rodiny, ale i o zvládání života ve škole a to celé v mysteriózním a místy i vtipném příběhu, který se nebojí do mixu vtáhnout ani tajné organizace.
Je to fakt docela takový lehký miš-maš, který se v mythosu stínů a organizací bohužel nevrtá příliš do hloubky, ale za to se tu snaží dát lehce větší důraz na osobní i rodinné drama, což není na škodu. Spolu s příběhem co baví jde ruku v ruce i kresba která je hravá a když chce tak i značně atmosferická a to i díky parádnímu coloringu.
Jo bylo to hodně fajn, jen je škoda že Henderson se nechal slyšet na konci posledního sešitu, že i když chce pokračovat a má už návrhy na další storyliny, tak se pokračování až tak rychle nedočkáme, ale tak aspoň že jednou to přijde :D
December 10, 2021
*A Thank you to Edelweiss+ and The publishers for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest and unbiased review*
Hello Fellow Readers,
I feel like it's been a while since I've read a comic or graphic novel but I was in the mood so I decided to Shadecraft would be the perfect to reintroduce myself to the genre. In this we meet Zadie a moody teenager whose brother is in a coma after a car accident. Zadie is convinced that the shadows are out to get her, but we soon find out it’s not some sinister being sending shadows after Zadie but Shadecraft being wielded by Zadie herself. The idea behind Shadecraft is pretty interesting and the power description is very cool and I would think very useful.
The story itself is just okay, I was interested at first but then I found myself just shaking my head at some parts thinking would this actually happen? I also felt like this first arc was a bit rushed, especially the ending. Zadie is a pretty good character and so is her brother but other than that no one else was that interesting. I am not sure I would continue reading the next one but volume one does set it up to where I am a little interesting in how it will go.
Overall, an okay graphic novel that just didn’t capture my attention but may capture yours.
Hello Fellow Readers,
I feel like it's been a while since I've read a comic or graphic novel but I was in the mood so I decided to Shadecraft would be the perfect to reintroduce myself to the genre. In this we meet Zadie a moody teenager whose brother is in a coma after a car accident. Zadie is convinced that the shadows are out to get her, but we soon find out it’s not some sinister being sending shadows after Zadie but Shadecraft being wielded by Zadie herself. The idea behind Shadecraft is pretty interesting and the power description is very cool and I would think very useful.
The story itself is just okay, I was interested at first but then I found myself just shaking my head at some parts thinking would this actually happen? I also felt like this first arc was a bit rushed, especially the ending. Zadie is a pretty good character and so is her brother but other than that no one else was that interesting. I am not sure I would continue reading the next one but volume one does set it up to where I am a little interesting in how it will go.
Overall, an okay graphic novel that just didn’t capture my attention but may capture yours.
February 14, 2024
I love the art work, love the family dynamics and the storytelling. The story is grounded in very real, tangible family relationships and emotions and that gives the fantastical elements from to breathe. The story deals with the incapacitation of a family member and how hard full time caregiving is, how it strains families. It's kind of an allegory for grief, how it bottles up inside you and spills out in unexpected ways. It threatens your relationships, your sense of normalcy, your ability to correctly interpret your surroundings. But by accepting that your life is forever changed and that grief is something that will live with you forever in some form, you can find a new normal. Really a wonderful book. I hope they make more!
May 24, 2022
A neurotic teenager trying to overcome a personal tragedy realizes malevolent shadows (that no one else notices) are literally stalking her. Her classmates turn on her and her family thinks she is being selfish. A school guidance counselor takes a sudden interest, leading the girl into a Stranger Things-style government conspiracy involving her comatose brother and her parents. Starts off well enough but moves far too quickly (even for a comic) to allow the characters to develop in a remotely plausible way. It will be worth reading Volume 2 to see if the series can settle into a good story without simply rushing from plot twist to plot twist.
February 24, 2023
It's a fun read with decent artwork but I guess I read to much manga and watch too much anime because the story felt like nothing special.
It's well done. but there are so many similar series.
It's well done. but there are so many similar series.
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