ADVANCED REVIEW: 'Shadowman' #1 by Cullen Bunn, Jon Davis-Hunt, and Jordie Bellaire

From the bestselling master of horror Cullen Bunn (Venom) and bone-chilling artist Jon Davis-Hunt (Clean Room) comes a shocking supernatural odyssey.

Jack Boniface is SHADOWMAN, a powerful protector who keeps humanity safe from the demons that claw at the fabric of our reality. The forces of darkness are awakening and they are hungry for life. Will Shadowman be able to save us all, or will the darkness devour the world as we know it?

SHADOWMAN #1

Writer: Cullen Bunn

Artist: Jon Davis-Hunt

Colors by Jordie Bellaire

Letters by Clayton Cowles

Publisher: Valiant Comics

Release Date: April 28, 2021

Cover Price: $3.99

Score:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Shadowman has been one of the best characters in the Valiant Comics universe. The protector from New Orleans against demons and monsters that cross over from the deadside into our world has always been a great read steeped in magic and horror. One of comics' best writers of horror in Cullen Bunn reintroduces us to Jack Boniface aka Shadowman.

Underrated and under-the-radar, Valiant's Shadowman is a kind of a John Constantine whose power is based on voodoo. The shadow loa, to be precise, and that allows him to fight whatever evil emerges from the death realm. Bunn wastes no time showing readers what Shadowman is capable of as the issue opens up in a street fight against a murderous fanged-tooth beast. The bloody battle is swift but well-choreographed by Jon Davis-Hunt. The result of the altercation reveals a clue to a larger mystery. With the help of death itself, Baron Samedi, Boniface is off to investigate.

This engaging first issue moves quickly and feels like a pilot episode of a TV series because of the nature of its arc. It feels like everything is resolved until the very end. It's quite satisfying on its own but with enough mystery to want to see more. Bunn's writing is very lean and disciplined, moving the plot forward and sort of milking the horrific events that come Shadowman's way savoring every gruesome line made by Davis-Hunt and disgustingly colored by the brilliant Jordie Bellaire. The 'Eyes Wide Shut' if it was directed by David Cronenberg climax is as creepy, as gross, and as exciting as you'd hope. Bunn sets the tone for the series going forward. Prepare yourselves for some gory frightening delights to come.

'Shadowman' #1 is yet another great reintroduction of an underrated indie comic book character. Shadowman deserves more love from horror-action fans. Bunn, Davis-Hunt, and Bellaire deliver the goods in this action-packed gory horror mystery that will knock your socks off.

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