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| Shadowman #1 Cover C (Horror Movie Homage) by Dave Johnson |
Every artist will draw a given character differently. It is what makes all of us unique. Sometimes we will like an artist's depiction of heroes and villains; sometimes we won't. Yet each artist pushes the comics industry forward, updating our favorite characters for the times in which we live.
In Shadowman #1, the first page is devoted to showing us the sheer scale of the world we inhabit, as well as the danger posed by the encroaching tendrils of the Deadside. This is our first image of Shadowman. It's just a glimpse, a foretaste of who Jack Boniface is. Yet it hints at much: the sources of his power, his history and beliefs, as well as how he sees the world.
The first time we see Jack, he's leaping into battle. We see his calm, determined demeanor. We see his otherworldly power wisping away from him. We see him clad in black and grey, with his white face.
We also see him wielding a new weapon. Whereas he previously brandished a more curved blade, now he has opted for a traditional-looking scythe. Historically, people have used scythes to cut grasses and weeds. Traditionally, artists have depicted Death using a scythe to reap the souls of people and lesser deities, including demons. The latter is how Shadowman is using his own scythe, to protect us and kill (or at least banish) a demon.
After wounding the demon, we see Shadowman crouching down, talking to him, questioning him. If Jack's winded, he doesn't look it. Perhaps the mask he wears hides his emotions. I like the way Jon Davis-Hunt shows him talking with the demon, trying to understand what has provoked the demonic incursions into our world, and why they have killed so many people.
As in the action scene, we also see Jack's power wafting away from him.
Whatever power burns within Shadowman, that supernatural fire burns too hot
to be contained.
Shadowman's look remains consistent, in panel after panel. Only when Jack stops channeling his power does his mask melt away, allowing us to see his face. Even then, the smoke from his power continues to rise.
The way Jon Davis-Hunt has styled Shadowman's mask reminds me of another Valiant character I admire. The way his face can switch from white, to his natural coloring, is another link to this classic hero. If you regularly read this blog, I'm sure you know who I'm talking about.
Perhaps the similarity was always there between the two, and I didn't see it. But I see it now, and I like what I see.
I'm enormously impressed with the way Jon Davis-Hunt has restyled and depicted Shadowman for Valiant's latest series. I think you will be too, when you pick up your copy of Shadowman #1 on April 28, 2021. But don't wait until then. Order your favorite cover, such as the beautiful Cover C (Horror Movie Homage) by Dave Johnson shown above, by April 5, 2021. Because just like Jack's power, I think this new series could be really hot stuff. You wouldn't want to see your chance to secure your favorite cover of Shadowman #1 to just...wisp away.
Dragon Dave
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