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Shadowman (2018) #3
Shadowman, Vol. 3: Rag and Bone
Bones are buried for a reason...
Shadowman is back in New Orleans and with a better handle on his powerful abilities, just in time for a
war like no other! The vicious battle between the Brethren and the Abettors over the ultimate magical
artifact – the remains of Shadowman's arch-nemesis, Master Darque – will impact the future of the Valiant Universe, so will the formidable foe return from the dead, or will his bones be destroyed once and for all?
Collects SHADOWMAN (2018) #8-11.
Shadowman is back in New Orleans and with a better handle on his powerful abilities, just in time for a
war like no other! The vicious battle between the Brethren and the Abettors over the ultimate magical
artifact – the remains of Shadowman's arch-nemesis, Master Darque – will impact the future of the Valiant Universe, so will the formidable foe return from the dead, or will his bones be destroyed once and for all?
Collects SHADOWMAN (2018) #8-11.
112 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2019
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Andy Diggle
530 books172 followersAndy Diggle is a British comic book writer and former editor of 2000 AD. He is best known for his work on The Losers,Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Adam Strange and Silent Dragon at DC Comics and for his run on Thunderbolts and Daredevil after his move to Marvel.
In 2013 Diggle left writing DC's Action Comics and began working with Dynamite Entertainment, writing a paranormal crime series Uncanny. He is also working on another crime series with his wife titled Control that is set to begin publishing in 2014.
In 2013 Diggle left writing DC's Action Comics and began working with Dynamite Entertainment, writing a paranormal crime series Uncanny. He is also working on another crime series with his wife titled Control that is set to begin publishing in 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 27, 2021
I feel that with this latest run, Shadowman is back on track for the first time since the 90's Valiant series. It's settled back into its horror roots quite nicely. You can definitely tell Diggle once wrote Hellblazer as this series has a similar vibe to it.
Here Shadowman and Alyssa have to take Master Darque's remains back from Sandria Darque to stop the Brethren from resurrecting Master Darque. There's enough twists to keep things interesting. Renato Guedes art has this nice texture to it that really fits with the supernatural vibe of the comic.
Received a review copy from Valiant and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Here Shadowman and Alyssa have to take Master Darque's remains back from Sandria Darque to stop the Brethren from resurrecting Master Darque. There's enough twists to keep things interesting. Renato Guedes art has this nice texture to it that really fits with the supernatural vibe of the comic.
Received a review copy from Valiant and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
February 19, 2019
Rag and Bone establishes a new status quo for Shadowman, ending the series on a positive note which is sure to please long term readers.
The story is pretty straight forward; Jack Boniface and Alyssa Miles must put a stop to the Brethren, a conglomerate of evildoers who are intent on resurrecting the deceased Master Darque (the big bad of the shadow-side of the Valiant universe). To do this, Jack and Alyssa are to track down Darque’s remains and seal them inside a mystical prison. However straight forward this may seem, neither expected to be thwarted by Darque’s sister, Sandria!
Rag and Bone lacks depth. The plot is largely linear and aside from small glimpses of a new character in Nil, not much happens to progress the Shadowman lore or add to the continuity. Sure, Jack’s on a path to redemption, but new readers won’t really get that with books such as Shadowman: End Times, Ninjak Vol.6: The Seven Blades of Master Darque, and Rapture playing heavily into the backstory.
My rating: 3/5 stars. A good, easy-flowing read which feels more fantastical than it does horror. I like where Rag and Bones leaves Shadowman and I’m interested to see what the publisher (Valiant) does with the character next.
The story is pretty straight forward; Jack Boniface and Alyssa Miles must put a stop to the Brethren, a conglomerate of evildoers who are intent on resurrecting the deceased Master Darque (the big bad of the shadow-side of the Valiant universe). To do this, Jack and Alyssa are to track down Darque’s remains and seal them inside a mystical prison. However straight forward this may seem, neither expected to be thwarted by Darque’s sister, Sandria!
Rag and Bone lacks depth. The plot is largely linear and aside from small glimpses of a new character in Nil, not much happens to progress the Shadowman lore or add to the continuity. Sure, Jack’s on a path to redemption, but new readers won’t really get that with books such as Shadowman: End Times, Ninjak Vol.6: The Seven Blades of Master Darque, and Rapture playing heavily into the backstory.
My rating: 3/5 stars. A good, easy-flowing read which feels more fantastical than it does horror. I like where Rag and Bones leaves Shadowman and I’m interested to see what the publisher (Valiant) does with the character next.
March 7, 2019
Decent but nowhere near vol. 1 in terms of plotting, characterization and, above all, art.
February 9, 2019
This is another great volume in the Shadowman series from Valiant Comics. If you like the Shadowman series then this is a must read. Plenty of excellent twists, turns and creatures from the other side.
February 24, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a free ecopy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Volume 3 brings us back to the present after exploring the past of Shadowman and the origins of his loa. This time Jack and Alyssa are taking on Sandria Darque to prevent the resurrection of her brother.
I liked this arc quite a bit. Jack is learning. He is definitely making strides with the loa and developing on his own. Alyssa is a great companion for him. They seem to complement each other rather well. Her skills certainly come in handy during this storyline. I almost would have preferred a story that didn't involve the Darques because they have been used a lot in relation to Jack. It's fine though. I still liked what was put together in this book. And it is nice to see an end of sorts to the Baron Samedi plotline.
Volume 3 brings us back to the present after exploring the past of Shadowman and the origins of his loa. This time Jack and Alyssa are taking on Sandria Darque to prevent the resurrection of her brother.
I liked this arc quite a bit. Jack is learning. He is definitely making strides with the loa and developing on his own. Alyssa is a great companion for him. They seem to complement each other rather well. Her skills certainly come in handy during this storyline. I almost would have preferred a story that didn't involve the Darques because they have been used a lot in relation to Jack. It's fine though. I still liked what was put together in this book. And it is nice to see an end of sorts to the Baron Samedi plotline.
July 25, 2019
Jack and Alyssa find themselves trapped within a three-way battle between the Abettors, Sandria Darque, and the Brethren, with the fate of both our world and the Deadside as the prize! Only Jack's newfound partnership with his Loa stand between them and utter destruction as Shadowman's latest ongoing series comes to a conclusion!
Shadowman's most definitely back on track. With Andy Diggle's run here, he's been re-positioned as one of the core Valiant heroes as he should be. There's a sense of finality about the proceedings here, that the book on the Darques and Jack's vendetta against them is well and truly closed (although Master Darque's far too good a villain to be down for long), so I'll be really interested to see where Valiant take him next.
Of course, the story itself is great too. There's a lot packed into these four issues, especially considering it all looks pretty complete by the end of issue 10 - only to have some last minute twists and turns take place in the final issue. It's a rollercoaster ride, but it's a lot of fun while it lasts.
On art, Renato Guedes takes most of the story with his unique visual style that seems like a cross between painting and digital rendering. Meanwhile Eric Battle also takes a few pages of the second half of the story - he's a bit like an unrefined Mark Bagley, which sounds like a dig, but it's really not.
Shadowman's been on a journey since Valiant's reboot a few years ago, but with this series, and this final volume, he's well and truly back where he's meant to be.
Shadowman's most definitely back on track. With Andy Diggle's run here, he's been re-positioned as one of the core Valiant heroes as he should be. There's a sense of finality about the proceedings here, that the book on the Darques and Jack's vendetta against them is well and truly closed (although Master Darque's far too good a villain to be down for long), so I'll be really interested to see where Valiant take him next.
Of course, the story itself is great too. There's a lot packed into these four issues, especially considering it all looks pretty complete by the end of issue 10 - only to have some last minute twists and turns take place in the final issue. It's a rollercoaster ride, but it's a lot of fun while it lasts.
On art, Renato Guedes takes most of the story with his unique visual style that seems like a cross between painting and digital rendering. Meanwhile Eric Battle also takes a few pages of the second half of the story - he's a bit like an unrefined Mark Bagley, which sounds like a dig, but it's really not.
Shadowman's been on a journey since Valiant's reboot a few years ago, but with this series, and this final volume, he's well and truly back where he's meant to be.
October 2, 2021
Very good… but next to the first two installments, a big disappointing. Kind of rushed. I could tell Diggle didn’t have the issues and pages to tell the full story he wanted to tell. That last issue did a LOT of work.
Still… it was really cool and exciting. I definitely wasn’t bored. I expect I’ll reread this one again some day soon. It was a stellar followup to the Jordan run (that Milligan shit didn’t happen!)
Happy reading
Still… it was really cool and exciting. I definitely wasn’t bored. I expect I’ll reread this one again some day soon. It was a stellar followup to the Jordan run (that Milligan shit didn’t happen!)
Happy reading
May 30, 2021
The ending of the series seemed a little abrupt, making me wonder if it was the planned ending or if they had to wrap it up quickly for editorial reasons. At least it was an ending though, which is much better than a cliffhanger.
Overall I loved the painted art segments, and this series was a great addition to the Shadowman universe.
Overall I loved the painted art segments, and this series was a great addition to the Shadowman universe.
March 31, 2019
Shadowman Vol.3 finds Shadowman back from the Dreamside with Master Darque's bones. Darque's bones become an artifact of dissension, as the remaining Abettors are under attack by the Brethren who want to bring Darque back. Shadowman is finally given a choice to join with the Loa that rides him or embrace his freedom. Dark and action packed, the Shadowman thrills and entertains in a long coming reckoning of the forces of darkness. Nice sketchwork darkened with a stippling color effect provides the mood and backdrop for the next exciting chapter of the Shadowman. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
March 25, 2019
"Do That Voodoo That You Do So Well."
This volume collects Issues 8 - 11 of the "Rag and Bone" arc, and concludes that arc, but there's enough intro and up-front monologuing that a complete newcomer to the Shadowman world could easily get up to speed and follow the plot and action. And that's all good because this is a fun read.
The Brethren, (bad guys), and the Abettors, (good guys), are duking it out over some powerful artifact, and Shadowman and Alyssa are in the middle. Shadowman is still angsty about the loa he's carrying around, and while he has sort of defeated Darque, now he has to deal with Darque's sister, who's even more dangerous and sinister. And now you're up to speed.
The fun part is that Shadowman is an interesting guy, and his torment about being bonded with a loa is low key and pops in and out of the story when needed and appropriate. Otherwise, he's all action, cunning, and snappy patter. Almost better, his gal pal Alyssa is powerful, smart, and totally pulls her own weight as an actioner. They make a sexy, and well matched, team, which is a real bonus.
The tale is well paced and well balanced. You get exposition, action, demon fighting, villain monologuing, voodoo and magic, pocket universes, macguffins, conspiracies, car chases, weird locations, and a disembodied talking head - so there's plenty to see and do.
The art is interesting. Careful attention has been paid to the characters, and they are much more expressive, (lots of close-ups), than seems usual. Panels vary a good deal; some seem almost photorealistic and some seem surreal or not entirely finished, (like they were colored outside the lines), and the overall look of the art is, literally, on the dark side. Some of the big splash pages are arresting and occasionally the level of detail is remarkable.
So, in terms of characters, story, and execution this turned out to be a nice find and a nice change of pace from the more usual hero/adventure types of tales. A good find. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This volume collects Issues 8 - 11 of the "Rag and Bone" arc, and concludes that arc, but there's enough intro and up-front monologuing that a complete newcomer to the Shadowman world could easily get up to speed and follow the plot and action. And that's all good because this is a fun read.
The Brethren, (bad guys), and the Abettors, (good guys), are duking it out over some powerful artifact, and Shadowman and Alyssa are in the middle. Shadowman is still angsty about the loa he's carrying around, and while he has sort of defeated Darque, now he has to deal with Darque's sister, who's even more dangerous and sinister. And now you're up to speed.
The fun part is that Shadowman is an interesting guy, and his torment about being bonded with a loa is low key and pops in and out of the story when needed and appropriate. Otherwise, he's all action, cunning, and snappy patter. Almost better, his gal pal Alyssa is powerful, smart, and totally pulls her own weight as an actioner. They make a sexy, and well matched, team, which is a real bonus.
The tale is well paced and well balanced. You get exposition, action, demon fighting, villain monologuing, voodoo and magic, pocket universes, macguffins, conspiracies, car chases, weird locations, and a disembodied talking head - so there's plenty to see and do.
The art is interesting. Careful attention has been paid to the characters, and they are much more expressive, (lots of close-ups), than seems usual. Panels vary a good deal; some seem almost photorealistic and some seem surreal or not entirely finished, (like they were colored outside the lines), and the overall look of the art is, literally, on the dark side. Some of the big splash pages are arresting and occasionally the level of detail is remarkable.
So, in terms of characters, story, and execution this turned out to be a nice find and a nice change of pace from the more usual hero/adventure types of tales. A good find. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 19, 2019
Can say much good about this one. First, I wasn’t able to read vol. 2 because of an error from the publisher who put vol. 1, again and not vol. 2 on NetGalley. So I was a bit lost in the story. The story was still alright but a bit repetitive and not has epic as the first, less Voodoo relation also. All that make vol. 1 great was loss or diminish here! Second, the illustration style was not even close to be as good, I think they change the illustrator, not entirely sure, but from what I’ve seen it look like it... The new style was kind of granular and less spectacular in term of color intensity. All those points make me lose a lot of interest for this book and this series that I first like a lot! I might try vol. 4 if there is one one day, but I’m not sure if I will continue after it. Give vol. 1 a try, it worth it and then follow your own opinion as to continue or not from what you’ve seen!
November 17, 2019
'Shadowman, Vol. 3: Rag and Bone' with story by Andy Diggle and art by Renato Guedes is a continuation of the recent reboot of the series.
Shadowman is back from being recently dead. He barely has a chance to get his feet under him and finds he's in a war. Master Darque is gone, but Shadowman and Angela are on a mission to take hold of the remains. There is danger and treachery everywhere on this one, and Shadowman barely has control of his loa.
This has been a pretty good series and I like the largeness of the story. I also like the textured looking art that Renato Guedes gives here. It's interesting how it changes style at particular moments, too.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Valiant Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Shadowman is back from being recently dead. He barely has a chance to get his feet under him and finds he's in a war. Master Darque is gone, but Shadowman and Angela are on a mission to take hold of the remains. There is danger and treachery everywhere on this one, and Shadowman barely has control of his loa.
This has been a pretty good series and I like the largeness of the story. I also like the textured looking art that Renato Guedes gives here. It's interesting how it changes style at particular moments, too.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Valiant Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
February 6, 2021
I read all 3 volumes as one deluxe edition, but I can't find it here, so...
Well, this might have been fun if it didn't drag this much. I felt like it was way longer than it should have been, but that some questions still remained unanswered, or that even some characters appeared out of the blue and are now, all of a sudden important for the story, but I actually had no idea who they were.
I also wasn't really mad about the art, but even worse was the constant change of the style. I needed a bit more of consistency there is all.
Well, this might have been fun if it didn't drag this much. I felt like it was way longer than it should have been, but that some questions still remained unanswered, or that even some characters appeared out of the blue and are now, all of a sudden important for the story, but I actually had no idea who they were.
I also wasn't really mad about the art, but even worse was the constant change of the style. I needed a bit more of consistency there is all.
March 3, 2019
The final third of this forgettable dark fantasy. It has some of the flavour of the first book in the set, and I liked the artwork a lot with its faux-watercolour appearance, but it won't stick in the mind. Part two was still utter tosh, if it needs repeating.
November 11, 2021
Rag & Bone (#8-11). A Confrontation with the Darques and the various secret societies running around Shadowman? This is really what the comic has been building too, and if a bit rushed, it's still a fine finale [4/5].
April 19, 2019
A good Shadowman story...I'm just not super into the Darkside and this world.
April 23, 2019
The moment I started reading this Shadowman (2018) series, I had mixed reactions. The first TPB was confusing, the second one was revealing and this one I loved it.
Well, I know that was quite a build-up but frankly, I was expecting more. I was expecting to read more revelations, more action and more of the African folklore to be incorporated but ultimately it was my mistake to expect. Since the previous two TPB's set a high benchmark this one was okayish for me.
Nevertheless, it wasn't that disappointing. There were quite a good character development and character arcs. The art was as usual fantastic. Hope, to read an improved 4th TPB.
Well, I know that was quite a build-up but frankly, I was expecting more. I was expecting to read more revelations, more action and more of the African folklore to be incorporated but ultimately it was my mistake to expect. Since the previous two TPB's set a high benchmark this one was okayish for me.
Nevertheless, it wasn't that disappointing. There were quite a good character development and character arcs. The art was as usual fantastic. Hope, to read an improved 4th TPB.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews