Shades of Grey is a strong Trade with a lot to offer. The Marvel Digital Originals are an interesting experiment for Marvel. For those wondering I will explain the system, though Cloak and Dagger broke from the traditional method for this first arc. The MDO's work really smartly. There are 3 issues that span one arc. Each issue has 2 chapters that are the size a full monthly comic issue. The books come out for three months and on the 4th month, there is a paper trade you can by in your local comic shop. The individual chapters are all digital and purchased primarily through Marvel's online store.
Currently, the MDO line includes Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Daughter of the Dragon, and Cloak and Dagger. Basically, all the Marvel TV show books except Daredevil and Runaways because those books come out already in monthly paper issues. They have all been really strong and this system makes a lot of sense.
Overall this was a great book to bring back Cloak and Dagger. The story was high stakes and really helped returning and new readers find out just who these characters are. If you have picked up this trade expecting the same or similar story to Cloak & Dagger the TV show then you will be disappointed. However, if you remain open-minded you will still get a wonderful story and arc that takes you through the stages of an actual break up set to a superhero story with some fun horror elements thrown in.
Sometimes pacing and keeping certain panels straight can be a challenge. You may find yourself going back to get your baring on where the story is going, but what is always clear is the strain between Cloak and Dagger and how the villain of this story exposes them. Any Cloak and Dagger fan should be excited about this book and the future MDO arcs to come from this series and the other MDO books.
If you bought the books online and still want to keep a paper copy this series is worth the double dip but I wish Marvel could give us some ability to save on the paper copy if we already bought the digital. That would be perfect and I would happily through in an extra few bucks just to keep a paper copy on my shelf.
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By: Dennis Hopeless, David Messina
For years, Tyrone Johnson and Tandy Bowen waged a citywide war on drugs, organized crime and corporate greed as the inseparable duo Cloak and Dagger! Now, though, they have drifted apart - until a dangerous threat from their past resurfaces, forcing them to reunite and face their feelings! But there's a greater danger to their relationship than any...