Dynamite Entertainment 2016
Written by David Avallone
Illustrated by Dave Acosta
Coloured by Omi Remalante
Lettered by Taylor Esposito
After a raid on an American Nazi Camp, Margo Lane takes The Shadow to task for his lack of mercy and restraint. Their argument is interrupted by an explosion and a mysterious chemical weapons attack, and the next thing Kent Allard knows he is waking up in the body of his alter-Ego, Lamont Cranston. Confused by the transformation, and a little humbled to find himself a mere mortal, he seeks out Margo for help… but is again interrupted, this time by Shiwan Khan. In the melee that follows, “Lamont” and Khan tumble off a skyscraper balcony. Suddenly, The Shadow finds himself displaced again… this time to a radio studio… and another new perspective…
Think this is one of the most unique ways possible to demonstrate a character’s own journey of self-discovery. When a man has that whole crisis of conscience it’s bad but when it’s the Shadow it’s even worse. So I’m beyond thrilled by the fact that David has decided that in order for him to really discover the depths of himself to take him on this Twilight Zone journey. It’s incredibly creative, unique and amazing that it’s never been done before. As we see him journey through each incarnation of the Shadow’s life in various forms he begins to learn more and more about himself along the way.
Anyone who would take this journey will more than likely be affected in some way and that this isn’t as shall we say horrific as the original series was it’s still creepy as all get out. I love the concept that he knows who he is and is supplanting whatever various people he’s seeing himself as to truly understand the scope of the Shadow.
Now i’m a big fan of Dave’s and after his work on Chastity, and the sketch cover he did for me, i’ll follow his work anywhere. Still what he does here is stunning. That look of the man in the mirror is quintessential questioning and it just has this impact on the reader. Also I love his people, everyday average ordinary people they have that whole wonderful appeal that we need. Then of course there’s the clothing too which is what we now consider period but makes me long for it to be in fashion. His eye too wow he’s got such a great eye for storytelling and how to use the pages and panels for the most effective flow.
The dialogue and the encounter with the young fan was probably some of the best i’ve seen. This kid really understands the character and is saying things that he’s said to Margo and yet he’s realizing that perhaps sometimes his “normal” way may not always be the right way and that’s character growth you don’t get every day. It also makes me think of the old saying from the mouths of babes because sometimes it takes the innocent to show you how your influence and actions have different meaning to others.
This is by far one of my favourite limited series so far this year. It really is creative, original and completely thought provoking.