The Shade #5

Writer: James Robinson Artist: Javier Pulido Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: February 29, 2012 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 9 User Reviews: 2
8.7Critic Rating
7.5User Rating

The Shade's quest to find out who ordered his assassination takes him to Barcelona, where he stumbles upon a decades-old feud between a teenaged vampire and her archenemy. What does this feud have to do with the Shade's origin? A crucial piece of the puzzle is revealed here!

  • 10
    Outer Realm Comics - Charles Joy Mar 1, 2012

    This series is definitely worth picking up. Now that the entire 12 Issue series has been confirmed, and a trade is on the horizon, many of you may be waiting for the collection. While I plan on purchasing the collection as well, I do believe, if you have the ability to get copies of this, and the previous four issues, it is well worth your time. As I stated above, the story, the pacing and the intent of this series has really started to solidify. With only 7 issues left, I would certainly prefer having a piece of the story, a little at a time, rather than wait for the trade to release - 8+ months is a long time to wait for such a fantastic series! Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Sara 'Babs' Lima Feb 29, 2012

    Robinson's grasp and love for The Shade spills onto the pages of this issue. There is an incredible amount of care and thought that has gone into establishing this character and crafting his story and it is obvious. Robinson continues to deliver a debonair and charming character while keeping perfect pacing and delivering an exciting story. It's hard to believe that Robinson could top the last few issues of THE SHADE but he has certainly done so with the fifth issue. Beautiful art, wonderfully crafted story. Do this book justice by picking up the first four issues, although this isn't an altogether bad place to jump into the book. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Mar 5, 2012

    There are some books that I read that I can't wait to review. Books that are so surprising or so overlooked that you just want to go online and sing their praises. The Shade is one of those comics, and the reason why is because of the artwork. Comics are a cutthroat business, and in an age of exclusives, shrinking budgets and long-standing alliances, nothing's tougher to secure than talent. But DC has really knocked this Moneyball out of the park with Javier Pulido, a trend I hope to see continue. There are too many excellent artists toiling in obscurity, and it's ironic that an artist like Pulido is shining his brightest with a hero that lives in shadow. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    IGN - Joey Esposito Feb 29, 2012

    There's a lot of people out there passing on this series; if you're any sort of self-respecting comic fan that knows superhero comics can be so much more than "the norm" of dudes punchin' stuff, buying this book is the way to make sure we get more titles like it. Read Full Review

  • 8.9
    Crave Online - Andy Hunsaker Mar 1, 2012

    The Shade is a delightful book, even when it deals with crimes of a hideous nature. It has a vocabulary and is not afraid to use it, and that's to be commended. And yet, it deflates itself whenever there's any inclination toward pretentiousness. It's just good reading. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Minhquan Nguyen Mar 3, 2012

    I must echo the sentiments of other reviewers out there in my dismay at how poorly the sales are faring for this series, because it is one of the best things DC is putting out on a textual and artistic level. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Eye On Comics - Don MacPherson Mar 7, 2012

    DC ought to give some serious consideration to giving La Sangre her own title and tasking Robinson with crafting such a series. Given the evidence in The Shade #5, it would be eminently readable and possibly one of the most unconventional, best and most unique super-hero titles the publisher could offer. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton Feb 29, 2012

    "The Shade" #5 is, once again, a strong issue from Robinson and his artistic collaborators. It's frustrating to see such a good comic not getting the sales attention it deserves (is everyone waiting for a hopefully-matching hardcover to go next to their "Starman Omnibus" volumes?), because even a slightly-slower issue of "The Shade" is still required reading in my world. It's not too late; check out "The Shade" for yourself. I don't think you'll be sorry. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson Mar 3, 2012

    The Shade #5 isn't quite as engaging as last issue, but still makes for an entertaining read, and looks phenomenal throughout. Read Full Review

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