The Shadowman Cometh!

You Don't Know Jack...Yet

Valiant puts its most powerful supernatural foot forward this week. In the same vein as their triumphant reintroductions since March of 2017 with epic characters like X-O Manowar, Bloodshot (who might be looking more like Vin Diesel sooner than we think), Ninjak, and Quantum & Woody, this week we get the final Iconic release: Shadowman #1. Will this new ongoing series for the man whose weapon within threatens his soul while keeping the evils of the spirit realms at bay be the title to finally its hero justice?

Who is Jack Boniface? He’s an orphan raised in the cracks of society. Jack never knew his place in the world but his destiny had always been waiting. Jack Boniface was already chosen to become the next in a long line of people to carry the mantle of Shadowman. Now, more than a man, bound to violent voodoo spirits of incredible power, he is the safeguard from invaders of realms beyond those mortals can comprehend. For years, Jack Boniface suffered to control the loa’s murderous urges. And he lost. He exiled himself to a place between life and death, known as the Deadside. Now, Jack returns. And he’s ready to turn the loa’s power into a force that will send shockwaves through heaven and hell.

Shadowman has the potential to be a cult hit. Tied to the culture of the bayou, dealing in a horrific corner that no other Valiant character goes as extreme into, Jack Boniface should be a breakout character. Unfortunately, his 2012 series marked one of the lower points for a publisher that tends to miss small, if at all. Except the beauty of comics is that a great character always comes around again. How many characters have gotten second, third, and fourth chances to breakthrough? You can’t kill a good concept and character forever (just look at Marvel and DC if you don’t believe me). This week, scribe Andy Diggle (Green Arrow: Year One) and superstar artist Stephen Segovia (Action Comics) look to bring Shadowman #1 to the top of your buy piles. Pick it up or you may need to keep an eye on the shadows…

About Matthew Klein 183 Articles

Matthew is a New York based writer and producer. He's got his own homegrown company, Reign Or Shine Productions that makes kickass theatre and podcasts. For the last couple years he's been working in sales at Valiant Entertainment, seeing comic shops and working at cons all over the country (plus Canada). He loves all things Batman, Valiant, pro-wrestling related and believes in the tooth fairy.