REVIEW: 'Shadowman' #5 by Cullen Bunn, Pedro Andreo, and Jordie Bellaire

 

SHADOWMAN #5

Writer: Cullen Bunn

Artist: Pedro Andreo, Jordie Bellaire

Letters: Clayton Cowles

Publisher: Valiant Comics

Release Date: January 19, 2022

Cover Price: $3.99

Terror takes over the Valiant Universe.

The critically-acclaimed series returns as master of horror Cullen Bunn unleashes a twisted tale for Shadowman and Deadside...

Featuring haunting artwork by rising star Pedro Andreo!

Score:

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

After a thrilling first arc, Cullen Bunn is back to usher another arc and the beginning of the Deadside War in Valiant's 'Shadowman' #5. Along with artists Jon Davis-Hunt and Jordie Bellaire, the latest relaunch of the supernatural hero found Jack Boniface aka Shadowman battling the monsters that have breached the veil from the Deadside. With issue #5, new artist Pedro Andreo takes over for Davis-Hunt as the threat from the Deadside escalates and Shadowman may not be able to broker a peace deal. 

Shadowman is one of Valiant's coolest characters, reminiscent of John Constantine but with extraordinary fighting prowess capable of manifesting weapons to slice and dice otherworldly beings. Along with Baron Samedi, the two traveled the world in this first arc tracking down these openings that emerged where monsters from the Deadside escaped. This arc takes Shadowman directly to the Deadside to face them directly but not necessarily to destroy them. It's a refreshing turn to have such a badass central figure at least attempt a compromise to avoid war altogether. And in some ways, the dead have a decent argument for trying to exist on this side of the veil but it's not meant to be. It's quite the quandary for Shadowman as his peace talks may be completely in vain. 

Valiant calls Pedro Andreo a rising star but if this issue is any indication, Andreo has arrived. His style differs somewhat from Davis-Hunt but the quality is just as good. Very clean lines, great composition, and effective characterizations are highlights but where Andreo shines is in the macabre and terrifying. The zombies and monsters are the draw here and it just heightens Bunn's story. Bellaire as usual provides some dynamic colors with some scenes coded in a particular hue. Bold rich colors create a dark and harrowing atmosphere that conveys the supernatural tone perfectly. 

'Shadowman' #5 picks up where the last arc ended with even greater purpose as Shadowman pushes back on the emerging monsters from the Deadside. Valiant always makes their titles easy to jump aboard with brief summaries that enable new readers and returning ones to catch up in no time. This is good news because this new arc promises to be an epic battle in the making. With a fast-paced story and horrifying visuals, Shadowman is primed to be the action-horror comic of the year.