Shadowman 11 discussion

[rkjock1]

Talking about the issue itself. I released a big sigh of "whatever" after I was done. Everything was solid. Nothing was awful. But for $3.99 I need more than solid. In the end I have to believe this story will have no impact on the Valiant universe or even the Shadowman universe whatsoever.

I so badly wanted this issue to really be something unique, but I agree with you completely. SIGH!

[hawkeyeps]

^ I disagree, this was the first meeting of Dr.Mirage and Shadowman and that is sure to have much significance down the line.

[jmatt]

I enjoyed the issue. It was a filler story (as I was expecting) as they get the book back on its feet. I liked the art, too. And I don't know about you but I'm kinda digging the Dr. Mirage hotness... comics need cleavage!

But I was very jazzed right on the first page with the re-introduction of the inner monologue.

As for the cover, 10:31 is obviously Halloween. 5150 is the police code for an insane person on the loose.

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

Here are a couple of thoughts, some that have already been touched on.
1) Jack can't handle a couple of rogue spirits, or whatever they are, but can take out MASTER DARQUE?
2) I feel like Jack barely did anything, Dr. Mirage did all the heavy lifting.
3) Dr. Mirage is asian, not white.

Even after those cons, I feel this issue was still better than 1-9. O and 10 were amazing, and this was actually a pretty nice one shot. I miss just being able to pick up a single comic and read it. That NEVER happens anymore. Aside from everyone looking white, I didn't mind the art. The inner monologue definitely helped as well. As long as that gets to stay, we'll be able to learn so much more about Jack, and help endear us to him.

[jmatt]

I miss just being able to pick up a single comic and read it. That NEVER happens anymore.

I recently purchased two hardcover books of Strange Tales (horror from the 50s). Entire stories told in three to four pages. Perfect for reading on the can.

[kjjohanson]

^ I disagree, this was the first meeting of Dr.Mirage and Shadowman and that is sure to have much significance down the line.

I haven't re-read her earlier appearances, but I thought this was the case while reading it. Which made me wonder why she would recognize Shadowman.

[BugsySig]

Here are a couple of thoughts, some that have already been touched on.
1) Jack can't handle a couple of rogue spirits, or whatever they are, but can take out MASTER DARQUE?
2) I feel like Jack barely did anything, Dr. Mirage did all the heavy lifting.
3) Dr. Mirage is asian, not white.

Even after those cons, I feel this issue was still better than 1-9. O and 10 were amazing, and this was actually a pretty nice one shot. I miss just being able to pick up a single comic and read it. That NEVER happens anymore. Aside from everyone looking white, I didn't mind the art. The inner monologue definitely helped as well. As long as that gets to stay, we'll be able to learn so much more about Jack, and help endear us to him.

1) I figured since the spirits were possessing innocent bystanders Jack didn't want to hurt them. Hence why they were able to take his weapon, etc. Just a theory.

2) I actually don't mind depowering Jack a bit. He should be a little clueless at times as these powers and happenings are all new to him. I thinks thats something many of us have said about the character.

3) Agreed 150%

[hawkeyeps]

^ I disagree, this was the first meeting of Dr.Mirage and Shadowman and that is sure to have much significance down the line.

I haven't re-read her earlier appearances, but I thought this was the case while reading it. Which made me wonder why she would recognize Shadowman.

All though she had never actually met this Shadowman before she was aware of the Abettors and what they were all about, she had a meeting with Dox and they we're both familiar with one another.

[Sir Sandrick]

I enjoyed it and it felt very Halloween-y, like a holiday special on TV. It felt like "The Real Ghostbusters" with a lot of "@#%$" in it.

I did think that it was a little weird that they just finished the big story arch with Darque and deadside and now Jack is supposedly settling in to patrolling the night as Shadowman. It would be nice to see some episodic-type adventures of him encountering the darkness of human nature, kind of like the earlier Dexter episodes. I want to see him grow into the Shadowman role and have growing pains I guess. Still don't feel like I know Jack... lol

It was a fun read though and the art was pretty good for the most part. It was a little weird that there wan't that much profanity in previous issues and in this there was quite a bit. Apparently staying up all night makes Jack cranky...

[greg]

We POSSIBLY learned something here, though.

Dr. Mirage isn't mortal.

Dead? Immortal? Something else?

She says, "channeling that kind of spirit power through a mortal body must be a strain"

So, she isn't mortal or she'd already know what kind of strain it is.

[BugsySig]

We POSSIBLY learned something here, though.

Dr. Mirage isn't mortal.

Dead? Immortal? Something else?

She says, "channeling that kind of spirit power through a mortal body must be a strain"

So, she isn't mortal or she'd already know what kind of strain it is.

Interesting. I had read it as concern for Jack hosting the Shadowman Loa, but your point may make more sense...

[Keith]

Favorite Part: The rooftop chase followed by the plunge into the parade. That spread was great, and flashed me back to the VH1 Shadowman. Glad to hear that Jack is out patrolling as Shadowman, and I'd love to see him bust up some common day thugs that have zero connection to Master Darque. Let's make Shadowman a terror amongst the common New Orleans scum and villany!

Least Favorite Part: The Indistinct Powers. Aside from the ability to travel back and forth to Deadside and immunity to Darques power, do we really know what Shadowman can actually do? From this issue, it looks like he can interact with otherworldly beings invisible to others and zap lightning bolt-ish energy from his scythe. Personally, I'd like an explanation of just what makes Shadowman a Shadowman... be it his powers, how/why he changes, the gris gris in the pouches he wears, what's the scythe for, etc.

[bygranddesign]

Favorite Part: The rooftop chase followed by the plunge into the parade. That spread was great, and flashed me back to the VH1 Shadowman. Glad to hear that Jack is out patrolling as Shadowman, and I'd love to see him bust up some common day thugs that have zero connection to Master Darque. Let's make Shadowman a terror amongst the common New Orleans scum and villany!

Least Favorite Part: The Indistinct Powers. Aside from the ability to travel back and forth to Deadside and immunity to Darques power, do we really know what Shadowman can actually do? From this issue, it looks like he can interact with otherworldly beings invisible to others and zap lightning bolt-ish energy from his scythe. Personally, I'd like an explanation of just what makes Shadowman a Shadowman... be it his powers, how/why he changes, the gris gris in the pouches he wears, what's the scythe for, etc.

I agree ... but at least we got a little more indication on the extent of his powers. But definitely needs to be more well defined. In the previous shadowman, his power were really grounded ... but this new valiant universe has much more exaggerated powers for all the major characters (and the villains) and I think the same needs to be done for Shadowman. Dr. Mirage, btw, seems to have a kick *SQUEE* ability of exorcising demons ...she seems to be more powerful a character than Shadowman. How about giving that type of power to Shadowman? How would Shadowman have defeated the possessed kids if Dr. Mirage wasn't there??? Would he have had to kill the kids? Or do a Supernatural exorcism complete with devils trap, holy water and reading from ancient Latin??

Also ..another random thought ... I wonder if Dr. Mirage would have the power to exorcise the Spirit Loa out of Jack?

[Carson]

I wonder if Dr. Mirage would have the power to exorcise the Spirit Loa out of Jack?

Had the same thought. I don't see why not. Hell, he'll probably beg her too as soon a Milligan gets a hold of Jack.

[Scarabus]

I was let down by this issue, especially after Shadowman 10 which I loved. I don't understand how Jack can defeat Master Darque so easily yet in this issue, two little gremlins knock him out and steal his weapon sending him on a chase where he ends up begging for the weapon back. Wasn't feeling it. The dialogue made me cringe at points. Still, I know the character has potential and I eargerly await the new creative team on the book.

[Carson]

One thing that has already been said on this thread that might help you feel better about this issue - Shadowman didn't want to hurt the innocents that the creatures had taken over. They weren't like the lifeless deadside creatures that he so readily sliced through.

That said, I'm now feeling like it was an ok one-shot filler issue. But just ok. Some directional improvements were made (back in New Orleans, internal monologue) but it still fell flat to me.

Looking forward to the new creative team!

[Carson]

Just re-read. I like the issue. Did everyone catch how the internal monologue set up the conclusion?

Pg 2: "No one ever tells you "hey, you're great""

Last pg: "You're great! Really *SQUEE* great. The costume, the weapon, the makeup. You're doing it right bro!"

Nice full circle there.

[Dallow Spicer1]

Pretty average issue but I wouldn't be too critical of the writer as only having 1 issue to play with means the storyline will be pretty limited. Perhaps the rogue spirits could have inherited those fellas a few pages earlier and try to do more than just arse around the carnival? Art was decent (apart from points already made about Dr Mirage's ethnicity, I don't know how the artist or editors could get that wrong?).

Not sure if I'll buy #12 but will definitely buy #13 to see what the new team can do.

For issue #11: 2.5/5

[blujay]

This issue was ok, honestly not very spooky though. I would've saved this for next month and done something more halloween and less martigras.

The art wasn't awful but not great in certain spots. And at first I was off put by all the cussing (sometimes it comes off as unnatural if you use too many !#$@!# in a book), but then I realized that everybody in this comic is a wasted moron in a party so it made sense.

The story was fun, but a little underwhelming it felt like a throw back to old school Shadowman, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

For me the best part, was that they finally show the downside of being Shadowman which I think is critical to the character. And just the fact that they're getting to that bumps it up another point in my mind

7/10

Side Note: I like Dr. Mirage's costume, it's cool

[jmatt]

Just re-read. I like the issue. Did everyone catch how the internal monologue set up the conclusion?

Pg 2: "No one ever tells you "hey, you're great""

Last pg: "You're great! Really *SQUEE* great. The costume, the weapon, the makeup. You're doing it right bro!"

Nice full circle there.

Thanks for pointing that out. I missed it.

[jmatt]

And at first I was off put by all the cussing (sometimes it comes off as unnatural if you use too many !#$@!# in a book),

I felt that way too. And Q&W seemed loaded with it as well.

[Peter]

I enjoyed this issue for a filler issue, as it takes a step back from the intensity of the last few issues.

We start to see Jack's life return back into the mundane, which is a nice step back to try to reclaim his old life, unfortunately for Jack, Shadowman is part of his life now, and his nights will never be the same.

I agree that he was trying not to hurt the human hosts too much, but this did seem to portray Jack as being a bit inept. What would have happened had Dr. Mirage not exorcised these naughty spirits.

I love how now the Shadowman is now being seen in the community, and his notoriety will grow.

I also agree with the comments that would like to see a Twilight Zone/Tales of Terror type comeuppance happen to some adversaries, though very early days yet, so I really can't complain.

I'm really liking Shadowman.

[leonmallett]

Although not the strongest story in the new Shadowman canon so far, I thought there were a few high points:

1. Done in one; I would like to see more one-issue stories, across the line, even if only occasionally in each book. Shadowman has now had 3 single issue tales by my reckoning. Not for every issue, but just every so often.
2. Dr. Mirage returning, and a little bit of development for her.
3. Seeing Jack in New Orleans again.

The not so good:
1. I really, really want to see a stable art team on this title.
2. Jack felt liked he lacks competence or capability. yes it adds a sense of drama, but if these were fairly minor creatures (and he has faced down Master Darque as another poster noted), it just does not quite seem 'right'.

[lorddunlow]

Well, that sucked. I'm surprised that so many people gave it a rating around 7/10. I'd say closer to 3/10.

Dialogue - sucked
Plot - sucked
Dr. Mirage's return - would have been awesome and partially redeemed this issue if she weren't drawn absolutely cracker white and in no way Asian.
Art - meh; again, every character looked white - even the kid in the trio who was colored black looked like a white guy colored black. I actually thought Jack's first panel was Deuce getting home at first.
The Djab - sucked
New Orleans setting - great
Jack's actions throughout - sucked

I actually liked Shadowman with Justin Jordan. This sucks. I'm just glad the next issue and the rest of the series has a different team. If I were editor and saw this mess, I'd just cancel this one, pay the creative team what they were promised, and renumber the remaining issues. This is crap. This is the first issue VEI has put out that I regret buying.

Looking forward to some actual Shadowman next month.

As for a point made previously, I really think Greg caught something with the mortal comment Dr. Mirage made. I think she is undead. It was bugging me that she recognized Shadowman - if she had lived when Josiah was around, though, she could recognize the loa.

[Knightt]

I can't even remember much of Shadowman #9, much less remember Shadowman #10 in order to compare this last Shadowman #11 issue to. I did like the cover though, the one with the JACK-O-Lantern. At least that bit of cleverness wasn't lost on me. After that it all fell apart. Jack get his *SQUEE* handed to him by two demon-bugs. Nice.

I am getting real tired of the immature-college-level-mandatory puke scene in Valiant books. There have been at least three in current memory (maybe even four, possibly more) that were, IMO, uncalled for and no pun intended... distasteful.

Soon... very soon Shadowman will be the second Valiant book that I purchase but do not read because I'd like to have as complete of a "collection" as I can. The first 'buy but don't read title' being Quantum and Woody. It's just not what I am into but Shadowman was one of my all time favorite books back in the day. I realize this is not 'back in the day' but rather the 'here and now' but at this point, I'm tempted to dig back into VH1 in effort to find exactly what it is that the 'here and now' Shadowman is lacking.