Shadowman #0

Writer: Justin Jordan Artist: Roberto de la Torre Publisher: Valiant Comics Release Date: May 1, 2013 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 13 User Reviews: 2
9.0Critic Rating
9.5User Rating

For hundreds of years the Shadowmen have guarded our world from the horrors of the nightmare realm known as the Deadside and opposed the mysterious sorcerer known only as Master Darque. Should Darque make his way to Earth, all life as we know it could cease to exist. But who is Master Darque? Where did he come from? And does current Shadowman Jack Boniface have any hope of defeating this seemingly unstoppable force? Don't miss this special standalone issue and discover why this is the series IGN calls "all kinds of great" right here in Shadowman #0!

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Gregg Katzman May 1, 2013

    Even if you haven't been following along in the series, this is an issue you can pick up and enjoy as a standalone. And if you're searching for a solid horror story, you should rush to your local shop right now. Engrossing, twisted and eerily gorgeous, this is an origin story that does Shadowman's villain total justice. It's a stellar story with equally impressive visuals and I absolutely recommend it. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Geekality - Worm VonChaos Apr 30, 2013

    I will begin with saying that I never read any of Valiants stuff from the 90s and have been causeous to try this new stuff but after reading this I may have to look deeper into the company. The story starts with a family practicing magic on a plantation in Louisiana set in the early 1800s. Everything was going great as the siblings trained with their Father until their eighteenth birthdays came and changed everything. Jordans story flowed and stayed interesting from cover to cover. The art team created gorgeous images all set with dark deep colors setting the tone for what will become a shadowy brooding story. The character and background design set the theme of the period perfectly. This isnt something I would normally pick up but like I said I may have to change that after reading this issue. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Bloody Disgusting - BigJ May 2, 2013

    There isn't a moment inside the pages of Shadowman #0 that doesn't grab readers by the throat, as this book holds them hostage until the final panel. This standalone issue could be one of the best comics of the entire year, and is the perfect jumping on point for new readers to get acquainted with one of comics greatest villains. Shadowman #0 is a riveting piece of comics storytelling that is simply flawless, and for that the creative team deserves a standing ovation. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal May 1, 2013

    This zero issue might be a bit of a lie and really could have easily been the next issue in the ongoing numbering, but it works either way. I thought it kicked a lot of ass and showed off the range Justin Jordan has as a writer. Now that he’s solo on the series, I’m actually looking forward to seeing what he can do that’s outside of his norm and I think this is a prime example of it. If you’re new to Shadowman then this is a great issue to jump on board with. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Multiversity Comics - David Harper and Brandon Burpee May 2, 2013

    Shadowman #0 was the definition of solid character work. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Comic Book Bin - Andy Frisk May 19, 2013

    Another masterful entrance into the already amazing library of new Valiant books and titles, Shadowman #0 is another one that will stand the test of time as a work of sequential art, and be heralded as one of the most important issues of the new Valiant U. Read Full Review

  • 9.3
    Florida Geek Scene - Randall Austin May 8, 2013

    My fellow Ungrownups and Geeks, this issue of Shadowman is truly a work of art. At a 9.33 average score, I believe that this is one my highest ratest comics. It's creepy, engaging, and worth your time. Shadowman is truly a comic that stands out from the rest.—RAN Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    IGN - Benjamin Bailey May 1, 2013

    The black, icky feeling that fills these pages is largely due to the art. As is becoming the norm for Valiant, there's a whole lot of artists jammed into this issue. There's four listed, although it seems like Robert De La Torre and Mico Suayan do the bulk of it. Regardless, the absolutely brilliant color work of David Baron ties this thing together in a bleak and ghastly package. Shadowman #0 looks incredible and stands on its own as a fantastic piece of comic book storytelling. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics Crux - Cal Cleary May 1, 2013

    I talked earlier about the combination of need, ego and tragedy that forges so many supervillains, and while Shadowman #0 sticks shockingly close to the established formula, they handle it with skill and a creeping sense of dread that fits well with the title. Shadowman is a solid series, especially for those who miss the mystic horror books of old, where men and women dove headfirst into the unknown and paid for their arrogance with blood, and while Shadowman #0 features nearly none of the books recurring cast or plots, its still a great place for new readers to start. Honestly, my biggest complaint is that it was too short I would happily have seen this issue turn into an entire arc, an entire title in and of itself. Heres to hoping Jordan can keep the interest of fans Shadowman #0 surely picks up. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Culture Mass - Brian Martin May 1, 2013

    Shadowman #0 is a moody, dark origin story for the series' villain, managing to humanize Master Darque without devaluing him as an antagonist. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Read Comic Books - Jeremy Matcho May 1, 2013

    This really is an excellent read. Justin Jordan has been putting out solid issues since this title started, and is making sure that Jack Boniface has a good, fleshed out nemesis. Jordan is doing exactly what the zero issues were intended to do, giving more depth and understanding to complicated characters. Once this title gets consistent art again, it will be a slam dunk. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Booked - David Vandervliet May 4, 2013

    Once again Valiant knocks it out of the park. They continue to engage readers with strong characters and engrossing stories. If you haven't yet picked up a Valiant comic, this is the time to do so. This summer, the Valiant line will break out with even more great characters getting their own titles, and will be leading up to something huge. You want to be able to say that you were there at the beginning, don't you? Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Book Resources - Greg McElhatton May 6, 2013

    "Shadowman" #0 is a pleasing if extremely dark comic, no pun intended. The Darques are hardly a character that you want to read about for too long, but this one-off story giving their story comes at just the right moment in the narrative. Hopefully we'll see this information integrated back into the rest of the series before too long. All in all, another solid issue from the comic. Read Full Review

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