SHADOWMAN: SOUL EATERS #1, by Valiant Comics on 10/2/24, brings Jack Boniface back to basics when he receives word that a new Magpie is leaving a trail of bodies around Louisiana.
Credits:
- Writer: A.J. Ampadu
- Artist: Sergio Monjes
- Colorist: Exequiel F. Roel, Ludwig Olimba
- Letterer: Ezequiel Inverni
- Cover Artist: Agustin Alessio (cover A)
- Publisher: Valiant Comics
- Release Date: October 2, 2024
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of SHADOWMAN: SOUL EATERS #1:
First Impressions:
Shadowman: Soul Eaters #1 takes a page out of the recent Valiant playbook by getting one of the more prominent Valiant characters back to basics with a supernatural adventure. A.J. Ampadu did his homework by crafting a script that taps into the unique cast of characters and spiritual adventures that made Shadowman such a standout.
Plot Analysis:
Shadowman: Soul Eaters #1 begins with an opening scene in a New Orleans cemetery. Two thugs stab a passerby before robbing his lifeless body. Suddenly, a skull-faced man appears to strike terror in the hearts of the thugs, but this time, it’s Magpie stealing souls to convert into obedient golems.
A.J. Ampadu begins the story with a tried and true setup that lets readers know a new menace has come to town to cause trouble for Jack Boniface and his friends. Ampadu’s introduction to the new Magpie hits hard with high drama.
The scene cuts to Jack Boniface’s apartment, where he greets his longtime girlfriend and leader of the Abettors, Alyssa Myles, home from a long trip. After a homecooked meal and some sweet, sweet lovemaking (hence the Mature rating), the couple receives a psychic transmission from Doctor Mirage that a murderous force is leaving a trail of bodies in the direction of New Orleans. Spirits from the Deadside gave Doctor Mirage a description, which immediately tips off Jack and Alyssa that Master Darque has escaped from prison and created a new Magpie.
Ampadu connects a lot of dots very quickly to inform Jack about a looming threat, confirm his suspicions about the perpetrators, and spur him into action. However, the quickness with which it all comes together doesn’t feel exposition-heavy or rushed.
Later, Alyssa gathers the Abettors to brief them on the situation and form a search party to track down Magpie. They head to the scene of the last killing and find a group of golems waiting for them.
The issue ends with a magical battle and a twist reveal about Magpie’s identity.
Overall, Shadowman: Soul Eaters #1 hits the nail on the head to start a back-to-basics adventure for Jack Boniface and his mystical friends. Plus, the cliffhanger has a surprise you won’t see coming.
Artwork and Presentation:
A.J. Ampadu’s script is super-solid, but the art from Sergio Monjes and Exequiel F. Roel is just serviceable. Monjes’s general panel layout and scene construction are decent enough, but the finishing inks and color applications are muddy and unpolished. For a $4.99 cover price, the art needs to be tighter.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Shadowman also appears in the currently-running Resurgence miniseries, and Jack does make mention of the Resurgence happenings briefly here, but this issue arguably would not be classified as a tie-in. If you took Resurgence away, the comments made in this issue could be waved away as a general commentary about the world without trouble.
Final Thoughts:
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SHADOWMAN: SOUL EATERS #1 is a super-solid start to a new Shadowman story that takes the character back to basics. A.J. Ampadu’s script ticks all the right boxes for a proper Shadowman story. Unfortunately, the artwork doesn’t rise to the quality of the script.
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