REVIEW: 'Shadecraft' #2 by Joe Henderson, Lee Garbett, and Antonio Fabela

 As if surviving high school wasn't hard enough, now Zadie has to contend with killer shadow monsters too. On the upside, her own shadow has come to life and is determined to protect her. So that should even things out...right? But what is up with the new school guidance counselor, who seems to know a lot more than she lets on??

SHADECRAFT #2

Writer: Joe Henderson

Artist: Lee Garbett, Antonio Fabela

Letters: Simon Bowland

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: April 28, 2021

Cover Price: $3.99

Score:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

QUICK REVIEW: 'Shadecraft' is evolving into a sweet story about siblings immersed in a strange supernatural phenomenon. Zadie Chu's brother Ricky has been in a coma ever since his car accident a year ago and now she feels as though shadows are trying to kill her. Under said threat, Ricky emerges as a shadow himself and now he must work with Zadie to find a way to not only fight off these killer shadows but return to his body. 

With Ricky living as Zadie's literal shadow now it's become a partnership full of melancholy but also laughs. Ricky was very popular and his sense of humor and charm are evidence to why. Henderson has always written great dialogue and the great chemistry between the siblings has elevated this series as an endearing, thoughtful, supernatural mystery. 

Lee Garbett and Antonio Fabela continue to do a fantastic job on the art. From cover to cover, the designs and colors are well thought out, paced exceptionally well, and exceptionally expressive. Two things stand out: the playful choreography of Ricky as a shadow comes across very funny without being too cartoony and the way grief is expressed and shown really grounds the series amid all the laughs and suspense. 

'Shadecraft' #2 shows us the bond between Zadie and Ricky and how they navigate this new partnership. Henderson gives this series a lot of heart as well as humor and suspense. Garbett and Fabela give it a look and design all their own while adding depth and emotion to the characters. 'Shadecraft' is immensely entertaining and charming.