Skip to main content

REVIEW: 'Book of Shadows' #1 by Cullen Bunn, Vicente Cifuentes, and Dave Filardi

 


BOOK OF SHADOWS #1

Written by CULLEN BUNN

Art by VICENTE CIFUENTES

Colors by DAVE FILARDI

Letters by DAVE SHARPE

Cover A by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE

Cover B by ADAM GORHAM

Cover C by TRAVIS ESCARFULLERY

Pre-order Cover by KELLEY JOMES

Shadowman. Eternal Warrior. Punk Mambo. Doctor Mirage. The supernatural protectors of the Valiant Universe unite for the very first time to stand against a terrifying ancient threat: Exarch Fane. No one is safe as the fearsome foe has his cold hands on the Book of Shadows.

Master of horror Cullen Bunn and bone-chilling artist Vicente Cifuentes present BOOK OF SHADOWS, a supernatural event that forms a brand-new team in the Valiant Universe… but will they be enough to stop Fane’s wrath?

On sale July 27th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Score:
★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

QUICK REVIEW: After a thrilling first arc of 'Shadowman,' Cullen Bunn is ushering in a team-up of epic proportions from all corners of the Valiant supernatural universe. Consider it the Bunn-verse, if you will, as Shadowman joins forces with the Eternal Warrior, Punk Mambo, Doctor Mirage, and the embodiment of the Deadside -- Persephone, to take on a raging force of evil unleashed by Exarch Fane himself. 

This first issue is wall-to-wall action with a cleverly intertwined plot that's revealed in-between confrontations. The team's distrust of Persephone is apparent as she tries to do her best to show she belongs among them. She's Shadowman's responsibility and so far, she's shown to be a powerful ally. The personalities mix well and the constant threats enable them to show what each can do. 

Vicente Cifuentes designs some beautifully horrific monsters and some dramatic magical moments that are enlivened by Dave Filardi's colors. The composition of these panels is so well spaced that the team never feels stuffed together but rather, is given the real estate to stand apart. The fighting is also well choreographed and impactful. Seeing Eternal Warrior go head-to-head against Fane is especially fierce and demonstrates the magical power Fane wields. 

'Book of Shadows' lives up to the hype Valiant promised and who better to bring this supernatural A-team to life than Cullen Bunn. It's an action-packed adventure featuring some of the best characters Valiant has to offer.  New and old fans alike, will love this supernatural team-up. 


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

REVIEW: 'Little Monsters' #1 by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen

  LITTLE MONSTERS #1 Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Dustin Nguyen Publisher: Image Comics Release Date: March 9, 2022 Cover Price: $3.99 They are the last children on Earth... who also happen to be vampires. For longer than they can remember, these child vampires have lived a life of eternal wonder amongst the ruins of humanity. But shocking events fracture the group and set them on a path of discovery that will shatter their innocence forever. Score: ★★★★1/2 (4.5/5) There are certain comic book creators whose books I'll pick up without hesitation. One of those creators is Jeff Lemire. He instills confidence knowing that his stories will be thoughtful and engaging. You add a talented artist like Dustin Nguyen on another collaborative effort and well, 'Little Monsters,' is a must-buy. I know, shocking.   They team up again with an intriguing post-apocalyptic vampire tale featuring "the last children on Earth" who've been left to their own devices among the ruin...

PREVIEW: 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Omnibus, Vol. 1

Explore never-before-seen adventures of the hit Paramount+ show in this graphic novel omnibus! Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Omnibus, Vol. 1 Writers: Mike Johnson, Kristen Beyer, Ryan Parrot Artists: Megan Levens, Angel Hernandez Publisher: IDW Publishing Trade Paperback: August 20, 2025, $24.99 First, in The Illyrian Enigma, set between seasons one and two, Una is accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet and Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove her innocence. But when Captain Pike and the crew of the Enterprise get caught in the Pryllia colony, home to the elusive Illyrians, the mission objective quickly shifts from gathering evidence to exonerate Una to…breaking out. Then, in The Scorpius Run, set course with Captain Pike and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise to the Scorpius Constellation as they become the first Federation vessel to explore this uncharted region of space! In this romp across the stars, the Enterprise crew learn what i...

Aliens & Humans Make Forbidden Contact In Graphic Novel STAR-CROSSED

 First Contact Evolves Into An Interstellar Romance In An Epic Sci-Fi Adventure This February 2024 Internationally renowned publisher Humanoids announced today STAR-CROSSED , a brand new original sci-fi graphic novel from highly acclaimed writer Jerry Frissen and artist Roberto Zaghi, about an impossible interstellar romance set in the near future where humanity has made contact with an alien civilization. Landing in stores February 2024.  The dawn of a new era for humanity has arrived. First contact has been made with an advanced alien species known as the Eo’Tarx, and the two civilizations begin the path toward understanding. CIA linguist Danko Orton is dispatched, tasked with studying communication with the Eo’Tarx alongside his alien counterpart No’mi.  But their work is quickly disrupted when it becomes clear that the two are attracted to one another, despite all barriers and obstacles. Will No’mi and Danko’s blossoming love compromise everything they’ve...